I've been looking around for a topic that discusses buying a S vs. a non S 2007 Cooper. I don't think I could find one. I have at maximum, about 27K to spend... I've been thinking about getting a Mini non-S with the Premium Pkg, Sport Pkg, Conv. Pkg, Cold Weather Pkg, SS, Bi-Xenon, and chrome w/ English Oak trim. But would I be missing alot from the driving experience if I passed on the MCS? I really would enjoy all that the Pkg's have to offer, but the Turbo doesn't sound bad either. But I would have to do away with one of the Pkg's What do y'all say?

 

you need to test drive both and see which one is better for your needs

 

Test the MC first. If you like it don't get into the S.

 

Absolutely test drive both then decide. I am going with the non-S after driving both. Everyone has thier own personal reasons why they chose a car. The Mini owners are no exception.

 

Do you race? Track time? If the answer is no then get the MC besides with the sports package ect you'll have the same handling as an S, how often in everyday driving do you need to go very very fast? I live in an area with speed limits and other drivers on the road, it didn't make sense for me, but everybody is different.

 

Gotta agree, the MC is a fine car as is the MCS. The MCS is faster and more powerful but also more expensive to buy, run and insure. If you're not bothered by the additional power then the MC may well suit you best.

 

Yeah ok, thats what I was thinking... I was going to, but I got too caught up with work and now I'm in Germany for the next 5 months. :P But first thing, well not first, first. But one of the first things when I get back. Test-Drive. Oh and do you guys have any experience with Rasmussen Mini in Portland, Or? Thats the only dealer thats reasonably close to where I live.

 

Sadly, i was drawn to the S because of looks. I prefer the spoiler, like the non-functional hood scoop (this wasnt/isnt a factor), and i think what mostly did it was the Mini OEM wheel choices. I thought that i liked the 16" bridge spokes but when i saw them in person, i really didnt.
So, rather than get a cooper and have to deal with aftermarket wheels, side markers, and switching out the spoiler, i went with the S and got 17" webspokes.

The first word of this post is sadly. why? i think i am regretting my choice. i was just thinking to myself that i hope to find enough wrong with my S to reject it and get out of the buy without a problem. it is due here in about a month. i am so picky, i doubt that i will have a hard time. Then i would just have to convince the wife.....

I wish i ordered the cooper with all the same stuff (except the wheels) and lived with everything until i wore out the tires then i could have considered getting other wheels. I would have saved on the purchase price, the taxes, the operating cost, and the insurance. Do i race? NO. do i intend to track? NO. do i like to speed? Yes, but choose not to to because of the consequences. Oh well.

Another large part of my regret is the lack of a spare tire on the S.

 

Wow! If I live out in WallaWalla country, all those open roads and such, I think I would want a MCS but only you can decide your needs against your wants and your resources. Good Luck with your decision.... you will enjoy either I am sure.

 

One letter for you. S!!!!!!

 

A test drive is important, but in my experience it's never long enough to really get the feel of what you want. Be that said you can spec out an S without sunroof and auto-aircon for less than $26K. This gives you everything you want without frills.

 

Once you go S, you never go back.

 

justa coopers are faster

 

Go for the MC, sounds like thats what your profile wants.!! MC is a great car , plenty of Kick A$$ power and handling for the average driver who does not want to race or burn rubber to showoff at a traffic light. Go for it.!!

 

A very individual choice

 

did I mention justa coopers are faster?

 

Well, an S with all the packages/interior stuff you specified would top the $27K you have to work with, but if you go to miniusa.com and spec out both with the same stuff, the S isn't actually that much more. I think when I spec'd a MC and a MCS with the same things, the price difference was only about $1,900

 

Be sure to test drive the car with the AC on as that may tip the balance to the S for you (especially if you are looking at the automatic). As others have said, the only way to decide is to test drive both - it really is a personal like/dislike decision. Good luck, whichever one you choose I'm sure that you'll love it!

 

I went back and forth on the S or non-S as well - even after test driving both. I ended up going with the MC for several reasons:
1. Color - i wanted nightfire red which is only available in the MC
2. Tires - I didn't want run-flat tires, which are standard on the MCS, because I've read bad things about how expensive/difficult they are to replace or fix and how the ride is rougher (I live in NYC, and the streets here can be really bad). I actually like the look of the 16" low profile wheels/tires, but it didn't seem worth it to me.
3. The MC will be less expensive to own/maintain because of gas milage
4. I was actually afraid I'd go TOO fast in the MCS - lead foot, speeding tix, etc.

I got the MC manual transmission, but if it had only been available in automatic, I probably would have gone with the MCS. I did think that the MC with auto was a little sluggish and I had to use the paddle shifter to downshift going up a steep hill on the test drive. I wasn't able to test drive the MC manual because non of the dealers I talked to had one yet!

Other commenters are right, test drive them both and tally up plus and minus in each column to make yr decision.

 

Tough choice for sure... drive em both, then decide. They will both handle great, and look similar. In the end, do you want acceleration, gas mileage, overall value? This is a real personal choice...

 

Cut to the punch line:

LOOK AT THAT S CAR GO!

 

I went through the same thing. Actually, at first I ordered an MC but then changed to an MCS. In the end I asked myself why I wanted a MINI Cooper. The answer above all was, "It's a blast to drive". So .. I chose to go with the car that best matched that criteria, the MCS.

 

- The S makes power I will never practically use (not saying I wouldn't use it...just not practically).

- Cooper have always offered me exactly what I personally want/crave out of motoring.

- Optimizing fuel economy in MINI motoring is something I gravitate towards.

Those are the reasons I personally love Coopers. Each owners has to figure this out for themselves...both cars are great.

 

I have a lead foot so the S was a natural choice for me!

 

How much more is insurance for the MCS. This could be a deal breaker if its significant. Maybe the MC is a better choice.