[bowhun2r]

Hello everyone. So here goes...

We currently own 07 Taco Dcab (that's mine) and my wife has a limited 4runner V8. As you can guess we really don't need 14 cylinders in the family. We went to the auto show and it was the first time I sat in a mini, and saw the new clubman. We both actually liked the clubman and it may be an option for us seeing that gas will hit 4 bucks a gallon here shortly. I drive about 16Kmiles/year and it adds up quickly. We also have two children and the mini is out, but the clubman fit them nicely.

Here are my questions:

I've done my searches and from what I've read the mini is very reliable. I really like the Toyotas because of the build quality. So, I imagine everyone will say the mini is just as reliable...Sorry had to ask.

Another question is the price. I've done countless builds on the mini site and somehow I manged to get costs ranging from 24K - 36K. That's a big spread and I'm sure everyone who owns a mini could easily tell me what I should get, and what is a waste of $$.

The packages/options which I believe I'd like are these:
- Clubman S
- xenon lights
- convenience package
- DSC
- Auto Tranny
- 16" rims ( I did this because I do not want a harsh ride)
- Cloth seats. I don't really enjoy leather on long rides)
- 10 speaker hi fi radio

Given the above and with your experience would this make a nice setup? Am I missing a must have or do I have something that is a waste?

I really appreciate your help.

Thank you,
Scott

[AprilWhine]

Scott, I love MINIs and am on my fifth one, but I have to admit the Toyota is a more reliable vehicle. MINI tends to use more high tech stuff, very cool but it has its quirks.

As for options, the basic MINI is great! Any option you add is just icing. When speccing my clubbie, I chose the Cooper over the Cooper S because of available colors. Remember tho, you gotta have your priorities. Automatic transmission is very nice, I think you should keep this choice. The xenon lights are nice, but the standard lights are plenty bright, skip this if you want to save a bit. DSC is standard on a clubbie. I passed on the hifi radio, the boost sounded ok to me, but you may be an audiophile.

But like I said in the beginning, a MINI with no options is still plenty of fun.

Welcome to MINI2!

[Dann172]

I wish we could have fuel at $4 a gallon...
I hate the UK what's our fuel costs now $10 a gallon..

[bowhun2r]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dann172 (original)

I wish we could have fuel at $4 a gallon...
I hate the UK what's our fuel costs now $10 a gallon..

I wish we had your flavors of beer too.... pros and cons

[slshusker]

My Clubman S is being offloaded in Charleston today. I flip flopped to a Clubman S from Mini S at the time I had to sign on the dotted line.

You noted that the cost can add up.
I said 'NO' to xenon and the Convenience Package.
I did choose Comfort Access and the Steering Wheel with controls. That saved $750 over the Convenience package. Decide what you MUST have. I avoided the, "oooh, that'd be cool."
For me the sunroof is a must. I'm trading in a convertible.
Look at the options in the Premium Package.

To see realistic paint colors, go to a dealer or Mini.com and build a car. The MiniUSA.com site has horrible looking paint colors on the screen.

You can blow 40 hours online just building what you want. I did.

I built what I wanted and ordered for $28.5k
Sparkling Silver
6 speed stick
Premium Package
Cold Weather(once you've had heated seats, you'll never do without)
Comfort access(who wants a key!)
Steering Wheel Controls
Chrome Interior
Alarm
Rear Fog
Black Bonnet Stripes
16" tires...I've talked in person to owners who recommended this instead of 17".

Play on the Mini website and build a few...dozen.