Hello all.

I have just started shopping for a Used Mini to replace my 10 year old Pontiac GP GT, which I purchased new, and now has 110,000 miles. I will scour this site for buying tips and Mini information.

The big question right now for me is MC or MCS?

Jerry

 

Well my friend you just opened the biggest can of worms. Drive both and see which one you like. They both have there good points and bad points.

 

Good Luck....

 

Best of luck with your MINI search and welcome to NAM!

 

Aloha and welcome to NAM.

Sounds like you keep your cars and you do some driving but not excessively.

2004 to 2005 might be a good place to start for either MC or MCS.

MC is quite good. Comes in 5 speed manual transmission or CVT (like an automatic with a manual clutchless mode for sport driving).

If you do lots of urban driving or sit in grid lock daily then the CVT is quite nice. The MCS comes with automatic (not a CVT) or 6 speed manual and has alot more power but often isn't really fully used.

Body style is Hardtop or cabrio. Hardtop is less expensive and sturdier, lighter in weight, more abundant on the older models, has an optional sunroof, and doesn't wear out like the cabrio top can. Cabrio is nice when the weather is good but is noisier and has some blind spots in the rear, and lacks as much storage space for passengers in the rear or in the trunk (boot).

Many options are the same between the MC and MCS. It's easy to load up on options about $2000-$4000 over MSRP. Most buyers paid MSRP plus options.

2002-2003 MINIs can be good as well and most of the warranty issues have been addressed by the original owners. Some are low mileage about 20,000 miles and start from about $15,000 on up depending on where you live.

Nothing wrong with 15" wheels- they work fine but many MINIs come with 16" or 17" wheels which sometimes can be very heavy.

Suspension in the earlier model years 2003 or before can be a little stiffer. MCS is stiffer than MC (also available was sports suspension for MC- similar to stock MCS).

If commuting and good gas mileage is important then MC in 5 speed transmission is best. You can get about 32-38 mpg. MCS often about 25 to 32 mpg if you use cruise control and drive the speed limit.

Interiors can be quite modded, leather seats are optional, cloth or leatherette (like a simulated leather) are standard and more or less durable.

Stock radio is good for most owners, Harmon Kardon upgrade is very good.

Most important is for you to take a test drive and take your time choosing. Go to your local MINI club's events and see what people have done. Go for a ride and see what you think. Have fun.

 

Hi! I have a 02 MY/W MC. I test drove quite a few minis before finding this sweetie. I personally didn't need the MCS's extra power and really didn't like the whine it had to it. I felt the automatics drove differently than the manual. I prefer the manual shift. Going to different dealers around and test driving is the best way to go...plus logging into NAM of course!! Good Luck with looking.

 

Welcome! Hope you find a MINI thats right for you!

(MC or MCS- they are both great! )

 

Thanks for all the feedback. I have driven the MC, but have not driven an MCS yet. I will definitely go with a 2004-2006 hardtop, manual. I'm not sure I need the MCS' extra power. I will spend most of my time commuting, so fuel economy is a factor. However, anything is better than the car I now drive.

 

dirge,

Definitely advisable to drive both. My Wife an I drove both to include a really nicely modded JCW. But in the end, we both are driving an MC, one convertible (hers), and one w/ a sunroof (his).

And loving it.

These MINIs are awesome cars either way you go.

Have fun with you search -
Just:
Pick it,
Name it,
and Drive it !

and, oh yeah, post pics of it

 

Welcome to NAM. Good luck on the MINI search. Just remember you are the only one to consider when looking, get what you want and you will be happier.
Again goos luck on the hunt.

- KP

 

the simple question is
"Would you like that excellent car with ZOOOOOOOM or without?

 

Life too short -- get what you want! The are all wonderfull choices. Test drive lots --- it's fun!!!

 

Hi Jerry. What kind of driver are you and what do you plan on doing with your MINI? Both MC or MCS are fun. If you live in a city, the MC will be adequate to zip around. If you like power and acceleration, the MCS will leave you grinning more. You can auto-x either one. The MC will save you more $$ on gas with better mpg (depending how you drive). The MC also can hold its own on twisties.

I started with a MCC...then I went on my first twistie run and I knew I needed something more powerful. Lucky for me, my wife allowed me to get an MCS and keep our MCC. We have fun with both but if I had to pick just one, I would go with the MCS. There's something about the whine of the supercharger and it suits me better since I'm more of an aggressive, "opportunistic" driver.

One of the things you should know ~ there are more mods for MCS than MC to tempt you with....modding can be fun, so beware the slippery slope.

Test drive a MCS and see if you like it.

Best of luck..whatever model you pick, you'll be happy with!

 

Me, I never drove a non-supercharged cooper. My first drive of a MCSC hooked me....

 

Mcs......

 

I bought my MC because I wanted a NON-BORING economy car. I got exactly what I wanted...PLUS SOME! I love the MC. I average 31.7 mpg in town and the car is totally awesome. People say that if you want to Autocross your car, the MC is a good choice and does really well in it's class. The MC with sport package is an awesome handler and fun as all he!! to slam into a curve as fast as you dare go. It's no speed demon, but has amazing pickup at 70-80 mph for a 115 hp car.
HOWEVER,
I'd still like to be able to fly like the MCS will do. Once in a while it would be awesome. Plus I just like the look of the s-lites, the hood scoop, the gas cap and the dual exaust out the center of the car. I could see myself trading up to a MCS.

Drive what you want. They're all great!
POWER to the MINI's!

 

Got Supercharger???

No brainer if you can find one that "fits" you.

MCS!

 

I've got both and I'll say this much:

I really think the MCS is the better of the two. Having said that, however, you WILL NOT go wrong with either an MC or an MCS. They are both wonderful cars to drive.

Chuck

 

Well I did it. I found "THE" MINI for me. Pepper White with Bonnet stripes . I pick it up Saturday. I'll post picks etc...

 

Congratulations! Have you made a motoring cd?

So what did you get...MC or MCS?

 

Congrat, I am happy that you found what you wanted.
Happy Motoring.

- KP

 

05-06 MCS. You WILL use the power, especially when passing semi's on the highway.

 

I've owned both and I would DEFINITELY recommend the MCS. Hands down, no comparison.

 

Motoring CD . Do explain...

I was looking for a used one, but the local dealer offered a great deal. I went with a new 2006 MC. I drove both, and being an avid motorcyclist, decided that I didn't need to spend the extra $$ on the MCS. I can just hop on my bike when I want to go fast in corners. Although I did like the seats more on the MCS.

 

At lease we now have you in our clutches!!!!!!!!! The MC is great, But!!!! With yuou having a Bike ( Which I also have both) I can expect that as you hang with the Cooper gang a MCS is not far down the road for you. I motor with the Gulf South Motoring Club down in Louisinan. We have a number that have the MC. Every time we get together all I hear from the MC drivers is how the next one will be a MCS.