Hi everyone. This is my first post on the site and I'm really happy to be apart of it. I am currently not a MINI owner, but I do have plans to own one within the next few months.

I've been doing a lot of research on these little machines since I began my quest for a new car not too long ago (I'm currently riding around in a '97 Grand Am. It's a dinosaur, I know, but it just keeps running). I was looking for a two-door with top notch handling, something that could do highway speeds (and then some ) and at least a five-speed, but couldn't lay my finger down on something that I liked, or find something that fit my list. That was until, I re-watched the move The Italian Job again one afternoon, and it suddenly hit me like a freight train. How could I not have seen it before?

Nevertheless, that next day, I test drove an '07 MCS and knew right from the get go that this is what I was looking for in my next car. Since then I've been saving for a much better looking (imo) 1st gen model, probably an '04 MCS, and the anticipation is killing me. I plan on making this a project car too. Adding performance and aftermarket upgrades and such, and showing people that call it a "girl car" left in the dust.

I do have some concerns though with the MCS and my plans for it though, and so I figured why not as the people that own and like the car as much as myself for some real answers. I live in the grand ol suburbs of Chicago, and we do have some nasty winters from time to time, and with the MINI being this lightweight and nimble little thing, how well does it perform in the snow? I'm not expecting it to be a snowmobile, but I'm concerned that I'll be spinning out a lot and getting stuck time and again. I also drive about an hour or so into the city on the highway for work, so it is a big concern for me. My performance upgrades that I'd like to put on it won’t help my cause I'm sure, but what is it like to wheel around it this great car when the roads aren't in your favor?

My second concern is the spare tire situation. I don't like the fact that I wouldn't have a spare, and the run flats don't really reassure me too much, but then again, I've never had them. I'll probably be putting some aftermarket rims and tires on it sometime down the road too, and more than likely have two sets of rims and tires (summer and winter). Any suggestions? Would I be crazy if I wanted to carry a spare around with me anyways in the summer with the aftermarket rims?

Please be honest and share your opinions with me. After all, I'll probably be shelling out a good deal of money for this thing, so I want to be sure that I'll be completely happy with it before I do. If there's something that you think I should know, say so. Don't be afraid to tell me the bad points about the car, because I know that there are a few of them (sadly ).

Thanks everyone!

 

Hey Igobyebye13
Just buy a car with regular tires = mine has regular tires and it runs great not bumping rough ride ! Front end of car gets a lot of paint chips = Car is low to the ground . I have a 09 automatic getting around 34 mpg and is fast ! Does not matter how i drive gets good gas miliage !The Mini drive takes curves like no other car i have ever driven ! Fun ! Hope this helps !

 

I switched from run flats to non run flats.. that i really fought doing.. but now.. the ride is so much easier on my back.. and well.. i have mini roadside.. and need to get the tire kit in my car.. otherwise no true worries about that.. Mini's rawk! Go with a 06!

 

My 2007 MCSm was great in snow. With its Dynamic Stability Control, it was stable and straight-ahead when 4WD SUVs were swerving and skidding all over the place. I fondly remember a Jeep that had a hard time pulling away from a stoplight, while my MINI just drove off. Naturally, he had to prove himself by passing me a block down the road. Grin-worthy for me.

Of course, it was still possible to make the MINI break loose on snow and ice, and I sought-out malls parking lots to take advantage of that. I never got stuck in Iowa winter driving.

I ordered the MCS with summer performance tires, which would be like ice skates in winter, so I bought a second set of wheels and winter performance tires -- excellent handling and traction. The only downside is swapping wheels twice a year, but I can live with that.