We just ordered a Cooper S for February build. There are a couple of options we aren't sure of and would appreciate your opinions:

1. Paint and interior protection. I'm planning to hold on to the car for a long while. It's painted Chili Red with a white roof. I've seen enough chalked-up red cars and we live in an area with lots of military aircraft traffic overhead. Supposedly this protects against both chalking and jet fuel damage. I've also heard that protection packages are pure profit with little benefit. Opinions?

2. MINI factory burglar alarm. I live in an urban/suburban area. Many swear by them. As I mentioned before, I hold on to cars pretty long (fourteen years on the current Honda Civic) so it has been a while since I've owned a car worth stealing. Should I get an alarm for this one?

Thanks in advance!

2

1) Not worth it. Weekly washing and monthly or so waxing should help keep the integrity of your Chili Red paint finish. If the car is going to be park out in the open, buy a quality car cover. I recommend www.minimania.com.

2) Depending on car thefts/crime rates in your area, perhaps a MINI factory alarm is worth the money. Consider Lo-Jack if you think the car will be at a higher than average risk. Remember that MINIs are rarely if ever targets of auto thefts. They are spending most of their time looking for easy prey: Toyota Camries and Honda Accords.


Nice color choice by the way. I am also thinking of ordering a second MINI, either another Cooper CVT or a MCS in Chili Red/Black roof, but I am open minded about the white contrast roof as well.

I'd have to agree with cooper4us on both points. Keep your car well waxed with a good quality product, and you should be OK. And for what the factory alarm costs ( I think mine was $400), I'd definitely get it, no matter where I lived. Not a big fan of LoJack; I'd rather deter the thieves from taking it, rather than depending on recovery after its gone. I arm my alarm, as well as sticking the "club" on the wheel (even though its a piece of crap). I figure the "stacked" security would deter them even more, and they'll move to easier prey.