I just put a deposit on a Pepper White (black top) MC yesterday, they told me it would be about 2.5 months to get it... But last night, I called all my close buddies, and they seemed to think that I should have taken the S instead...
The dealer told me that I was looking at about 6-7 months for the S...
I'm not to concerned about the performance, it's just that I do agree that the S does look kinda cuul with that "ram air" and the M3 type bumper...
What to do... Can I make and MC look more agresive with some decals or some simple mods? I'm going to put some 17 or 18" wheels for sure but... Heeeeelp!!!! MC or MCS...
Thanks...

PS. Oh! and I really like the fact that the MC gets better gas milage...

 

We decided on a regular MC. We have not regretted it one bit. If all you are concerned about are looks, there are plenty of accessories to add and even some you can get on the car when ordering to make it look better.

If you are not a performance geek ( I am the wife is not and it's her car) then go with the MC. Save some money and save some gas. We are still in the break in period with 950 miles on the car and we are averaging about 410 miles per tank of gas. The power is not a concern for us either and we own 3 other cars 6-8cyl cars too. I'm very suprised in the 111hp engine (I think). We even live in Denver high altitude and which can take a hit on horsepower. I figure we are at about 100hp and this little car just zooms along (no not Zoom, Zoom <grin>) even on the mountains.

 

I settled on a MC because of my budget. I enjoy the mileage that the MC gives. Sure the MCS's run away in the straights, but I can hang with them in the twisties. The only time I suffer from "Should have gotten a S"-ittis is when I drive with MCS's.

 

For me, more horsepower is important. I drive A LOT all over Phoenix. I told myself I would never get a 4-cyl again because the 6-cyl has the power to get the frick out of somebody's way (somebody that is a BAD driver...doesn't signal...sudden lane changes, etc.)

I tested both the MC and the MCS and liked the extra zip the S has.

From a style standpoint, I really do prefer the S. That is very much a personal preference though.

I also opted for the auto transmission...a near sacrilege in the MINI community I think.

But, driving all day in stop and go traffic with a standard tranny. ICKY!!!

My two cents. I say go with your gut! If YOU want the MCS and can afford the extra, I say...GO FOR IT!!!!

 

Then get the MC. For less than the cost of the MC->MCS upgrade you could get the Aero kit on your MC.

 

Then get an MC....it'll give you tons of thrills, great MINI handling, AND better MPG. You can do all the appearance mods you want on an MC.

 

We love power! So we went with the MCS.

If performance is not a concern then go with the MC.

 

Results from this past Sunday's autocross here in L.A.

57.965 MCS
59.574 MCS
60.112 MCS
63.403 Justacooper
63.618 Justacooper (MCc)
64.481 MCS
67.331 Justacooper
67.502 MCS
67.854 MCS
68.930 MCS
69.748 MCS
70.011 MCS
70.863 Justacooper (bone stock MCc)
71.768 MCS
72.913 MCS

 

Autocross, that involves driver skill also, correct?

Just because a car has extra HP does not mean every drive can handle it.

I am not the only one that said this.

 

Dave, what is a Justacooper v. Justacooper MCc? Sorry for my ignorance I am coming from the diesel world and new to the Mini thing.

 

Justacooper = Mini Cooper (non-S)
MCc = Mini Cooper Convertible

 

MCc = MINI Cooper Convertible

edit: You're going to put on 18" rims and you're concerned with gas mileage? So you want better mileage for the principle vs. the cost savings??

 

If you're interested in the MCS, ask the dealer again about the timeline to get one or ask another dealer if nearby. My dealer quoted 2 to 3 months, and it appears that they've finished building it ten days after my order. I'm guessing my wait will be about 1.5 months. I may have lucked out a bit getting my order assigned to a dealer-spec car that was near production, but 6-7 months sounds a bit excessive.

--doug

 

MCc is a Cooper convertable I believe. We went with "Justacooper" for basically the same reasons - don't really feel the need for added Hp and price. I have also noticed (though this might just be a tad unfair) that most of the gripes and issues with reliablity seem to be coming from S owners. Again probably an unfair observation, but there you have it.

 

As mentioned above, MCc = MINI Cooper (non-s) Convertible

Very true. I'll be the first to admit my 115 hp MC is faster than I was capable of driving it (63.403 above ).

 

Both are AMAZING! Get a MINI of some sorts

(I'm no help )

 

CNred's MC looks pretty aggressive and nice. He (she?) is sporting a
MCS front bumper on the MC. very cool.

 

I have an MCS. I chose an MCS because my daily commute includes jaunts on highways, bridges and somewhat steep hill climbing.

Frankly, I found the MC more fun to drive. The engine loves to rev more and working the gears to stay in the power range is a lot more engaging. Also, the suspension on the MC is less harsh for day to day driving. The hood (bonnet) without the scoop makes the MC look sleaker than the MCS. Overall, the MC felt more fun to drive. I'm not complaining about my MCS though .

 

Your dealers timeline does seem quite excessive. I ordered my MCS with JCW and fully loaded with everything but the navigation on 1/4/06 and it was here by 2/28/06. I agree with the others who say either a MINI or a MINI "S" are cool! They both can rock on the Autocross!

..Tammy

 

My MA said that if that particular dealerships allocation has been filled, it could take a little longer. So, you may want to try another dealership.

..Tammy

 

I have an 04 "Justacooper". I've done track days with it, I've autocrossed it, and I get 28-30 mpg. around town and everytime I drive it, I have a ball. Get what you like, can afford and makes you smile. Any MINI is better than no MINI.

 

My PW/B MC is awesome! It has its own personality and I could not be happier with my choice. I had so many options and decisions to make when I ordered and I would not change one decision I made!

 

The long wait is probably attributed to living in Oregon. If the MINIs come into port in CA that probably doesn't help either. Order one from Classic MINI in Ohio and the wait would probably only be 2-3 months max.

 

Well, thanks everyone! I think you guys got me to lean towards the non S, being that is MC is still hella fun to drive. And it seems like no one really gets tiered of the performance...
I also if I do need to get more pep one day, it seems that by putting some sort of exhaust and intake, I could get about 10-15 extra poneys...

 

I have an MCS and am not looking back any time soon!

The main difference is the SC, but there are other differences also. Center Exhaust, S badging, different looks, more power, 6 gears, battery in the back (audio intall is much easier), etc. Pick which one you WANT.

Don't settle for something less. Another thing to think about is that an MCS is more costly. More gas, actual price of the car, etc.

Good luck!
-Cody