What can I do with $400?

[AtomicKiwi]

I've saved up $400, and I'd like to do something to my MINI with that. Here's my spec at the moment:

2003 MINI Cooper
Pepper White w/ Black top and mirrors
Black racing stripes
Sunroof
Cold Weather Package
Auto Transmission (CVT)
15inch R81 7-hole
Halogen lights
Boost CD

Here's a picture:


What would you reccomend? I'm thinking of maybe getting the driving lights, a rear spoiler, and/or chrome bumper inserts. What do you guys think would be the best decision? Or can you reccomend something else that is around that price that I should get instead?

Thanks!

[Jules35]

I recently saw a pepper white cooper with black roof and stripes that had a pair of these auxiliary driving lamps fitted on the front - it looked stunning! That would be my choice.

[GregF]

Driving lights definitely look cool. But would you use them? I've actually thought about getting the lamps and brackets and skipping the wiring harness altogether. I know that I'd never use them in the city, which is all my driving.

Consider the spoiler. I got the aerokit one and it looked a bit out of place until I got bigger wheels and tires. I originally didn't want a spoiler because I liked the clean look, like the classic minis, but then I decided that it needed a sportier look in the back and that's what the spoiler does. The standard Cooper spoiler is nice, but the aero one is nicer. But again, bigger rims and wider rubber complete the look from the rear.

You mention chrome bumpers. I have them on my black MINI and they stand out nicely. Have you considered the black bumper inserts? I saw them on a red Cooper with a black roof and I thought it was one of the sharpest MINIs I've seen.

[Mrtemp]

How about air intake?

[djpk1978]

Maybe the Front and rear fog lights? I love my front fog lights, on the drive home there is a hilly bit that doesn't have street lights, and its really nice.

Or you could go for something fun and get the AUX input, an iPod, a belkin charger/amp, and the Belkin iPod cup holder, and have yourself all your music at the touch of a button... And be able to take it with you for walk around town, or the country.

Good Luck

[racer-x]

I like the Black bumper insert idea GregF, But I would look into exhaust systems, You'll love the the new sound & performance it will give to your MINI!
Do a froogle search of (mini cooper exhaust), and compare prices.
Good Luck Mrs. Kiwi.

[beekman]

Just to echo what GregF said, I saw black bumper inserts on a PW just like yours only yesterday and thought they looked fantastic! other than that, I think your car looks the biz left clean.

On the inside you could go for brushed chrome brake handle, leather arm rest, center console organiser - check rspeed.com.

[GregF]

Quote: Originally Posted by racer-x

I would look into exhaust systems, You'll love the the new sound & performance it will give to your MINI!

Yes! That's actually on MY list, but unfortunately I don't have $400. I'm still undecided on which system, Remus or RSpeed. Both have a modest, but sportier than stock sound.

[dansmini]

Quote: Originally Posted by GregF

Yes! That's actually on MY list, but unfortunately I don't have $400. I'm still undecided on which system, Remus or RSpeed. Both have a modest, but sportier than stock sound.

If it helps any, Greg, I have the Rspeed and I think it is a great exhaust. Very nice sound, very nice fit.

[mini mad]

I think the driving lights look really cool, or go for the chrome and get the S fuel cap as well.

[GregF]

Quote: Originally Posted by dansmini

I have the Rspeed and I think it is a great exhaust.

Can you feel the improved torque? I know the dyno shows it, but I was wondering about seat of pants. I realize that gains with the Cooper are slim.

I also was wondering about the sound of the RSpeed exhaust. I downloaded a clip, but it was hard to tell really. I could detect a little burble and it sounded a bit deeper. Is it really deeper?

[ImaVunDerBrah]

My first move (and not nearly all of your $400) would be the clear sidemarkers. After seeing a MINI with them I can't look at mine the same anymore. I'm desperate to get them. Its a small touch but sooo worth it. In fact, with $400 I think you could afford both clear side markers and clear tail lights. yummy!

[TJRicer]

I had the same exact budget for my second round of upgrades. Here it what I got:

Green Performance Air Filter
Momo Race Aluminum Shift Knob
PIAA Driving Lamp Kit
Schroth Harness Pads

I already had these options from the dealer:

3 1/8" Chrome Exhaust Tip
Dry Weather Performance Tires
White Bonnet Stripes

and will soon get:

Hotchkis Sport Rear Sway Bar
Hotchkis Sport Springs
K & N Typhoon Induction Kit
AmD Stage 1 ECU
Borla Cat-Back Exhaust System

My gallery has some pics but I will soon add some more of my mods

[Electric Sheep]

Give the $400 to me.

Alternatively, I second the driving lights recommendation. Or the spoiler, for that matter.

[sequence]

U could buy yourself a nice dose of Purple Haze

(I dont know why they just dont call it PH in the UK: after all, that's where Hendrix hit it big time ) j-bo