what should I order minimum

[thelad]

Hi 1st post!

Im looking to get a mini cooper S, but im not sure what to order in teh way of extras that will actually amke a difference adn not be forgotten when I come to trade her in.

what do you suggest?

[Restyle]

Hi & Welcome to MINI2

Top of the list must go to the Chilli Pack (@ around £1500), which amongst other things gives you...
17" alloys
Half Leather (Good option to upgrade to Full)
Manual AC (effectivly does the same as Auto Climate but without the Preset Temp Display)
Xenon Headlights with power wash

Then I`d say the Multi Function Steering Wheel (MFSW) is a must which gives you Stereo & Cruise Control

[bimini]

Welcome

Chili pack definately...

the rest (i think) are options that are more personal rather than "must haves" for resale value purposes.

The chili pack is really good value really

[thelad]

Cool cheers

What sort of value will I be looking at if I get a Cooper S with chilli, in 3 years with av erage mileage?

I have to ask casue I got stung with a 2nd hand astra I got 4 years ago.

also are teh dealers willing to haggle on them or not really?

[Bilbo Baggins]

The items I use or enjoy the most are:

Xenon headlamps with washer and self leveling
Mulit-function steering wheel
Heated seats (we have cold winters in Southern New England)
Space cloth seat covers (every time I auto-X and I don't slide out of my seat)

other items that might add to the resale:

17" wheels (too heavy for me, kept the stock 16")
Leather upholstery is very popular
Sun roof (also popular but very heavy)

Whatever you do you have to be happy with what you buy because you will have to live with it for at least a year. Buy what you like.

[Restyle]

Quote: Originally Posted by thelad

...What sort of value will I be looking at if I get a Cooper S with chilli, in 3 years with average mileage?

Why does the Pope have a Comedy German Accent ??

Very hard to say really as although their residual values remain best in class, they will inevitably fall as the market offers more second hand MINI`s up for sale, BUT ... I think you can be assured that they will still be far better than any Vauxhal or Ford of the same age


...and NO, the dealers wont haggle ... although you might get mats thrown in if you smile nicely

[jon vital]

I think my spec has the 'must have's' anything else is personal and won't retain much value on resale.

Chilli, half leather, MFSW, CD Boost.

You get Xenons anyway. You've got to get 17"s. It will be hard to sell without them.

[REHW]

The guys above are all right on Chili although if you don't get it you'll only be offered about £1500 less by the dealer if the car does not have chili when you come to trade it in. I would keep the spec simple.

The mfs wheel is a good idea and I missed it on mine which I regret but you have to draw the line somewhere. I would also get the limited slip diff which may come with the chili pack but I'm not sure. With regard to the choice of wheels its a shame to stick with 16 inch wheel if you have the chili pack but the 16's are much much lighter and are recommended for performance driving.

You could consider getting a total standard car with no extras, get some new non run flat tyres Say (Toyo T1R's for about £350), take the car to Derek West and spend a grand and raise the power to 225 BHP with a 15 or 17% super charger pulley and spend a bit of money on the breaks to include braided hoses, drilled and slotted discs red stuff pads, stick in some performance brake fluid. You could also consider lowering the car slightly and stiffening up the springs.

You will then have something to compete (actually leave behind) a cooper s Works for considerably less. Keep all the bits you've taken off and you can then fit them back when you come to sell. Don't think you'll have any regrets.

It depends on what you really want. If its a cruising mini that looks good stay standard. If you enjoy your driving and want a very serious driving machine consider my suggestion above.

Russell