Well after months of study, and salivating over Coopers on the road, I finally have taken the plunge. Picked up a used '03 MCS with the JCW package last week. It has the Sport, Primium and Cold Weather packages as well, which included just about all the options I could have dreamed of (perhaps someday I'll get the JCW Cold Air Intake kit and Brake Kits, but not till the car is paid off...). The only drawback is the color: AB/AB. Coming off a black Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Wagon I know how hard it is to keep a black car looking as good as it arrived from the factory. In fact the MCS already has some nasty scratches and swirl marks from the previous owner's detailing efforts; which really show up in AB. Will have to research on the site for tips to improve/avoid making the same mistakes.

I love how the car drives though. Handling, performance, acceleration, gas milege are all unsurpassed in my experience. Get a lot of grief about the size. I"m closing on 6'-3" and am no longer as slim as I was in my youth. Still I fit very comfortably into the MCS and find the seating position and head room as good, if not better, than my Subaru.

Have seen a number of Coopers around town since I got mine. Gotten uniform waves and smiles from the owners. It's nice to have joined such a friendly group.

 

Welcome to NAM! Black is tough, but worth it. You'll enjoy your MINI even if it doesn't look perfect all the time.

 

Welcome! I'm still waiting for mine. Congrats on your purchase

 

Welcome !

Yep, I had a black 1985 Ford T-Bird Turbo-Coupe back in its day and I know the ills of maintaining a black auto. Get yourself a big bottle of Griots Garage Speed Shine and a pack of their Microfiber towels and you'll be on your way.

Congrats on your newly adopted baby and glad to have another enthusiast on board !

 

Check out the Detailing 101 forum. That place has all the info you may ever need when it comes to fixing up and taking care of your MINI's paint, even if it is black

Congrats on the adoption!