Hi -

I am planning on buying a used Mini and have a couple of questions:

I've been told (by Mini owners) to definitely go with the "S" model, however,
I did a little research last night and found that the regular model gets
better gas mileage. I'm also not thrilled about the $400/tire cost.
One of my friends said that she switched out the run flats for regular
tires, so I guess I could always do that (actually, how difficult and
expensive would that be??)

I am getting rid of a Saab 9000cse, 5-speed turbo and am concerned that
the regular mini might not give me the power that I've gotten used to with
the Saab.

So, I would appreciate any and all advice, including what years I should
consider - for financial reasons, I'm thinking 2004-6.

Thank you so much and I look forward to learning a lot here!!

Cecelia

 

All MINIs are great fun. The S is a different kind of fun from a plain Cooper. The S has raw power which is very addictive, the Cooper has a little more finesse. At least in the stock configuration the old Coopers had "infinite grip" (I had very great difficulty finding out where the grip ended, it was expensive when I did). The S feels a lot more slidy, and needs performance tires to get decent grip.

MINIs got quite a bit more economical with the 07 and later model year (with a completely new engine). The old 04-06 MINIs never got good mileage when I was driving, about 26 for the Cooper and 21 for the S.

The main thing I didn't like about the old Cooper was it only came with a 5 speed transmission (if you get a manual), it always felt like it was missing a gear relative to the S. (And the 07+s have even taller gearing.) That was the main rationalisation for upgrading the 04 Cooper to the 07.

I swapped the run flats on the Cooper-S to real tires, some very nice tires cost me about $800 for the set ($150 each plus fitting etc). That's trivial, you ask the tire dealer to do it and get out the credit card. However, with real tires, you don't have a spare. (I carry a can of fix a flat, a compressor and a cell phone, and would be wary of driving through wilderness areas).

PS: If you're local to Nor-Cal you can come try out our 05 Cooper-S we're currently trying to sell.

 

I sold my 2000 Saab 9-5 Aero to buy my '05 MCS. Completely different driving experience! The Saab (225hp) was smooth and fast on the highway. The MINI is quick and fun around town and around corners. The MINI isn't as relaxing for those long highway drives (stiffer suspension, lighter weight and shorter wheelbase = bumpier ride) - but I never feel like I don't have enough power to overtake and pass anybody I need to.

There are lots of threads on mileage in NAM (do a search). I get ~ 20mpg in all city driving, 30 mpg for all highway trips.

Most (not all) people are happy when they switch to the non-runflats - less expensive and smoother ride.

I sometimes miss the Saab on longer drives - but am 100% happy with my move to the MINI.

Good luck with your decision.

 

Drive both and you will side with the MCS if you are use to a turbo. If you can swing it, the '07s and '08s have more hp and torque than the <06s and also get up to 20% better gas mileage. I think they have a 4 yr vs. 3 yr bumper to bumper warranty also.

What to look for: I would recommend the sport package which includes the sport seats (a must), 16" tires, and a sport suspension (very nice), and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) for the MC. 17" for the MCS. The DSC is outstanding if you like taking corners fast. Also look for the upgraded H-K audio system as the stock system is just so-so. Cloth seats over leatherette in my opinion (my MC came with leatherette) unless of course you prefer and can afford real leather. Either way get the sport seats. Steering wheel controls are a nice to have if you use cruise control alot. Climate control is very nice. I can't comment about the rest.

I agree with Btwyx that either one is fun to drive. It comes down to, if you don't care about gas mileage then go with the MCS. Happy shopping.

 

Generally read good things about the power delivery of the MC, and agree from experience. The 6 speed transmission (auto or manual) has been getting good feedback as well.

You should test drive one, I don't think you'll be disappointed

 

i was in same situation as ya...i owned a 2002 SAAB 93 conv with 135,000 miles..it was fun driving but things are falling apart and decide to trade it in ....i try lot of car and found MINI

yes it does not have as much pwoer but it was fun driving it. its a small car and totally differnt form saab...i try non S and S and love the S extra pwoer..
i got 2005 MCS conv...

 

I bought a used '04 MCS and I love it. I, also, changed from runflats to regular tires. You can almost buy four tires for the price of one runflat.
In my opinion, there are 2 kinds of MINI owners, the real enthusiasts and those that think a MINI is just another car. Often, this second group becomes very disenchanted with the MINI experience and sell quickly.