The Cooper just doesn't receive power as early as the MCS. Both are fun but obviously the MCS will be a lot quicker in straight line, still both are awesome in turns.

 

Not sure where you are looking but be sure to expand your search......you should be able to find LOTS of low mileage, late model Coopers - I did. Bought mine 1202 miles from me.

 

I'm looking more locally as that way I can test drive the car I'm looking to buy. I'm guessing that's a little restrictive. But wouldn't it be important to test drive the car??

 

I would always test drive a car..even brand spanking new I test drive it I have botha S and a non S MINI.. they are both awesome to drive..lol

 

I seems to me that most people prefer the S to the Cooper... would that be a correct guess??

 

It seems to be that way YES..lol.. But to be honest the S model requires more attention..IMO.. Don't be fooled that the base model isn't peppy.. Either stick or automatics are fine as long as your purchasing something relatively new.. I have 3 friends that have the base models also..2 of them have the automatics in them..the other is a stick.. To be honest I liked the automatics.. Test drive a few and see what it is you like.. Pick the car you like..remember you will be the one driving it

 

Have you test drove any MINIs already?

 

Yes.. I have test driven both the non-S and the S models. While both are equally enjoyable, I found the S has more pep to it. Sadly, there aren't too many available in my area. Is the non-S too much of a compromise?

 

Depends...
Better MPG, and less MX issues with base...
Sad fact is the S is a fun car, but the motor is pushed harder, and on the newer gen2 cars (2006+ Hardtops), the motors have Direct-injection...and that can become a bit of an issue with carbon building up on the back of the intake valves....
Sure the S has more Zip, but stuck in traffic, short trips, and highway cruising...you might not see much more fun in the S vs the base IMO.
The HP in the S is great, but IMO the chances of getting a used turbo or supercharged car that has been abused is MUCH higher than a normal aspirated base.

 

I would never consider a non S a compromise.. When I get into a MINI the fun factor is there either way for me.. I just cant help but smile when driving one.. They are just that much fun.. I still get people at the gas station commenting on how cool the car looks.. But if performance is a big key to you then I think the S model is what you want... If you can live with out the extra zipp then the base model will do just fine.. You can always trick out either MINI the way you want.. Have you thought about ordering a new one and build it the way you want?

 

i have thought about that, but sadly the new ones cost as much as a pre-owned S model. OH, the irony

 

Yes, def important but with all the avenues & internet, you pretty much can't go wrong if you do your research of the dealership (and car history) - making sure they have excellent feedback & guarantee / warranty with the car. Mine? I have x amt of time to rtn & warranties (in addition to the Mini warranty). I was leery too being the 1st time getting one out of state but hey, if you order one that has not been built yet you have not test driven it - right? The two previous to my Mini I ordered both of which were shipped directly from Japan & Germany & I had not driven either. But they were mine regardless. I can assure you a trip out the road is not going to tell you the future of that car unless the wheels happen to fall off at that very moment!!

Times have changed.........dealerships depend on the feedback they get from customers. They really can not afford too to 'screw up' - the internet is can be a curse or a blessing & they know it!! lol lol Most of their business comes via internet (have Bro-in-law & Uncle in the biz for many many yrs.) As I said before, it is always a gamble regardless of how / where you get it. It's a car & it has to come from somewhere.

I doubt all this made sense but think you get my drift. ONLY do what is comfortable for you. It just happened to work out perfect for me. Well, maybe faster than I thought it would be!

Good luck!!!

 

HA HA ohhh how I know what you mean.. You have been bit by the MINI virus.. Have you been on miniusa and built your own MINI? You can get an idea of price and options.. You can pic what you want and build one.. Its fun ..give it a try..lol.

 

I would definitely consider the non-s a compromise for me. I drove them both and the S is in a whole different league. If you want a fun commuter car, get the Justa, If you want a fast little racing go-kart you gotta have the S. Drive the two cars again, be honest with yourself and get the one that fits your needs.....For me that was definitely the S.

 

YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE YOURSELF CRAZY OVER THIS!!!!!

How do I know this??? Cause been there...done that!!

 

The folks on these boards tend to be pretty slanted towards gear-heads, HP freaks, etc.....
In all honesty, while HP is great, I find that I sometimes don't get the chance to use my HP! Lets face it...
It is MORE FUN (IMO) to drive a slightly under-powered car hard, than a overpowered car gently!!
Get what you like and can afford!! Choose wisely!

 

Agree.........true.

 

Ha Ha Nice... How very true

 

Only you can really answer that. Many owners are happy with the non-S. I am, and I'm not a slow driver, either. The non-S requires a different style of driving to get the best out of it. High revs and smooth downshifts are a must. It needs to be driven hard to be fun, in my opinion. The S is going to give you more power, and at lower revs. It's easier to go fast. It just comes down to what you need and how you like to drive.

Go test drive a non-S again, and really get into it. If it still feels a little sluggish for you, get the S

 

^^Well said^^ Nice MINI btw

 

Totally agree. The second I drove a non-S Clubman (stick) off the lot.. and into traffic.. I was like.. "Oh YEA.. I need the Turbo.."

Its a fun car... but the HP is back to what my 1995 2.0 VW Golf had... which was also a fun car.. but higher HP numbers spoil me now.. 118 hp... even in a small car is just too slow.. I'd floor it everywhere..

That said, its still a fun shape, fun looking, fun driving car.. I just like to pass people with zest..

But, as noted.. buying a used turbo car could be questionable.. I'd like to see oil change receipts.. Also buying a used car as a stick could be an issue.. but as one of my friends puts it.. "Buying used saves a bunch of cash that you lose the second you drive off the lot.. that pays for a lot of turbos and clutches..."

He's right.

As long as the body was clean (never a major hit)... that to me is key...

 

You are ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! This process is driving me MENTAL!

I want a pre-owned S @ a base price with no miles. I know...that's not happening. I was originally rather happy with the Cooper but after test driving the S some more, I seem to rather enjoy it's peppy ride. Truly, given that my commute isn't much, a Cooper should suffice. But then, who doesn't enjoy a fun ride in the morning to work (which usually no one wants to go to)??!!!

 

Pick the car "you LOVE", not "LIKE". That's the only editing I had to make to that statement. That's what I did, and I never looked back!

 

True...maybe I need to test-drive the Cooper again without the prejudice of the S... It's still a fun car!

 

Sadly, the car i LOVE isn't in my budget. That said, i thoroughly enjoyed the MCS...the Cooper was fun too...not just as fun as the MCS.