I was just wondering how the MCS would do on bumpy dirt roads...if it would end up rattling away with wear and tear? It would be my daily driver. Also, are they terrible in the snow? LOL Or do winter tires help out? I live in NM but we do get some snow during the winter. Eventually, we will be moving to the Pacific NW but not for a couple of years and hopefully to a damned paved road!

 

I have a half-mile caliche driveway (you're in NM, you know....) No issues.
The only issue with snow is if it gets too deep. Then the front bumper becomes a snow plow. Not good.
Where in NM?

 

We are in the Farmington area (four corners). Our road is about 1/2 mile too - sand, clay and river rock that's mostly beat into the ground by the cars.

 

The bumpiness will cause you some anxiety. Not that it will do any harm.
I came to NM from the Pacific NW, for the difference in climate. Interesting that you are going in the opposite direction. May I guess that the military has something to do with this change?

 

No military we just prefer the wet, rainy and green climate to dry, dusty and brown! I lived in WA as a kid and miss it, and my husband is from England. I was a minor when my parents moved me here from AZ, and kind of got stuck haha.

 

I live and work on dirt roads and no problems. I do take the Jeep Liberty when it rains though, because I don't want to get "Cadbury" dirty.

 

Well I understand that, we always want what we don't have. I lived in western WA for 23 years. Preceded by growing up on the Chesapeake Bay.
Too much water, not enough sun. I will live in NM for the rest of my life. That is by personal choice, not something imposed by parents.
You will enjoy your MINI in either place.

 

There are other areas in NM that are nice, but this area just doesn't "do it" for me! Been here 13 years and it still hasn't "grown" on me like I was told it would haha. But yes, a Mini would be fun in either place!

 

You should think about getting 16" wheels. Supposed to be a much gentler ride.

 

R56 MCS suspension is pretty forgiving.

 

The people on this forum actually seem to be helpful and encouraging - I appreciate that! This is the vehicle I am considering
http://www.sandiamini.com/VehicleDet...-NM/1017361723

Might go check it out this weekend!

 

Gorgeous MINI.
But....
Consider what dirt road dust will look like on a dark color. ( I live on one and have decided that silver is the only way to go. But that's just me)

 

Oh yes, the color will show dirt...that's for sure! My current car is dark too and shows dirt like crazy. Drives me nuts but it still looks great when clean! LOL The white or silver would be a better color for dirt roads. We won't be here forever, at least

 

BRG is my favorite color.
+1 for all season 16s

 

Ok, I do like the 07 MCS in BRG that I posted earlier, but I think I love this one LOL
http://www.sandiamini.com/VehicleDet...-NM/1037625813

 

I can't find the link right now but I saw a video on YouTube of a Mini test drive in the snow. I think it was a German video. There was about 3 inches of snow of the ground and it was still coming down. The guys were crazy enough to have the convertible top down and they were flying down a twisty road. I was amazed at how well the car gripped the road in the turns. After seeing that video I don't think you would have any trouble with driving in snow.