Hello All,

I am hoping to order my first MINI in about a month or so and I have a few questions. I have been reading these forums for about two weeks and this seems to be the best place to ask. These are some of the best forums I have seen.

First, let me say this will be a daily driver that I may get on the track once in a very blue moon, or maybe try rallying. I've owned a Sentra SE-R and a Jetta VR6.

Does anyone have experience with both the MC and MCS (07 or 08). I was wondering how dramatic the performance difference is. I have test driven the S a couple times and it is a little rocket. Budget may keep in the MC. Will I regret it?

Second, performance aside is there any other difference between the two in terms of issues/reliability and usuability as a daily car.

Lastly, the sunroof question should I or not? I know about the flimsy sun-shade. Does anyone know a good after-market one?

Thanks for reading.

 

Welcome to the Board. You'll love being a MINI owner.

I can only speak to MCS ownership, as that's all we've had. When we bought our first one, we test drove a MC but after that we drove a MCS and wouldn't go back. Both were 2006 models of which the MCS had a supercharger not turbo. The turbo packs more, but I'm not sure how it compares to a base model.

One thing I'd seriously consider is your tire choice. Our current MINI is a 2006 MCS with 17" wheels. The runflats on this thing are EXPENSIVE and damage easily. The 16" one on the previous car were much cheaper and didn't have the problems that the 17"s do. We are in the process of converting that car to 16" wheels and my new one has 16's as well. With the short sidewall, the 17's just can't deal with daily road hazards like potholes & such. One small bump and you've got a bulge that will force a tire replacement. Of course you can convert to a non-run flat, which a lot of people do, but without a spare, that creates another issue.

 

Thanks, I had not thought of that. After the winter we had in Chicago our streets are like swiss cheese, with the occasional big enough to swallow a MINI

 

I've driven the 06 and 07 MC via Zipcar and now own an 08 MCS Clubman.
I don't plan on putting this car on the track, just enjoying curvy roads more than the next fellow

I think that the handling is very similar between the MC and MCS (ie. Wonderful!)
I also expect that due to the acronyms behind the model names of your previous cars, you'd prefer the MCS

Regarding post-winter swiss cheese roads, the 16" runflats of the S appear to be handling them in stride but I do move more carefully around them than I used to, more likely due to the suspension being as firm as it is than the tires.

And sunroof... i personally love the airy feeling of having all that sunshine and plan on tinting before the summer rolls around per a lot of other folks' experiences (see the modification forums).

Its all personal preference though

 

For 2007-08
The base Cooper is fine for normal street driving, commuting and for good mpg. It handles very well and with 15" or 16" wheels it's comfortable. It comes with a spare tire which is a big plus. It costs less and comes with a good manual or automatic transmission. Many of the same features are available with either MC or MCS so you are not missing out and you can run up a very high price if you're not careful.

The MCS has loads of HP to spare enough to spin the wheels. This is less good if you have a young teenager or if you never drive that way. 17" wheels look nice but are stiffer and runflats are your only option. No spare tire is available. If you like more power you can look at the John Cooper Works Kit from the factory with a warranty that covers the upgrades.

Sunroof is OK but you can loose a little headroom and add a little top heavy weight which is less good for performance driving. For the track you want simple and lower weight. Aftermarket sunroofs are not worthy compared to the factory one so if you are very partial to sunroofs the factory option is decent enough.

If you are a person known for doing a lot of power upgrades then the MCS has more goodies to buy. Both models can be upgraded for brakes and suspension or for interior things the same. Engine and exhaust upgrades do differ.

Wheel upgrades are about the same for both models but the larger front caliper for the brakes on the MCS limit the wheel designs when less than 17" diameter.

If I had to choose a smooth riding street MINI for daily use I'd pick a base MC with 15" wheels. If I had to choose a pocket rocket for weekend use I could also do daily driving in, I'd look at the MCS with 16" wheels. Take both for a test drive over rough roads and check out the sunroof while you are there.

 

I do have a fondness for performance models, but they seem to always cost more to maintain and fix, and if I am really honest with myself the only track I will probably do is a driving class or two. If the handling is comparable I may be able to live without the zippiness of the S. Do you have the Sport suspension on your current car?

 

Prior to the 2007's the Sport Suspension option was not an option. It came standard. Starting with the 2007's they are trying to entice a wider audience and providing a less stiff suspension is a way to do that. The sport does improve the handling, but MINIs do ride very firm. If you want that glide feeling, get my mom's old 1974 Olds 98. Drive over small houses and never know you did it.

 

Hi, my brother own a MC,because the distance he travels on the daily basis, economy almost 400 miles per full tank. I own an S performance like a rocket,economy not much.Sunroof forget about it,always some problems and you need tinted glass on it ,at least 20 % if you dont want to burn your brain. good luck,
Dennis, San Juan, P.R