Well as a moderator on a Land Rover forum, figure I better make my first post and intro.

A little about me:

Almost 40 and currently driving a 97 Land Rover Discovery and an 03 Jaguar XJ8.

I love both, but sadly between insurance and fuel economy it is time to think a little more logical, okay maybe a little bit of me wants a Lotus Exige, but still not looking forward to the insurance on that either.

After some research I found that the power to weight ration of the Jag and the MCS is the same can you believe it... a fun small car ( I know you all already know this information.) So I stopped by a local Subaru dealer yesterday for a test drive of an 07 MCS Yellow w/ black top and basic black interior (cloth) which is fine by me... The only complaint was no cruise, but after ready on here that shouldn't be an issue either. I Really enjoyed the drive, found out from my insurance company that I would save at least $20 a month and as it will average much better than the 20mpg I am getting out of my Jaguar it may be a slight sad moment for the kids (they love the rear heated seats in the Jag) and the slightly less leg room (and I mean slightly, if you have ever sat in the back of an xj8 they do not have much leg room).

So as a generic question, before I go and sign any paperwork, any advise on any dangers that I may not already know about the first year turbo's? I have hear of death rattle, but as I haven't read any way to truly detect it... I hope and pray that doesn't happen or my Wife will kill me.

Is there anything else I should look out for or check. It doesn't have sun roofs (I don't like them so this is fine as well), just a basic "S" as far as I can tell.

Here is the car at the dealer http://www.subarubeechmont.com/used/...e357728ffe.htm

Thoughts?

 

It looks like a really nice car. I was say a little more then basic. You have so much more in that one then I do mine (except my seats are leather). If you drive anything like I do watch that no cruise. :p I don't have it in mine either and have to keep a steady eye on the spedo. I will trade you my leather interior for your basic. :p The back seats look so much more comfortable than mine.
Then only advice I can give you is HAVE FUN!

So far the only problem mechanically that I have had with mine is the CV joint. Its had to be replaced twice (right side) with in a 2 week period. Other then that everything is sound. I am riding close to 44k miles right now.

 

And I thought I was the only new '07 MC owner that also had a 2003 XJ 8. Small world, except that I am keeping the Jag (I think it will be a long term classic, last year of that body style---new Jags have none of the English elegance and class of the XJ line that ended with '03). I traded a Prius instead, but got 39.04 miles per gallon my first tank in the MINI, so its still getting excellent mileage and a heckuvalot more FUN. (Prius actually got 53.55 over my two years of owning it).

I am Basic Coupe however as I still want the top gas mileage and you pay a slight mpg toll for the zip fo the "S" models.

I have leatherette seats and think them fine, even in SC 97 degree afternoons, I do have cruise however, so can't comment on that.

The MINI and XJ make a good team...the former the fun of Piccadilly Circus and the latter with the regal bearing of the Royal Family.

Craig

Beaufort, SC

 

Thanks for the replies.... I told the dealer a deal breaker is if they don't install Cruise... we shall see what the offer.

I love my XJ, but since it is my primary daily driver I figure I better look at something a wee bit more economical. One way to Louisville today and I burnt up almost half a tank of fuel.... :( I guess if I would set the cruise at something other than 80mph I might do better, but I have tried and still didn't do well.

Can't wait to start enjoying the 6 speed zip car I am sure it will be a huge blast to drive.

Keeping my Land Rover since I still enjoy off highway driving and can still drive through 18 inches of snow and not worry about being stuck. But from what I have read the Mini will go through snow better than my Jag so that will be a plus on 1 or 2 inch days.

 

Ive never had a problem in the snow. When forward fails I flip her around and head backwards. Never been stuck.

 

Hmmmm I will keep that in mind JustCarolynn... Thanks and the pic looked like fun.

 

I sold my beloved 2000 BMW 323 Convertible and ordered a 2009 MCS Convertible last year. Just finished my first year with the MCS - most fun car I have ever owned! Hope it works out for you.

 

A basic S ought to be good enough, probably will be more fun than the Jag.

 

Well as all laid out plans have some hiccups and I am sure this link will not last more than a day or so (I will add a picture to my profile as soon as I can )

Looks like instead of a used yellow MCS I am getting a Chili Red/Black MCCSm

http://www.cincinnatimini.com/VehicleDetails/650125083

Picking it up tomorrow, color me happy.

 

Good luck with the Clubby, nice selection.

 

Thanks old81, I can't wait... had my wife drive the grey demo model and she even liked it.

Of course I will be stopping to sign paperwork between jobs tomorrow, but will do my best to post me pics as soon as I can.

 

Congrats on the Clubman Joey, I love the classic Chili Red / Black look. You're gonna love it. You might need to "Joey Mod" the lights to represent your namesake.

 

Just a quick stop to upload one pic, then off to go driving about

 

Cool! It looks like mine! I got it three weeks ago. I put a Union Jack Sunscreen applique on the sunroof. There are photos in my gallery.

I also have a Jaguar, a 1976 XJ-12C.

Dave