MINI2

Douglas Bailey · Jan 11th, 2006, 03:38 AM

I worked out the budget for my Mini and now the sales people are trying to sell me tinting (cools the car, better for the leather - is this true?). And Six Star Paint / Leather / Carpet protection.

So did anyone not buy this stuff and then regret it later? I confess I'm not the type to clean my car manually very often so Paint protection could be better in the long run.

Will my car get stinking hot (in Sydney) without tints. Will the Space Blue leather fade?

swamos · Jan 11th, 2006, 03:43 AM

Paint protection does nothing... don't waste money on it!

As to tinting.. personal prefference. In QLD it's good for keeping the glare and heat out, but it definately makes it harder to see out of the car at night.

ScottyB · Jan 11th, 2006, 03:48 AM

Tinting is a must, IMO...

My MINI sits outside all day at work.

PPE · Jan 11th, 2006, 03:49 AM

I agree, Paint protection is the biggest waste of money out. We had paint protection on our Prius, and now it has tiny circular scratches all over it from the dust. We were told that they would have to be buffed out. I've had tinting put on my windows, but only because I have very sensitive eyes when it comes to light (must be the vampire in me)

As for carpet protection. I don't think there is such a thing as all weather carpet protector that permanently protects carpet of any type. If you want to apply something, just get a few cans of Scotchgard and spray it on yourself. You'll get the same effect.

MickyD · Jan 11th, 2006, 03:49 AM

as already stated, paint protection is a scam.

as for the tinting, you can always get a decent job done aftermarket for around the $200 to $300 mark.

MickyD · Jan 11th, 2006, 03:50 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Douglas Bailey

I confess I'm not the type to clean my car manually very often

that'll change once the mini arrives

PPE · Jan 11th, 2006, 03:50 AM

I just told the dealer to get it done as "darkest legal tint". I also got him to include it for free (Iknow I know, no such thing as a free lunch I'm gullible what can I say).

MickyD · Jan 11th, 2006, 03:58 AM

be careful getting darkest legal on a mini, the windows have about 10-15% standard anyway.

MickyD · Jan 11th, 2006, 03:58 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by richardolsen

If you want to apply something, just get a few cans of Scotchgard and spray it on yourself. You'll get the same effect.

That's all the dealer does anyway, and they charge a few hundred for the priviledge....

minigolf · Jan 11th, 2006, 04:06 AM

I'm thinking anyone that did buy all that stuff would be the people regretting it later.

I understand the comments about tinting making it darker to see out of the car at night, but during the holidays when I was driving mum's Fleetadore I was reminded how good tinting is as the 40°C+ sun was shining onto my arm and face at one stage. Tinting really does make a genuine difference!

OZChris · Jan 11th, 2006, 04:09 AM

Just my 20 cents, I would certainly tint your MINI.

In terms of the interior protection, it depends on what interior you have. Our 4 year old son has 'grown' up in the back of our Cooper - the usual stuff food / chocolate / drinks / etc, and I have found there has not been much that el-cheapo interior cleaner has no managed to get out of the cloth trim

Cheers
Chris

poki · Jan 11th, 2006, 04:12 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by ScottyB

Tinting is a must, IMO...

My MINI sits outside all day at work.

My MINI sits outside all day at work too and IMO I would never have it done. I do a lot of night driving and as swamos mentioned, it is hard to see out. My eyes cannot handle the difference in light between looking out the side windows and the windscreen. I am one of the few that find tinted windows dangerous.

That said, my interior is starting to look a bit ratty so I can see why people find it worthwhile. I can't handle the eyestrain.

Gr1zzLy · Jan 11th, 2006, 04:13 AM

Tint it.

MINI can do the tinting for you but only give you 2 yrs warranty. There are better places out there and you get lifetime warranty for about $350.

I tinted mine and got the lifetime warranty. Tinting really helped in the 40 degree heat. I'd hate to feel what the car would be like without it.

robbo mcs · Jan 11th, 2006, 04:20 AM

Hi,

I have one tinted and one non-tinted mini. I definitely prefer the tint. The direct sunlight on your arms and body on hot days is definitely cooler

Also, I like the look of the tint, but it suits some colours more than others

If you have the sunroof, theres probably not much point.

As others have said the paint protection etc is a scam

Cheers

Robbo

minigolf · Jan 11th, 2006, 04:24 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by robbo mcs

If you have the sunroof, theres probably not much point.

Unless you tint the sunroof as well (I assume that is doable).

Gr1zzLy · Jan 11th, 2006, 04:26 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by minigolf

Unless you tint the sunroof as well (I assume that is doable).

I got a sunroof... nah, I don't think it's doable... well.. it is, but wouldn't look that good.

The shade cover thing is pretty crap I have to say... the holes let in the sun... my arms look like I got darker spots on otherwise dark skin as it is...

Douglas Bailey · Jan 11th, 2006, 04:41 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by MickyD

that'll change once the mini arrives

Haha. Yes it probably will.

swamos · Jan 11th, 2006, 04:44 AM

We got our defender done, and it is definately very good during the day. It's just that at night the reflections inside the car are shocking! It might be that all the glass is flat too

If I was getting tinting, I'd get it done by the dealer. The reason is that if you have problems with your windows later (as we have) they have one less "out". When I had a warranty adjustment on my windows the dealer actually asked if they were tinted.

Douglas Bailey · Jan 11th, 2006, 04:47 AM

Wow, thanks for all the feedback. My interior will be cloth/leather. + I will have a glass sunroof. (It's an MCS Checkmate).

The sun roofs always looked pretty dark to me and I assumed they would be somewhat sun safe with that blind thing on the inside. I guess that may not be the case after all.

I suppose then, that having a sunroof, tinting won't prevent the car heating up, but with UV protection it might help protect the leather and my arms.

Sounds like an aftermarket tint might be the way to go. I just need to find people who are used to putting it Mini's.

Avocado · Jan 11th, 2006, 04:49 AM

Agree on the paint protection, forget it Douglas.

As for tinting, we're thinking about that too. My car has to sit out in the sun all day when I'm at work so I think it's better to do it. But as some has pointed out, I have a sunroof as well so maybe there's really no point.

I have seen quite a lot of mini's without window tint, maybe the 10-15% is enough? Or at least a bit better than standard windows?

Jan 11th, 2006, 03:38 AM	#1
Douglas Bailey MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Blacktown, Sydney Local Time: 07:30 PM Posts: 44 Offline	Did anyone not tint and wish they had? I worked out the budget for my Mini and now the sales people are trying to sell me tinting (cools the car, better for the leather - is this true?). And Six Star Paint / Leather / Carpet protection. So did anyone not buy this stuff and then regret it later? I confess I'm not the type to clean my car manually very often so Paint protection could be better in the long run. Will my car get stinking hot (in Sydney) without tints. Will the Space Blue leather fade? Douglas ------------ I was driving around last night and for a moment - just a moment mind you - I almost remembered my destination. - It's all about the journey, not the destination.

Jan 11th, 2006, 03:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
swamos MINI Traitor Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Brisbane, Australia Local Time: 07:30 PM Posts: 5,542 Offline	Paint protection does nothing... don't waste money on it! As to tinting.. personal prefference. In QLD it's good for keeping the glare and heat out, but it definately makes it harder to see out of the car at night. Clubman less....

Jan 11th, 2006, 03:48 AM	#3 (permalink)
ScottyB Take me down to Paradise My Classifieds Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: David McGhan's World Local Time: 07:30 PM Posts: 191,519 Offline	Tinting is a must, IMO... My MINI sits outside all day at work. - Global Moderator - MY BLOG - Global Procrastinator - ... Buying the 8C for its dynamic abilities is like buying a porn film for its plot ...

Jan 11th, 2006, 04:06 AM	#10 (permalink)
minigolf Blue is the colour! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canberra, Australia Local Time: 07:30 PM Posts: 14,056 Offline	I'm thinking anyone that did buy all that stuff would be the people regretting it later. I understand the comments about tinting making it darker to see out of the car at night, but during the holidays when I was driving mum's Fleetadore I was reminded how good tinting is as the 40°C+ sun was shining onto my arm and face at one stage. Tinting really does make a genuine difference! Sabine Schmitz: Fear disturbs your concentration.

Jan 11th, 2006, 04:20 AM	#14 (permalink)
robbo mcs Track Addict Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sydney Local Time: 07:30 PM Posts: 2,668 Online	Hi, I have one tinted and one non-tinted mini. I definitely prefer the tint. The direct sunlight on your arms and body on hot days is definitely cooler Also, I like the look of the tint, but it suits some colours more than others If you have the sunroof, theres probably not much point. As others have said the paint protection etc is a scam Cheers Robbo Mods: GO MADDIE and SPARKY!

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Jan 11th, 2006, 03:49 AM	#4 (permalink)
PPE Painting the town purple Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Western Sydney Local Time: 08:30 PM Posts: 592 Offline	I agree, Paint protection is the biggest waste of money out. We had paint protection on our Prius, and now it has tiny circular scratches all over it from the dust. We were told that they would have to be buffed out. I've had tinting put on my windows, but only because I have very sensitive eyes when it comes to light (must be the vampire in me) As for carpet protection. I don't think there is such a thing as all weather carpet protector that permanently protects carpet of any type. If you want to apply something, just get a few cans of Scotchgard and spray it on yourself. You'll get the same effect.

Jan 11th, 2006, 03:49 AM	#5 (permalink)
MickyD MINI2 Master Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Melbourne, Australia Local Time: 07:30 PM Posts: 3,770 Offline	as already stated, paint protection is a scam. as for the tinting, you can always get a decent job done aftermarket for around the $200 to $300 mark.

Jan 11th, 2006, 03:50 AM	#6 (permalink)
MickyD MINI2 Master Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Melbourne, Australia Local Time: 07:30 PM Posts: 3,770 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Douglas Bailey I confess I'm not the type to clean my car manually very often that'll change once the mini arrives

Jan 11th, 2006, 03:50 AM	#7 (permalink)
PPE Painting the town purple Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Western Sydney Local Time: 08:30 PM Posts: 592 Offline	I just told the dealer to get it done as "darkest legal tint". I also got him to include it for free (Iknow I know, no such thing as a free lunch I'm gullible what can I say).

Jan 11th, 2006, 03:58 AM	#8 (permalink)
MickyD MINI2 Master Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Melbourne, Australia Local Time: 07:30 PM Posts: 3,770 Offline	be careful getting darkest legal on a mini, the windows have about 10-15% standard anyway.

Jan 11th, 2006, 03:58 AM	#9 (permalink)
MickyD MINI2 Master Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Melbourne, Australia Local Time: 07:30 PM Posts: 3,770 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by richardolsen If you want to apply something, just get a few cans of Scotchgard and spray it on yourself. You'll get the same effect. That's all the dealer does anyway, and they charge a few hundred for the priviledge....

Jan 11th, 2006, 04:09 AM	#11 (permalink)
OZChris MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Melbourne, Australia Local Time: 07:30 PM Posts: 2,557 Offline	Just my 20 cents, I would certainly tint your MINI. In terms of the interior protection, it depends on what interior you have. Our 4 year old son has 'grown' up in the back of our Cooper - the usual stuff food / chocolate / drinks / etc, and I have found there has not been much that el-cheapo interior cleaner has no managed to get out of the cloth trim Cheers Chris

Jan 11th, 2006, 04:12 AM	#12 (permalink)
poki Whatev. Join Date: Sep 2003 Local Time: 07:30 PM Posts: 2,993 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by ScottyB Tinting is a must, IMO... My MINI sits outside all day at work. My MINI sits outside all day at work too and IMO I would never have it done. I do a lot of night driving and as swamos mentioned, it is hard to see out. My eyes cannot handle the difference in light between looking out the side windows and the windscreen. I am one of the few that find tinted windows dangerous. That said, my interior is starting to look a bit ratty so I can see why people find it worthwhile. I can't handle the eyestrain.

Jan 11th, 2006, 04:13 AM	#13 (permalink)
Gr1zzLy Crapping in the woods... Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sydney Local Time: 08:30 PM Posts: 1,757 Offline	Tint it. MINI can do the tinting for you but only give you 2 yrs warranty. There are better places out there and you get lifetime warranty for about $350. I tinted mine and got the lifetime warranty. Tinting really helped in the 40 degree heat. I'd hate to feel what the car would be like without it.

Jan 11th, 2006, 04:24 AM	#15 (permalink)
minigolf Blue is the colour! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canberra, Australia Local Time: 07:30 PM Posts: 14,056 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by robbo mcs If you have the sunroof, theres probably not much point. Unless you tint the sunroof as well (I assume that is doable). Sabine Schmitz: Fear disturbs your concentration.

Jan 11th, 2006, 04:26 AM	#16 (permalink)
Gr1zzLy Crapping in the woods... Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sydney Local Time: 08:30 PM Posts: 1,757 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by minigolf Unless you tint the sunroof as well (I assume that is doable). I got a sunroof... nah, I don't think it's doable... well.. it is, but wouldn't look that good. The shade cover thing is pretty crap I have to say... the holes let in the sun... my arms look like I got darker spots on otherwise dark skin as it is...

Jan 11th, 2006, 04:41 AM	#17 (permalink)
Douglas Bailey MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Blacktown, Sydney Local Time: 07:30 PM Posts: 44 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by MickyD that'll change once the mini arrives Haha. Yes it probably will. Douglas ------------ I was driving around last night and for a moment - just a moment mind you - I almost remembered my destination. - It's all about the journey, not the destination.

Jan 11th, 2006, 04:44 AM	#18 (permalink)
swamos MINI Traitor Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Brisbane, Australia Local Time: 07:30 PM Posts: 5,542 Offline	We got our defender done, and it is definately very good during the day. It's just that at night the reflections inside the car are shocking! It might be that all the glass is flat too If I was getting tinting, I'd get it done by the dealer. The reason is that if you have problems with your windows later (as we have) they have one less "out". When I had a warranty adjustment on my windows the dealer actually asked if they were tinted. Clubman less....

Jan 11th, 2006, 04:47 AM	#19 (permalink)
Douglas Bailey MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Blacktown, Sydney Local Time: 07:30 PM Posts: 44 Offline	Wow, thanks for all the feedback. My interior will be cloth/leather. + I will have a glass sunroof. (It's an MCS Checkmate). The sun roofs always looked pretty dark to me and I assumed they would be somewhat sun safe with that blind thing on the inside. I guess that may not be the case after all. I suppose then, that having a sunroof, tinting won't prevent the car heating up, but with UV protection it might help protect the leather and my arms. Sounds like an aftermarket tint might be the way to go. I just need to find people who are used to putting it Mini's. Douglas ------------ I was driving around last night and for a moment - just a moment mind you - I almost remembered my destination. - It's all about the journey, not the destination.

Jan 11th, 2006, 04:49 AM	#20 (permalink)
Avocado I'm back!!! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Melbourne, VIC Local Time: 08:30 PM Posts: 290 Offline	Agree on the paint protection, forget it Douglas. As for tinting, we're thinking about that too. My car has to sit out in the sun all day when I'm at work so I think it's better to do it. But as some has pointed out, I have a sunroof as well so maybe there's really no point. I have seen quite a lot of mini's without window tint, maybe the 10-15% is enough? Or at least a bit better than standard windows?

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