I had the Firestone Destinations when I owned Land Rover Discoverys. Nice tire and they looked good. Like you said, the price of the Cooper is hard to ignore. Personally, look at where they're made.
I don't have a pic right now, but the gap in the a-pillar on mine is much like the OP. I have a rattle on the passenger side of the dash. Took it to the dealer twice, once overnight, and they couldn't replicate it. I know it exists but it seems more apt to do it when the weather is warmer. Right...
