Hey everyone, new to the site, I haven't hardly even lurked. See- I was all set and ready to buy 06/07 subaru forester xt, but had been having a hard time finding one with a manual. On a whim I went to the local honda/bmw/mini dealer, and after some browsing took an 09 MCS for a spin. Well- that was the end of that thought.

Now I'm looking at ordering a new MCS, but had a few questions. I've done some searching, but often times it pulls up very dated threads...

1) In regards to the leatherette, how is it in extreme hot and cold? I live in colorado, and despise super cold leather, and super sticky leather. I've read the leatherette does not exhibit these leather qualities, but I want to confirm from people living in hot/cold climates.

2) Color line: how does the cream white color line compare to the pepper white exterior? I plan to have the pepper white exterior, and wanted to compliment it with the cream white interior

3) The dash pieces that you can have painted, along with the door ovals- how hard are these to remove? I would like to use 3M's Di Noc Carbon Fiber vinyl on these pieces, as it would cost roughly the same as having mini paint it piano black. I don't really want to be breaking clips or completely tearing apart the dash just to do this accent, but if it's not too bad, then I will definitely do this.

4) Are there any issues currently with this generation? It seems that the big issues have been resolve (removed), being the 5 speeds, CVT's, and the power steering fan. Anything else I should be wary of, as I've stretched my budget in order to get into a car that carries a warranty and is hopefully trouble free while I'm making payments.

Thanks so much! I'm hoping to clear this up and pull the trigger on the deal soon. Oh, and feel free to point me to any threads of note- important FAQs, and especially if you have an acronym thread. I'm a subaru guy and can spit off just about any chassis or engine code, but literally dove into MINI last week.

 

Leatherette seats are very hot in summer = i live in louisiana deep south & my seats are hot . I use a sun shade therefore not that bad . Im getting 35 mpg on my Just-a-Cooper which is a automatic / with paddle shifters .Great car so far . Good Luck with your gathering of information . I did my research also before i purchased my cooper . Comsumer report sealed the deal & test drive for my self . Hope info helps . Happy Motoring

 

Welcome to the forum, I have the heated leatherette seats, no problem. As far as color coordination that in the eye of the beholder. This is the 5th year for the 2nd generation MINI and by now most of the problems have been eliminated so you should have good reliability. Have no idea as to how much trouble you could have in stripping interior pieces, never done it.

 

I have leather and like it. Regardless of what you get I love the seat heat. Best $500 spent in winter. These are typical BMW units - fast warm up!!

I have the cream white color line and although I have not directly compared it to Pepper White but my guess is that it is pretty close. Have you seen a Pepper White with the Chocolate leather interior? It is a really rich looking combo. My dealer advised that when this combo comes in it gets bought right away.

I would also recommend the Xenon lights and the HIFI stereo (the 2010's Hifi option is much better than my '09). For me, the S is a must have - love the low end torque on this engine.

There are posts here in the how to section about removing the trim and the oval trim on the door has quite a few plastic clips that must snap in/out. Not impossible but good to have extra clips on hand before starting.

I have had good reliability in the 8,500 miles on my MINI. I don't expect it to be as reliable as a Honda (few European cars are), but I did not let fears of relibility prevent me from buying the most fun car I have ever owned. I look for excuses to drive. Good luck and Happy Motoring.

 

Another vote for heated leatherette. Haven't been through a summer yet, so can't say how it does when it's hot. Good color choice!