Hi all!

I'm new here and looking for advice :) Me and the wife hired a Mini Cooper Parklane at the back end of 2006 and loved it to bits. We're now looking at buying a Mini and have been looking at the Parklane model as we dont like the later interior upgrade that I think happened in 2007 with grey plastic Euch! Can anyone confirm when that came in? And can anyone tell us if its possible to get a similar spec to the Parklane from elsewhere in the 2006 range? And just to make the search that bit harder we also want a panoramic sunroof. Any pointers gratefully appreciated. Cheers

Hi there.
I would say, get the new Mini Cooper. It looks different from the model before, not this grey or silver inside and a lot of colours to choose from for the interior.
That's how my new Cooper S will look like:

:google: mini cooper park lane for sale uk (http://www.google.com/search?q=mini+cooper+park+lane+for+sale+uk)

Whats so special about park lane mini?

Everything !!!

Currently 10+ for sale here: PistonHeads Classifieds: MINI Coopers for sale - Park Lane (http://pistonheads.com/sales/list.asp?s=860&dist=10&pc=&min=&max=&y1=&y2=&txt=park+lane&px=&filter=TP&o=p&Submit=Search)

At a glance, none appear to have panoramic roof (but it should give you an idea of price and availability). It would seem that the panoramic roof was an option above and beyond the predefined Park Lane spec which most people didn't opt for...

I have a 2006 Cooper Park Lane with a panoramic sunroof and several other options, but sorry it's not for sale at the moment :(.
I didn't specifically want a Park Lane, but as it had the specific options I wanted and looked rather special too, I bought it :D.
In addition to the sun roof it has heated front seats, visibilty pack, both very useful at this time of year along with cruise control, multi function steering wheel, PDC and alarm.
When I was looking for a Cooper I didn't find very many with a sun roof which I wanted as I was changing from a (non MINI) cabriolet, so wanted the opening roof, but needed a hatchback.
I've only seen a couple of other Park Lanes with a sunroof.
I have to say it's a great car and I can see why you want one!
Hope you find the right one for you soon.
All Park Lanes are R50 models, the R56 came at the end of 2006, mine was made in September 2006 almost at the end of R50 production.

Well Christmas eve 2010 and an '05 Parklane gets delivered to surprise Mrs Gibz the next day. Found a v nice example with the sunroof, spots, 28.5K and 1 yrs full and unlimited £ electrical and mechanical warrantee. All very good + new front tyres and exhaust back box. Mrs Gibz blown away after a short Christmas pressie riddle trail round the flat (like anyone would let a chance like this get away)!!! Mrs Gibz still enamoured, constantly looking at the car (and its March:D). Love the old R50 interior design. Great car. XLNT build. Life is good. Would recommend.:)

Well Christmas eve 2010 and an '05 Parklane gets delivered to surprise Mrs Gibz the next day. Found a v nice example with the sunroof, spots, 28.5K and 1 yrs full and unlimited £ electrical and mechanical warrantee. All very good + new front tyres and exhaust back box. Mrs Gibz blown away after a short Christmas pressie riddle trail round the flat (like anyone would let a chance like this get away)!!! Mrs Gibz still enamoured, constantly looking at the car (and its March:D). Love the old R50 interior design. Great car. XLNT build. Life is good. Would recommend.:)

Glad to hear you found a suitable one and Mrs Gibz is happy with her Cooper Park Lane.