[Pepper-Cooper]

Guys, I've orderd my new MINI Cooper, and have decided to go with the silver interior trim. I know that in the past, people have complained about the quality of the silver paint, and that nicks and scratches show quiet fast. Has this problem been resolved? Tonight whilst sitting in the movies (just shows where one's thoughts are when you're in the movies and waiting for your new car), I thought about the Alloy Patina trim. Doesn't it give the appearance of being a bit dirty, and is it more resistant to scratches than the silver interior - or is it just not as noticable (with all the whirls and stuff patern)?

[Bilbo Baggins]

I have the Dark Silver/White outside with the Alloy patina inside and it looks great. I get many comments about how nice it looks.

Whern I order my next one it will be the same.

Not sure about the resistance to scratches, but I bet they would be easier to hide in the swirls of the Alloy Patina. Mine is almost 3 years old and looks like new.

[speedynz]

I have alloy patina and it is probably the worst aspect of the whole car, it's just too poorly executed with that blatantly painted plastic look.

Passengers tap my fascia in a disdainful 'tacky plastic' way.

Is it possible for you to order a body colour fascia or just a colour of any type as this the best finish I've seen and is very fitting in a car with this personality.

[Pepper-Cooper]

Okay, I'll keep with the silver trim option then. I would've like a body colour matching option, but this is only an option on the Cooper S (well in South Africa). My car being Pepper White, I think it would've looked awesome. I thought about getting the chrome interior package aswell - everything looks good as far as the cupholder rings and gear surround goes, but the rings around the speedo, rev counter and two buttons looks awefully cheap IMO. Saw a Cooper S with so many extras in Cape Town 3 weeks ago, loved the car but the interior looked cheap with the chrome interior package.

[Jules35]

After reading a few threads on here about the silver trim I was also worried about durability but went ahead and ordered it anyway since it was my personal favourite looks wise.

After having it a month I can assure you that it is pretty tough - I loaded a bad of tools onto my passenger seat a few days ago and the end of a saw which was sticking out scraped against the dash on the passenger side. I was horrified!!! But - upon very close inspection the dash is still in perfect condition. Phew!!!

I know some people have complained about wear on the down tubes either side of the stereo and air con unit but I gather these are still silver whatever choice of dash you get.

[Wuxley]

I have the Alloy Patina trim and the chrome line interior it is the best combination. Hereis a picture of it in my Cooper

[stillthewhizz]

Wuxley is spot on there. Alloy Patina is better as it has a matt finish, much nicer and less tacky.

[joeyjoe9]

If you don't like any silver at all, try the anthracite w/ chrome line. Even w/ alloy patina there is still some silver in the in the doors and middle area. In my car, the only silver I've got are on the turn signal and wiper stalks.

[dinger]

Quote: Originally Posted by joeyjoe9

If you don't like any silver at all, try the anthracite w/ chrome line. Even w/ alloy patina there is still some silver in the in the doors and middle area. In my car, the only silver I've got are on the turn signal and wiper stalks.

You mean like this.

[ImaVunDerBrah]

I'm partial to the silver. After 17 months & 24,000 miles mine was still flawless - never had durability/scratching issues.

[SteveM3]

Silver looks the best and has no durability issue I know off. I kick the door panel often
enough and that always wipes clean. I don't mollycoddle my car either, it's purpose in life
is to serve me not the other way round.

[Johnny225]

I really like(and have) Anthracite. I think that the chrome to anthracite would look really great. Between Alloy Patina and silver however, I would go for Alloy Patina.

[whovous]

Alloy patina is my least favorite finish. As someone said earlier, it looks too plasticky. That said, it looks fantastic with the chrome trim. If you plan a lot of chrome, I think it is the way to go. It would be too contrasty with my anthracite, I think, and create that not quite matched look with the silver.

[AmRov]

I love the alloy patina. No one has every made a negative comment, and I've received MANY favorable comments. I personally think the painted trim is too sparkly. The alloy patina is one of the things that was a selling point to me.

I guess the above comments just show how very personal this selection is...

[Lorri]

We like the alloy patina too.... not keen on the silver I've seen so far

[junglemonkey]

I've got interior silver trim. I think it's great, love it. Goes great with my cloth too. It really finishes the interior off I think and I've had no probs with scratching or anything. I truely wouldn't have it any other way. I think it looks good on mine cause it's Pure Silver!

[160rav]

hey pepper-cooper

i notice you've ordered cooper with pepper package,ready to place my order as well, however dealer has quoted chilli package with silver trim and not anthracite. Is this correct 'cos pricelist does not reflect this as part of chilli package? Haven't queried with dealer as yet.

I prefer the anthracite interior.

[NIRLN]

I just ordered my PW/B Cooper with Chrome Interiror and ALLOY PATINA.

If you're going for chrome interior, you get the best aesthetics & contrast from Alloy Patina or Anthracite. The Silver doesn't really show it off. And personally, I think the gloss finish on the silver looks a lot more cheap than the matt 'brushed metal' look of the AP.

So there!

[ncarter1349]

I think the only answer here is for you to get down to a dealer and see the options for yourself. It's a matter personal taste so you've got to make the decision.

For what it's worth, I love the alloy patina look in our mini, but felt the chrome line interior was just too bling!

....so there's another different opinion for you!

cheers

Nick

[erichui]

ALLOY PATINA for me