I've asked a few questions in other threads, but rather than continue to thread-jack, I figured I would start my own thread. I would like to let you know what I'm looking for and see what kind of guidance you all can provide.

I'm looking for a used MCS or perhaps JCW. I want at least the power of a MCS because I will likely take the car to track days at VIR. I do not want to invest a lot in the car either since it will be a toy and not a daily driver. I am also a clown with the Shriners (Shriners Hospitals for Children.) That means the car will be used in parades too, so I will need an automatic / tiptronic. (Hard to do a clutch in clown shoes!) I don't want the graphics such as checkerboard or flag, but I'm open to color options / top color, etc. I'm thinking an '05 ~ '08 MCS would be about right. Feel free to try to sway my opinion in any way you see needed...

Few questions:
1) If I got a model with turbo versus the supercharger, is there a lot of turbo lag?
2) How many miles can you reasonably expect to get out of a MCS before you start having engine issues?
3) I've seen several for sale with lowering kits installed. I drive on a LOT of backroads that are very bumpy around my house. Do the lowering kits drop the car so low that backroads and train tracks are a problem?
4) What kind of things should I be sure to check when I inspect a car I'm considering to purchase?

I appreciate any advice you all can provide!

 

Graphics should be the least of your concerns in your search. You can always peel them off. Now, on to your questions:

1. R56s have twin scroll turbos that minimize the lag.

2. No definite answer. When getting USED, car history plays a big part here.
Both gens have known issues.
!st Gen:
PSpump/fan, low speed rad fan resistor, leaky coolant reservoir, supercharger losing oil on waterpump side, weak strut towers have been much talked about. On the bright side, fixes are all DIYable.
2nd Gen:
Timing Chain Tensioner Death Rattle, Carbon build up, Turbo coolant pump causing fires(recall item), Hi engine operating temp are some of them. Not all are as DIYable.

3. Depends on how low you plan to go. Aside from suspension tweaks,Wheel & tire fitments are factors in ride height & clearance adjustments,too.

4. Check the items listed in #2, have a MINI mechanic do the check & test as many MINIs you can for comparison. Always best to dig car history. Warranty, if there's any left, would come in handy & save you maintenance $$.

Enjoy the journey. The search is part of it, fun & exciting.
Good luck!

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/4527324...l-1304813@N23/

 

Oh my Braminator, that's hilarious! My wife enjoyed it a bit too much though. LOL When I was a kid I was actually afraid of clowns and the only reason I do it now is to support the children's hospitals. When we do parades the cities running the parades usually make nice donations to the hospitals. We also raise a good bit of money with the annual circus. We have 22 children's hospitals across the country for children with severe orthopedic and / or burn issues. They receive treatment for free. So, it's a good cause. When I lived in NC my unit drove little race go-carts with Prowler bodies on them, but the local group here is clowns, so there ya have it.

As for the decals, I didn't know if they were painted on or just decals. So does that mean that you could peal the checker board off the side panel of the British racing green one and it would have green paint under it? I actually do like the grey and white British flag one on top, but I really prefer the solid color top.

What's the shifting like on the tiptronic? Is it good enough for track duty? I would prefer a manual, but the auto would be much better for parades. Anyway, is it a nice crisp shift or is it slow and sloppy?

 

Yes usually just a decal.

You should receive lots of answers on this. I am sure some members track theirs and will give you their feedback. Good luck and welcome aboard. When you find one post some pics.

 

First, awesome work that you do. Never done the clown thing, but I dress up as Santa every year (all 170lbs of me...lots of padding...).

I just bought an '08 MCS about 2 months ago and did a ton of research first, being the total car nut I am. There is practically no turbo lag, it pulls hard from about 1600rpm on up. I'm amazed at the low end power. You won't win many drag races with V8s, but you've got plenty of power. That said, I wouldn't rule out a non-turbo, even if you're going to do track days. I'm assuming you've done them before and have seen plenty of lower power cars at the track, such as Miatas. The base model MINI handles really well in it's own right, pretty sure the suspension is nearly identical to an MCS (not sure about the JCW). Driven properly, I'll bet you'd have a blast at a track day. I joined a LeMons team this year, and both of our vehicles are way underpowered, but I have a great time anyway. The MCS ride is fairly stiff as is. Not that it's horrible, it's not. I'm very happy with it. But I'd be hesitant to do anything to make it any more stiff for street use.

You'll find the known issues with these cars well documented. At least for the second generation, the non-turbo has much fewer problems. I still went with the MCS, as mine has a nice long warranty.

As for auto vs. stick, mine's a stick so I can't comment on the auto part. However, any possibility of slipping the shoes off while driving?

 

Clowns freak me out.

 

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. I could slip the shoes off while driving and actually do that currently while driving a Polaris Ranger Razr (children's size.) With the auto I will still have to remove the right shoe, but with the clutch I would have to remove both shoes. (I normally wear a size 10 shoe, but my clown shoes are twice as long as my normal shoes. They're custom, hand-made clown boots.)

As for power, I've owned a couple of Fiat X1/9's in the past as well as a Miata. I don't think anything made has less power than the Fiat X1/9, but I never had to slow down for any corner ever. My black one had Euro spec suspension and handled as if it was on rails. So, even though I've had a slow yet good handling car, I would like to start off with as much power as possible. (Though I don't know if JCW is worth the extra $ for my goals.) I think I'm going to just have to get out there and test drive a few. My wife thinks I should get a convertible since it would be better for parades. I guess I could get a cage to stiffen it up for track days. Anyway, perhaps after driving normally aspirated, supercharged, and turbo I'll be in a better spot to make a choice. Thanks again for the advice and feel free to shoot me anymore you have.

And for those that are afraid of clowns... check this out and have sweet dreams tonight!!! heehee

 

I like the 1st gen better than the 2nd gen. And if you can find a JCW with the limited slip, seriously consider it.

And get that manual 6 speed instead of the automatic, and here's the reason: You say that using a clutch is a problem with clown shoes. Unless you're taking the clown shoe off your right foot, you'll have the same problems operating the accellerator and brake correctly and SAFELY. And if you're really operating a vehicle in public with clown shoes on, my god, are you nutz?? (Ignore that comment if you really aren't.) Suppose you get your big clown shoe trapped under the brake pedal or something (and yes, it could easily happen), how would you feel if you mowed down some family watching the parade. A clown's work is great and I certainly admire them, but driving a car with clown shoes??

Just get the 6 speed which I suspect you'll like far, far, far better than an automatic and ditch the clown shoes when driving.

 

Martin, I don't think you get the picture. I remove the right shoe in order to drive the Razr which only has a gas pedal and brake. The clown shoes won't even fit into the pedal area much less get stuck under a pedal. The only way to operate the Razr with 1 shoe on is to have my left foot up on the seat with a shoe, and my right foot with no shoe doing the pedals. Believe me, safety is our #1 priority in all we do. (I'm not a normal clown that does such for $, but a Shrine clown. Big difference...) Taking both shoes off and driving stick might be an option, but I'm going to drive a tiptronic just so I can see how it feels in comparison...

 

Jeff- you and all your friends could try this.

 

I just noticed that I didn't read all your posts. I hope I didn't put you off.

A convertible Mini kinda makes sense for parade duty. Everyone will be able to see you really well with the top down and you could fill the rest of the interior with balloons or stuffed animals or something for added effect.

As far as the suitability of a convertible for track days is concerned, I can't really say as I haven't tracked my car yet. (Mine is an '06 cab with every possible JCW option including the strut brace and limited slip.) However, I do drive it really hard from time to time and can tell you that it handles really well. It's about as tight and taut as a convertible is going to get. I have BR Racing in Los Gatos do my service work and they've commented on just how tight and crisp my convertible drives. I'd certainly give a convertible a chance before you make your decision. The only problem you may find is that while JCW cars are rare, JCW convertibles are even rarer still. The only other possible downside to the convertible that I can think of is that some track day providers may not accept the stock roll bars as sufficient. I'd check with your local track day providers to see.

The bottom line, IMHO, is that the convertible adds an extra dimension of fun to an already fun car. A couple years ago my wife and I took a 2 week road trip in it to Oregon with our dog. We were packed to the gills, but it was a blast. And the top was down for nearly every mile of the trip.

 

Oh my goodness, 26 in a Mini? It gave me anxiety watching that. At 42 I'm the youngest clown in our Shrine group, so you can imagine we're not in quite the same shape as those contortionists. It was a cool video though.

Martin, I'm wondering if anyone makes a bolt in roll cage that could be installed for track days and removed otherwise.?. The wife and I are looking around and debating what I "need" versus what I want. I actually found an '05 MCS yellow / white for $8,800. I also found a British racing green Cabrio MCS with the brownish leather and white stitching that looks nice, but it's about $18k. So many choices...

 

Thanks I didn't want to sleep this week.

 

Let me ask y'all about a specific example and see if you think it's a decent buy:
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...25224410&Log=0

It's pretty close to me too... What are your opinions, assuming it is in good shape and maintained well.?.

 

Here's another for less $

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...24277872&Log=0

 

The second one seems like a half way decent bargain, the first one seems way overpriced to me. I bought my '08 MCS, which is a second generation car (R56), for $17k. It had 29k miles at the time and had the MINI Next warranty.

Do the tracks near you do the broomstick test or do they require a cage? Perhaps check with the groups you want to run with to see what the requirements are. I don't know if there's a bolt in cage available for the MINI. I'd guess there is, but they're usually not a really easy install/removal. Plus, would you really want to drill all kinds of holes in the car? Get a coupe, and then go spend $2k or less and get an old Miata, Fiat, etc...for the parades. Heck, if you buy a car that cheap, you could decorate the snot out of it for the parades since it's a cheap car anyway.

 

Yep, a dedicated clown car might be the best option. Or, a dedicated track car and then you can get the convertible Mini. There are plenty of used Miatas around, many already set up for the track. And they make top notch track cars. They're light, quick, and fast.