Long-time lurker, first time poster. I've been researching R53 MCSs for awhile now since I had enough money to buy a car newer than 1992 (A Honda Accord LX - 200k+ miles and still running!). These boards were a great help in giving me the information I needed in helping me find my recently-purchased, base-model, Jet Black '05 MCS!

Anyhow, I'm not a stranger to cars in general, I used to be a mechanic in a past life (law school changed that), and I still like to run autocrosses and HPDEs in the weekends during the spring/summer/fall when my schedule permits. My other car besides the Mini is a '92 Eagle Talon TSi AWD; she was my second car, and she's been through dozens of autocrosses and HPDEs in the past.

Besides those two, I also have a '80 Honda CB650 "cafe-racer" that I use to commute around the city, as well as a '01 Suzuki GSX-R 750 that I've been learning to ride on the track with (don't worry, I'm an organ donor ).

Just wanted to say hello, and I hope I don't cause too much trouble on here.

 

Welcome, your fun has just begun.

 

Welcome to NAM and the world of hot hatches. You'll find the performance of these little cars rather addicting, yet the versatility and day-to-day drivability is on the practical side, which is a very appealing combination.

 

Thanks, guys. Glad to be here!

Yeah, ever since I picked mine up, I've been nothing but smiles. I'm glad I waited out for a base model, too. I've driven my aunt's fully-optioned '05 MCS and mine just feels lighter on its feet. Drove it out to Baltimore in the middle of a snow storm this past Thursday and made it out there just fine, with 30 MPG to boot.

I suppose my only gripe with the car is the torque steer, though nothing short of popping a Quaife or Torsen T-2 in there will alleviate that.

 

Welcome and congratulations!