[ZAMIRZ]

Hey guys, I'm a new member here and am getting ready to order the car some time this week. I drove the new Mini for the first time two nights ago and was thoroughly impressed. The car I drove was a dark silver Cooper S with black contrasting roof and mirrors owned by forum member Antranik and it simply blew me away. Right now I'm driving an '83 Porsche 911 and the reason I'm getting the Mini is to take the Porsche out of daily driver use. So far here's where I'm at as far as options go:

British Racing Green with contrasting black roof and mirrors
fog lamps
Xenons w/headlight washers
Panther black leatherette with black doors and bolsters
silver dash + door bezel surface
on-board computer
sport wheel w/cruise control
Black Carpet floor mats

Any suggestions on what else you guys think would be a worthwhile options? I'm not getting the DSC because the S I drove had it and the first time it kicked in I got annoyed and turned it off. I was planning on getting the sports package but after finding out the weight difference in the wheels I'm going to pass (besides, they'll be switched with some Volk Racing TE37s very soon after I get it). I have Audio components that I plan on installing in the mini so the Harmon Kardon is unnecessary.

I appreciate the input and you'll be hearing a bit from me in the future.

later,

amir

[mikeythemini]

The bit of the dsc that you didnt like i am guessing was when pulling away - the engine revs cut when the car tried to wheelspin - this is the traction control which the car will still have if you get asc instead of dsc.
Get dsc, it is amazing when it does cut in when hard cornering and you can still switch it off when out to play
enjoy it when it comes
mike

[napster]

Amir, Welcome: I would get the auto dim mirror. I think it is well worth the money, especially with so many cars/SUV's having mis-aimed HID lights that blind you from behind.

napster

[Paul]

I would say that the multi function steering wheel (with cruise control) is a bit of a bargain, the auto-dimming rear view mirror is cool, and useful.

The list goes on really... it's such a person thing.

[Shamster]

The bun warmers are good but I guess it depends on whether it gets cold enough in your part of California for them to be of use.

Multi-function steering wheel is a must but if you're getting your own hi-fi system installed I don't know how/if that would work with the MFSW buttons.

DSC - worth it - you can always awitch if off if you want.

[ZAMIRZ]

Hmm, well since the DSC is getting so much praise I'll have to reconsider it, auto-dimming mirror is a good idea so I'll add that too. Now, I have one more question and that is; what would be the proper approach to a dealer in order to have the markup either waived or substantially reduced? Some of the dealers here are asking $6000 and that's money I am not willing to spend.

[Cape Cod MINI]

I find the DSC to be a royal pain in the rear in daily driving. Switching it off is almost automatic for me. BUT, in the snow or on ice it is phenomenal and worth every penny.
Something the dealers don't sell, but you must buy is the glove box organizer. It turns a useless hole into a functional storage area. I think moss mini has them.

The mark-up thing is really irritating. I (and many others) paid MSRP. What a shame that they are still pulling these stunts at some dealers.
If you are custom spec'ing your S why not order it from one of the dealers that is selling at MSRP?

[azimmerm]

dont pay more than MSRP... that's just silly! Why not use the 6 grand take a vacation and fly somewhere that will sell you one for MSRP then you'll have a nice long drive to help run down those 1200 break in miles.

[NEMINI]

Lots and lots of Cali owners have bought from the east coast or points inbetween to avoid rip off cali dealers. It can be made into the experience of a lifetime if you wish to drive back home with it or you can spend 500-1000 to have it shipped to you (which is still far less then 6k and going to the pockets of respectable business people)

[Theo]

Quite a few east coast dealers sell ar MSRP. Here in the northeast, we have several good dealers in CT and MA. Why not plan a ski vacation up here and drive back in a MINI? Let me know if you need more info on dealers, airports, accomodations and ski areas. Any of the regional folks should be able to help out.

PS -- I LOVE my glove box organizer from GoMiniGo. He does high-quality work and is a pleasure to do business with!

Theo

[stryder]

Search around especially in the Cooper S forum and in dealership feedback forum for people's experience buying out of state.

Unless you order from Long Beach, which has a huge waiting list, you probably won't pay MSRP, so just get yours out of state and you can get it in a few months. The closer geographically the better, so check AZ and UT first, and then move east. Almost all the dealers have dealt with importing a car to CA, so they can help you as well.

Anyway, on advice: Get a White Roof! It just looks so much better, and is much more classic. Check out the gallery search feature for pictures of various BRG options. Also, you might want climate control, its a luxury item, but the ability to set a temp and forget is quite nice (some people think its a bit too loud, so try it before you order). The sunroof is cool too, depending on your view on sunroofs.