Hello all! It's quite funny that I find myself here today asking for information and advice on the Mini. I've always been a Ford guy through and through, driven Mustangs and the whole bit, but as most know, there comes a time when we must be responsible and drive a more sensible car. Of course that doesn't mean we need to lose our wild side and drive a lux-o-barge, so something on the sporty side is in order. That being said, I am in the market for a new car.

I've realized that I want a hatchback, and this morning while doing some research on the internet, I came across the Mini Cooper. I've always admired them, but figured they were too small, too impractical, too different to be a car that I'd seriously consider owning. That was before I went to the Mini website. While it isn't as utilitarian as say, a sedan or minivan, it definitely will work as a daily driver, and give me that "responsible yet sporty" feeling I'm looking for.

Problem is, finding the right MCS at a reasonable price (translation - fitting comfortably into my budget) has proven somewhat problematic. I've never dealt with dealerships before that are unwilling to budge from MSRP. That combined with the fact that no dealer has any "spartan" models in stock, is making it a little frustrating. The '08s are getting ready to debut, yet dealers are still asking a premium price for '06s, cars that have been sitting on their lots for over a year.

Don't get me wrong. I know that Minis hold their value incredibly well, and that dealers have the market all to themselves and therefore can ask and get MSRP, but on cars that otherwise are still languishing on their lots? Sorry for the ranting, I'd really just like to be able to find one that fits into my budget and experience what so many of you already know.

Ordering from the factory isn't out of the question, but my current car is having issues, and I'd rather not put any money into a vehicle when I've got a brand-new one being built at the same time.

Thanks for listening to me whine for a sec. Hopefully I'll be motoring soon.

 

Welcome to NAM! Whatever you do, you really owe it to yourself to drive one. At least see what the fuss is all about. On paper is one thing, but in person...

They aren't an econobox. They're not terribly cheap. You should be lucky you're looking at them now. People have had to deal with huge over-MSRP markups and wait lists. Not getting a "deal" is really mostly a mental thing. If they had MSRP 2K higher, but were willing to deal 2K off, would it really be any different? Whatever the price, it's just whether the car is worth it to you. Once you mentally get over the "paying MSRP" hurdle, then you don't have to stress that. It's kinda nice not to have that confrontational thing to worry about when you're sitting at the table with the MA.

Have you looked at a low mileage used one? There are some nice cars listed here for instance. I've seen some with a few hundred or a few thousand miles listed. A couple '07s already. If you want a pointer to a couple to look at, I'm sure you'll get plenty of help. What area of the country are you in?

 

I've heard tell of discounts on 06 models. Perhaps contact some other MINI dealers.

 

'Eh pay no attention to me, I'm just having a mini pity-party (no pun intended ). I know that there are quite a few places where these cars were going for well over MSRP. I'm just nervous as the last 3 cars my wife and I have bought were very problematic. I know the Minis come with a great warranty, but I'm still a little gun-shy.

No worries about the confrontation with an MA. I work in a customer-service oriented field, so I deal with angry people all the time. The last thing I want to do is give "the business" to someone else. Either I can fit it into my budget or I can't. It's only math.

I'm very interested in finding a "gently loved" MCS, but the problem is that I have a trade-in that I still owe a little bit on, and I'd either have to buy from a dealership that would take it in trade, or sell it privately first before I buy from another person.

It'll work out one way or another. I have to have a vehicle regardless, I just really hope it can be an MCS.

BTW - I'm in upstate NY, but willing to travel for the right car.

 

dwjj is absolutely right. If you haven't already done so go drive one, or better yet several. Manual and automatic 06 and 07 MCS (totally different cars), the MC, and the Cabrio (the S model is unchanged for 07). If you can find a good used one it is a great option. But, don't expect deep discounts there either. MINI is not the only brand that has a no dicker price tag. Personally I like feeling like someone else didn't get a better deal just because they pushed harder. If you're trading in maybe you can satisfy your need to deal on that end. Good luck, and have fun test driving. You'll either fall in love or buy elsewhere.

 

What they all said.

I also suggest getting a new 2006. The 2007's are all new in many ways, and bugs are sure to be raising their ugly heads. They're all sorted out in the 2006.

 

Welcome from one Ford guy to another!

I sold a pristine, factory ordered, loaded '95 Mustang GT 5.0L in order to get my '06 MCS last year. I'm a car guy, and my interested in the MINI was piqued when I too was shopping for something a bit more grown up, but still sporty and different. I too thought they might be a bit on the small side, but looks can be deceiving. And the buying process was a heck of a lot more enjoyable than any others that I've experienced before (and one since...)

I can honestly say that I've having more overall fun in the MINI (it is also my daily driver) than I had with the Steed.

Take an MCS for a good test drive, it won't disappoint you.

 

Hey Ferroequine thanks for the insight! I guess I'm in a bit of a rut as I'm not sure that an MCS is 100% budget friendly and that I may be relegated to an MC instead. I'm looking around, and maybe I can find a CPO or not very optioned model. I think the biggest obstacle is that I'm not looking to buy, I'm looking to lease, so I'll be going in with very little money down, whereas if I were buying, I'd put a chunk down.

Obviously they are horses of two completely different colors (no pun intended), how does the MCS compare performance wise to the venerable Ford 302? I don't expect an MCS to out drag-race it, but does it still give that torquey "plant your butt in the seat" feeling? Again, I'm not expecting the MCS to behave like a big-block car, I'm just trying to get a feel for them.

I'll be heading to the dealer this weekend. It's a 120 mile RT or else I'd go sooner.

 

Welcome to MINI land! We'll all be here rooting for you...and keep our fingers crossed that you find what you want. Keep us posted..

Donna

 

You know if you look around, there are aways cars for sale on these types of forums, as well as auctions sites like eBay. I had to purchase mine on-line, I dont really live in MINI land, with the closest dealer being a about a 425 mile RT. I searched for a long time to find exactly what I wanted (Yeah, on eBay), and found it in Chicago and had it trucked here (wanted to drive-but it was my horrific last semester-couldnt get away). Couldnt be happier. The place I bought it from was a dealer, and they bent over backwards to accomodate us. They let us know that if it was not exactly as described we would have our money back. I know sometimes its hard to consider such a big purchase to be made basically sight unseen (other than photos). There are some really great deals out there, and for some strange reason they tend to be more heavily concentrated on the east coast. Maybe the trip to the dealer will get you squared away with exactly what you want, and if you dont find it there, maybe checking out the on-line activity will prove fruitful. The best of luck to you, I hope you find exactly what you are looking for, and stay within your budget!

 

Hey, Welcome to NAM and we're glad you posted. Not many people are so eager to tell someone about their cars, as we are! You've really got to drive one. Start with the MC then try the S. I would also stick with the 06's as the end of a production run generally has fewer issues than a new production. If you look really hard on this site you will find all manner of "problems" listed. Some are real and others more 'customer service' related. Generally, though, the car is well built and very, VERY fun to drive. I started looking about a year ago, decided to spend some of my retirement money to get one, and haven't stopped smiling since Dec 22d when Sgt Pepper came home! I daresay, a stock MINI with an adequate driver would literally run off and leave any stock mustang going on a road course. They don't have the sheer horsepower, but they are SOOOOOO quick in the twisties! Let us know how things work out and best of luck in your search. Oh, one more thing, we had very good service selling a car at CarMax and I would not hesitate to do it again. (for your trade)

 

I find that my MCS is giving me quite a bit of butt-planting when I put my foot into the throttle and wind him up above 4000. It is pretty much as fast as my Mustang (except for top end), but the oomph is a little different, more refined almost. I just love freeway onramps now, especially the ones with curves.

Like you say, you're obviously not going to get the twisting torque from the 302, but you'll still get plenty of kick. The MCS is also quite a bit lighter, which helps a great deal. And instead of V-8 growl, you'll get that wonderfully addicting supercharger whine.

And handling wise, there is absolutely no comparison. I love it!

 

Welcome to NAM!! There are 06MCS's out there with discounts but you may have to go with a few less options or a color that you may not care for. The 06MCS is a great ride so look around you may find just what your looking for. Just think of the fun you will have driving it back home.

06MCS/DS/B/BbonnetstripesWhalen8ballshiftmachine

 

Definitely TG! FWIW, this isn't about me trying to "weasel" extra money away from the dealer (I know you didn't imply that), it's simply about me worrying if I can afford the Mini I currently think I really want. Who knows, I may drive the MC and be completely happy with it, eschewing the need to jump up to an MCS. Of course I will make sure I test drive the MC first, don't want to sink my hopes with the MC without even trying it.

Like I said, it's simple math. Either I can fit the payment into my budget, or I can't. I think I can, I'll just have to cut some corners elsewhere. No more Chinese every Wednesday night!

 

Donna - Thanks. I can't wait until I can start motoring! I only wish I could make it to Colorado, but that just ain't happenin'.

moodylewdd - 425mi RT? I guess I'll never complain about my paltry 120mi RT. I don't have an issue buying online, especially from a dealer, but I've got a car that I have to trade in, that I still do owe on, which does complicate matters some.

oldtrojan66 - Thanks for the sage advice. I think the feeling of camaraderie I've sensed since looking at the Mini has been one of the biggest reasons I'm in the market for one. I'm not just looking for transportation, I'm looking for an experience, and a great owner's club is a big part of that. Thanks for the info on the '06s. I'm figuring that if a dealer is willing to drop a little in price, it'd be on one of those. It might mean the difference between driving an MC or an MCS. I'll look into Carmax, but I think the closest one to me is in VA, not exactly around the corner.

Silverbullit - I'm willing to take CPO. Truth be told, the only options I really want is LSD, CWP, and maybe DSC. An anthracite headliner would be nice too, but I'm not splitting hairs on a CPO Mini.

 

Thanks again. In normal driving conditions, where do you find yourself shifting? Unless I was at the track, I tended to go somewhere between 2500-3000 RPM. Obviously the Mini spins up much higher than that.

I'm not too worried about top end speed, I won't be taking it to the drag track. I'm looking for that visceral experience on the daily commute to/from work and when I do happen to take it out to a Mini gathering/rally.

Push comes to shove, I'll save my pennies, and in a little bit if I still find myself wanting for that Mustang feel, I'll pick up a used Foxbody or an old '65-'70 to restore with my boys.

Something tells me that when I'm at the pump filling up I won't be missing that 302 one bit.

 

Normally I'm shifting at 4000 to 5000, depending on traffic and the road.

I've got a 2006 MCS-JCW, and to give you an example: Remember the old original Battlestar Galactica? When Adama would say "Launch Vipers!" and you'd see the pilot in the cockpit of his Viper get pinned to his seat while he blasted out of the launch bay? That's kind of what the acceleration is like.

That came to me at Yosemite on the way up to Glacier Point. There's a long, straight tunnel with lights evenly spaced. No one in front of me, lights going by, and as I blasted out of the end of the tunnel, I just impulsively yelled "LAUNCH VIPERS!" My wife, who is also a Sci-Fi nut, laughed her *** off.

 

Thanks for the info and bringing back old memories!

 

A new Mini friend shot this for me at Mather. Something Mustangs are never quite as good at doing!

No, it's not me making the squealing noise or killing cones. That was two cars in front of me at the finish. He shot it using a small digi-camera, so please don't mind a little pixelation.

Click on the screen.

 

Hey, I feel as if I just watched myself doing an Autocross run.

Neat video too.

 

Poor Gromit, a wife with no _____

 

Ah you silly person! If you only knew! Cutest little butt there ever was!

 

Hey, thats a cool video!!!

 

Well g'wan out and give it a shot!

 

Terrific video!