Topic: I'm having trouble deciding between the two for a daily driver...

Hey all, I'm strongly considering joining the ranks of Mini owners once I finish putting my GTO back to stock (for sale or trade in, see signature for vehicle details). The gas mileage having two V8's is simply too much of a strain right now.

My budget is in the upper teens, which puts both a new R56 base cooper (MSRP $18,050) and some used/certified R53 S models (typically 2003-2004 with 30k-50k miles) right there in my price range.

I've driven both within the past week, and didn't feel particularly overwhelmed by the HP difference between the two. Of course, it doesn't help when I'm stepping out of GTO and into something with 1/2 to 1/3 the HP. In my past, I've owned and enjoyed smaller vehicles (1988 MR2 and 1990 Suzuki Swift GTi, 2002 WRX), so I know I can make the transition back to something that is more than just straight line grunt, and still be happy with the vehicle.

My brother in law owns a 2004 MCS that I've driven a few times, and really had fun with it. But it's only a weekend car for him and my sister, and not a daily driver. So I'm looking for some feedback from people who live with and use their Coopers on a regular basis.

Ultimately, I know it'll come down to how each car meets and fits my own criteria, but I'd still appreciate hearing from others as to their recommendations.

Thanks!

 

What are your needs? Commuter car or modification platform (or both)? I'm assuming you're indifferent to looks, since there is a difference there and some prefer one or the other.

'07 MS: Much better gas mileage (30+ish,. more on hwy), warranty, new car smell, all the major 2007 updates, everything that goes along with a first-model-year car, slower, different interior. If you need an automatic, this is the choice - nicer auto trans.

'03-06 MCS: Faster, is and will be more aftermarket support than non-S models, gas mileage 24-5 ish (maybe 29 hwy - MCS's can get thirsty if you have a heavy right foot.), some tradeoff in getting an older car, less on warranty. '05-06 had some nice changes (trans, power) compared to '02-4. Less choice - have to take what's on the market - but there's a lot available.

I've driven both, on track in winter, and the '07s are really nice. The seats are arguably better, but you'd need to compare apples to apples - the R53 S has sport seats, the R56 MC may or may not.

Space and travel-wise, the '07 may be smoother on hwy and a little quieter. They're both small, but quite live-able as long as you're not loading them with 4 people and gear all the time.

Me? I'd hit an '05-06 S, or wait until the '08 MCs come out and any early-model-year glitches are worked out.

 

I own an R56, which I love. I owned a 2004 R53, which I loved. IF it were me, for the budget you have, I'd definitely go with a few year old MCS. I don't know how it is where you are, but in NJ, used MINIs were actually cheaper at MINI dealers than other dealers.

 

Thanks for the feedback. It HAS to be a manual trans, and I'll likely stick with minimal boltons (exhaust, wheels) for either one. It'll end up getting 20-25,000 miles per year put on it.

While I appreciated the newness and upgrades and the feel of the 07 MC, my soul tells me the performance-minded side of me would always regret not getting an S, even if it was a few years older... But my practical side says that the 07 gets the better gas mileage, nice warranty, no potential for being abused, etc...

Maybe that answers my own question for me... The Mini is NOT about being practical, but more about how it makes you feel, right? Just the features about it that are practical happen to allow you to make the justifications towards making the plunge. With that said, I suppose I should more strongly consider getting a used S if one becomes available that is more "pre-loved" than "pre-abused"...

Thanks!

 

Howdy, there are folks here on NAM who would say there is plenty of performance in the justaCooper. the MCS is certainly faster on long straights, but the Cooper can hold its own in the twisties. As for fast, the Veyron is FAST. Anyway, in autocross, a prepped Cooper is nothing to sneeze at.

Having been on several mini runs, the Coopers have no problem pacing their Siblings through the esses. Like the Swift GTi, ya gotta wind them up!

More fuel for the fire.

 

Yes, in most cases the Mini is not a "practical" car. There are a lot of small cars on the market that would better fit your price range. But there is nothing like being in the Mini club!

 

Haven't got to test drive an R56 yet (suprisingly the dealer seemed more willing to send me out in a 335i than an '07 MCS when I was waiting on my car the last time I had it in) but from sitting in the MCS, it felt like it would be a good deal more comfortable as a daily driver/commuter. Definitely get the sport seats if available if you go for the '07 MC.

I love my '06 MCS, but do plan on test driving an R56 before I sink a whole lot of money for mods into it. I wouldn't go for an '07 personally because of the pay-to-beta-test factor of new model years (already done that w/ a couple of other cars and regretted it somewhat).

If you can stay out of the throttle too much, the R53 MCS can actually get decent mileage, IMO. When I drive conservatively for a tank, I can get around 27-28 actual mpg, maybe 70% city w/ relatively light traffic and a bit of modest elevation change / 30% highway. Mileage concious highway road trips have netted around 31-32mpg dependent on traffic.

The R56 MC should completely spank those fuel consumption figures, but I imagine will have less gutteral satifaction attached to it (no SC whine and from what I've read about the R56 MCS, less exhaust growl/no burble and a less immediate, high strung feel but more refined/smooth especially in the ride quality department).

My personal taste in styling leans more towards the R53, but the differences are pretty subtle between the two.

Just my .02

 

The R56 mpg in justacooper guise is astounding. People are reporting low 40's for highway. A buddy of mine with the R56 justacooper just got 42.9 mpg in mixed local and highway. He did say he was driving like "Grandma" to get that.

As for the "Zorst", R50 Justacoopers sound fab with a sporty cat back. I did listen to the stock zorst on my buddy's R56 MC; to me, it does have the potential to sound rowdy with a nice magnaflow. It must be that NA thing. The clubsport R50s they run for the Mini, nee John Cooper, Challenge sound like the business.

 

If you choose the R53 MCS you should get an '05 or '06 as the reliabilty was greatly inproved by 05. I don't know where you live but I feel like if you wait, look, & pounce you should be able to find an 05 really close to your price range.