Originally Posted by VicSkimmr

Errrr lets see.

First off, before you decide you want it completely decked out, I think you should go to a dealer and drive one stock. If it isn't fast enough for you, then I would add the JCW kit.

Secondly, a lot of those packages you listed are definitely a commodity. The sidewalk package, while extremely cool, is completely aesthetic. The convenience package could easily be chopped. There are lots of better, more offordable options for driving lights than the OEM version. The bonnet stripes can be had much cheaper and installed yourself. This also opens up a LOT of extra possibilities. The aero kit, while also very nice looking, is completely aesthetic. Also, for around $90 you can buy just the grill and install it on the stock bumper if you have a dremel, as seen below:


I have no idea how it would hold up to 25k a year in mileage, but I know that I get approximately 24mpg in mine, but I am far from a conservative driver.

I don't have kids of my own, but from what I've read your kids will be plenty comfortable for short trips.

The top is automatic and takes 15 seconds to raise or lower. You can also make it quicker by opening the sunroof and dropping the windows before dropping the top. Opening and closing at traffic lights is easy as pie.


But first and foremost, definitely go and testdrive one first. I thought I would want the JCW kit too, but once I went for a test drive I was completely happy with the power the stock S had.

Edit: Mine came to a total of just under $30k. I got the chrono package, xenons, cold weather package, Multi-functional Steering Wheel (for cruise control) and bonnet stripes. I've since added about $600 worth of aesthetic mods to it. Blacked out the beltline, installed the Cooper side vents (not pictured), installed the aero kit grill, checkered side view mirrors, checkered door handles (not pictured), boot stripes to match the bonnet stripes and had Lagston wrap my headlight rings in satin black vinyl (also not pictured).

Originally Posted by cg1

My wife and I watched a 30 minute show on TV about the mini - this was at least 2 years ago.....fell in love with it. But it wasn;t in the budget so we admired it from afar. Well, the time has come for me to get a new car - I have not seen a mini up close and personal yet (going this evening....maybe)

I drive convertibles only (stuck in my ways on this one) and I also like fast cars - which brings me to my first question....how fast are the mini's?

The convertible S is $25,400 -- very affordable but....

Destination 650
British racing green 450
cold weather package 300
convenience package 400
JCW Kit 6,300
Sidewalk Package 4,000
Aero Kit 1,350
driving lamps 400
white bonnet stripes 84

gee....did I forget anything?? Oh yes, 2,400 in sales tax and probably more that I am overlooking.....ugh.

now all of a sudden its a big nut to crack :-(

$42,000 is a lot to pay for a mini...isn't it? If I take the extended warranty its another 1,850...

Is this a car that will hold up to me putting 25K highway miles per year? is the above a bad/good configuration? How is this car on gas ? can children fit in the back well enough for small trips of 30 minutes or less? I have a 9 and 7 year old. I can't think of other questions....but I will and I'll be back.

I am sure I am in the wrong place to see if someone can talk me out of this car.

Oh...thought of another question. How does the top opperate - manual or automatic? if auto (which I assume it is/should be) how long does the motor take start to finish ? My volvo was 25 seconds - kind of sluggish, but could be put up or down when stopped at a traffic light with time to spare.