Hey,
I own an MC CVT (no fun) and am considering trading up to an MCS. I have some questions first.
-I'm looking at dark silver/white roof for my car. Why doesn't anyone get white wheels with them? I would think they'd look good.
-How's the leatherette? Is it comparable to the regular leather? And for that matter how's the Grey Cloth? I'd love to get the Lapis Blue leather but it just seems more practical to get the leatherette and sport package for less money.
-I've never driven a stick before, is it difficult to learn in a brand-new MCS? I've heard that new cars' clutches are "stickier".
Thanks in advance for your help!
I own an MC CVT (no fun) and am considering trading up to an MCS. I have some questions first.
-I'm looking at dark silver/white roof for my car. Why doesn't anyone get white wheels with them? I would think they'd look good.
-How's the leatherette? Is it comparable to the regular leather? And for that matter how's the Grey Cloth? I'd love to get the Lapis Blue leather but it just seems more practical to get the leatherette and sport package for less money.
-I've never driven a stick before, is it difficult to learn in a brand-new MCS? I've heard that new cars' clutches are "stickier".
Thanks in advance for your help!
5th Gear
I have seen pics online of DS/W with white wheels, it does look really nice.
I have the black leather and I love it. I checked out the leatherette and it just felt really weird to me. I would get cloth over the leatherette but everyone has their own opinions. Check them all out at your dealer.
If you are clueless about driving stick it might be a good idea to learn on a friends car. If you have a general idea of what has to happen it's just all about learning how much gas to give and when to let out the clutch in 1st. After 1st you'll be fine, that isn't the tricky part. Luckily my first car was stick and I had to use it to get to school so I had to learn it fast. It took a few days before I felt somewhat comfortable, but do learn! Good luck with the MCS. Oh, and you'd probably want to learn before you got your car anyway so you don't stall it driving it out of the showroom.
I have the black leather and I love it. I checked out the leatherette and it just felt really weird to me. I would get cloth over the leatherette but everyone has their own opinions. Check them all out at your dealer.
If you are clueless about driving stick it might be a good idea to learn on a friends car. If you have a general idea of what has to happen it's just all about learning how much gas to give and when to let out the clutch in 1st. After 1st you'll be fine, that isn't the tricky part. Luckily my first car was stick and I had to use it to get to school so I had to learn it fast. It took a few days before I felt somewhat comfortable, but do learn! Good luck with the MCS. Oh, and you'd probably want to learn before you got your car anyway so you don't stall it driving it out of the showroom.
OVERDRIVE
there were a few DS/W/W in The April Club; but don't worry about that, get what you like! :smile:
I'm a fan of Space cloth, my last MCS had it, and my upcoming MCS has it. Grippy, not-sweaty, and the silver/black two-tone looks awesome.
Find a buddy that has a manual and is willing to teach you a bit. It's easy, once you get the hang of balancing clutch with throttle on takeoff. Big rule of thumb is to stay off the clutch when you're not shifting. The MINI is a pretty easy manual to get used to. Have no fear, we're here to help
Cheers,
Ryan
I'm a fan of Space cloth, my last MCS had it, and my upcoming MCS has it. Grippy, not-sweaty, and the silver/black two-tone looks awesome.
Find a buddy that has a manual and is willing to teach you a bit. It's easy, once you get the hang of balancing clutch with throttle on takeoff. Big rule of thumb is to stay off the clutch when you're not shifting. The MINI is a pretty easy manual to get used to. Have no fear, we're here to help
Cheers,
Ryan
As per question #3....
I pretty much learned on my MCS. Granted, I'd attempted driving a stick a few times, and I understood the concept, but I thought it was the easiest of all the sticks I'd driven.
Drove it out of the showroom with a grand total of maybe 2 hours behind the wheel of a manual. I thought it was a breeze. Clutch feel is great, IMHO.
G'luck!
I pretty much learned on my MCS. Granted, I'd attempted driving a stick a few times, and I understood the concept, but I thought it was the easiest of all the sticks I'd driven.
Drove it out of the showroom with a grand total of maybe 2 hours behind the wheel of a manual. I thought it was a breeze. Clutch feel is great, IMHO.
G'luck!
6th Gear
Hey WDRAM, welcome! I have a MCS, DS/DS with leatherette. I really like it. Everyone assumes it is leather. I've real leather in two previous cars. ('76 280Z and '86 Supra) I really, really like leather, the smell... the feel... But I took this car that dealer had coming in. It was everything I wanted, except no leather. And the fact is, I don't miss it. If you want to save a few bucks, I don't think you will be disappionted.
Coordinator :: Chicago MINI Motoring Club
I've had leatherette in both of my MINIs and have been very happy with it. I kind of like the look of the space cloth, and I can definitely see the appeal, but I foresee longevity issues if you're planning on keeping this care for a while--but that's just one man's opinion.
Also, my first MINI (March '02) was my first car with no automatic. I had driven a Boxster and a classic 'Vette (barely) for a total of about 15 minutes, and that was my only manual tranny experience. I literally learned how to drive it the day that I bought it, and I've never looked back. I never plan to own another automatic for the rest of my life. Incidentally my MA (Christina Annes at Bill Jacobs in Naperville--gotta represent!!) offered to teach my wife to drive my MCS. I didn't end up taking her up on the offer, but I would bet that quality MA's would be willing to do the same for you and yours...just a thought!
Also, my first MINI (March '02) was my first car with no automatic. I had driven a Boxster and a classic 'Vette (barely) for a total of about 15 minutes, and that was my only manual tranny experience. I literally learned how to drive it the day that I bought it, and I've never looked back. I never plan to own another automatic for the rest of my life. Incidentally my MA (Christina Annes at Bill Jacobs in Naperville--gotta represent!!) offered to teach my wife to drive my MCS. I didn't end up taking her up on the offer, but I would bet that quality MA's would be willing to do the same for you and yours...just a thought!
6th Gear
I have a DS/W MCS with silver wheels. The white wheels make the MINI look too toyish. I do love white wheels with Indy blue however, but that's prob the only color I like them with.
I DO have the Lapis Blue Leather. Absolutely love it. The interior looks amazing with it and I constantly get compliments about it. However, I originally ordered leatherette b/c I thought it was decent considering it was standard. 2 weeks later, however, when I brought my wife in to take her for a spin in a MINI, she didn't like the leatherette. Not at all. I showed her leather and she loved it. So I changed my order to the Lapis Blue leather which I wanted anyway b/c of the looks. I just felt guilty about the extra $1350 but when my wife said she like the leather better, it was a no-brainer.
Like it has been said, get what you want.
Oh - it is an extremely easy car to learn stick on but like everyone said, if you can learn it first on someone else's car, do it.
I DO have the Lapis Blue Leather. Absolutely love it. The interior looks amazing with it and I constantly get compliments about it. However, I originally ordered leatherette b/c I thought it was decent considering it was standard. 2 weeks later, however, when I brought my wife in to take her for a spin in a MINI, she didn't like the leatherette. Not at all. I showed her leather and she loved it. So I changed my order to the Lapis Blue leather which I wanted anyway b/c of the looks. I just felt guilty about the extra $1350 but when my wife said she like the leather better, it was a no-brainer.
Like it has been said, get what you want.
Oh - it is an extremely easy car to learn stick on but like everyone said, if you can learn it first on someone else's car, do it.
4th Gear
as far as aesthetics...
I have EB/B with the lapis but have seen the DS with lapis and it looked sharp! Probably the best combination for the lapis.
I have EB/B with the lapis but have seen the DS with lapis and it looked sharp! Probably the best combination for the lapis.
1st Gear
If you live in a hot climate you may want the leather. I've had cars (not mini's) with leatherette and found the seats generally did not "breath" and as a result were hot and sticky in the hot humid weather. Also, as you'll note from other posts, the a/c is a bit weak in hot environments.
1st Gear
I suspect many people don't go with white wheels, in part, because they're high maintenance if you want them to stay looking nice. I had a Cooper with the white 5-star rims and found myself cleaning off the brake dust on a weekly basis. This may not be as much of a problem though if you do more freeway than in-town driving.
4th Gear
Howdy!
I have Dark Silver with white roof and mirrors, but to get the white wheels I would have to pay for them per my dealership. So I decided not to get them in white and besides it's a pain to keep clean.
The leatherette was my first choice but the car I picked out already had the leather so I didn't mind at all. The fresh leather smell and the softness is a plus. Just needs a little cleaning and conditioning often.
The stick was a little rough, especially to go engage "reverse" was kinda tough for me. But after a thousand miles or so it'll loosen up for you. Just get some training on a stick shift ride for a few weeks before attempting on a new MCS. Good luck and let us know what you decide.
I have Dark Silver with white roof and mirrors, but to get the white wheels I would have to pay for them per my dealership. So I decided not to get them in white and besides it's a pain to keep clean.
The leatherette was my first choice but the car I picked out already had the leather so I didn't mind at all. The fresh leather smell and the softness is a plus. Just needs a little cleaning and conditioning often.
The stick was a little rough, especially to go engage "reverse" was kinda tough for me. But after a thousand miles or so it'll loosen up for you. Just get some training on a stick shift ride for a few weeks before attempting on a new MCS. Good luck and let us know what you decide.
Thank you all very much for your quick responses!
My current MC (IB/W, White 8-Spoke Wheels) does require frequent cleaning, but I definitely prefer the white wheels (finally got a good look at them here).
I've pretty much decided that the Lapis Blue, while great looking, is just too much of a money drain, since i would have to sacrifice the Sport package and just go with 16" wheels and DSC.
I'm really a big fan of the looks of the Space Cloth, does anyone have some hi-res pics so I can see what it looks like up close? I'm not sure about long-term use though, as was mentioned before.
As for learning to drive a stick, I'm probably going to get some lessons from a friend of mine in a Jetta TDI. I've heard diesel is a bit easier to drive with a manual, is this true?
My current MC (IB/W, White 8-Spoke Wheels) does require frequent cleaning, but I definitely prefer the white wheels (finally got a good look at them here).
I've pretty much decided that the Lapis Blue, while great looking, is just too much of a money drain, since i would have to sacrifice the Sport package and just go with 16" wheels and DSC.
I'm really a big fan of the looks of the Space Cloth, does anyone have some hi-res pics so I can see what it looks like up close? I'm not sure about long-term use though, as was mentioned before.
As for learning to drive a stick, I'm probably going to get some lessons from a friend of mine in a Jetta TDI. I've heard diesel is a bit easier to drive with a manual, is this true?
Banned
yeah i would like to see some pics of this space cloth
i have never seen it
i have never seen it
3rd Gear
Congrats on the MCS and nice color choice. I'm curious as to why you though the CVT was "no fun" though--why?
Banned
>>Congrats on the MCS and nice color choice. I'm curious as to why you though the CVT was "no fun" though--why?
perhaps because of the stereotype of a slushbox? :???:
perhaps because of the stereotype of a slushbox? :???:
WDRAM,
Aloha and welcome to MCO-
>>I own an MC CVT (no fun) and am considering trading up to an MCS. I have some questions first.
The CVT is fun- unless you are having some trouble with your programming- if that is the case then I understand.
>>-I'm looking at dark silver/white roof for my car. Why doesn't anyone get white wheels with them? I would think they'd look good.
It does look good but White wheels are harder to keep as clean so they look as good.
>>-How's the leatherette? Is it comparable to the regular leather? And for that matter how's the Grey Cloth? I'd love to get the Lapis Blue leather but it just seems more practical to get the leatherette and sport package for less money.
If you live in a hot climate then leatherette feels sticky when you sweat. It is easy to clean up but I think it looks and feels too much like vinyl so I am not partial to it. I much prefer space clothe- check it out.
Sport package- check out all of it. The larger wheels look better but ride harsher/rougher and are heavier, the DSC people like to turn off if they want more performance, and the sport seats are standard for the S already. The fog and xenon lights you have to decide if you want them.
>>-I've never driven a stick before, is it difficult to learn in a brand-new MCS? I've heard that new cars' clutches are "stickier".
You'll have to practice driving stick. Rent a car that has stick. The clutch isn't bad and it is not hard to learn.
Go to Honda and go and practice on their new cars- too bad. I went there to buy an Accord before I bought my MINI and the sales person said 5 speeds are rare- they order all automatics these days and sometimes people who don't drive standard come to them and try the standard anyway and he ends up teaching them how to drive it! Amazing. They gave me a lousy price of $21K for a 5 speed Accord DX 2003- I didn't buy and a week later I had an MCS for $23,700.
Aloha and welcome to MCO-
>>I own an MC CVT (no fun) and am considering trading up to an MCS. I have some questions first.
The CVT is fun- unless you are having some trouble with your programming- if that is the case then I understand.
>>-I'm looking at dark silver/white roof for my car. Why doesn't anyone get white wheels with them? I would think they'd look good.
It does look good but White wheels are harder to keep as clean so they look as good.
>>-How's the leatherette? Is it comparable to the regular leather? And for that matter how's the Grey Cloth? I'd love to get the Lapis Blue leather but it just seems more practical to get the leatherette and sport package for less money.
If you live in a hot climate then leatherette feels sticky when you sweat. It is easy to clean up but I think it looks and feels too much like vinyl so I am not partial to it. I much prefer space clothe- check it out.
Sport package- check out all of it. The larger wheels look better but ride harsher/rougher and are heavier, the DSC people like to turn off if they want more performance, and the sport seats are standard for the S already. The fog and xenon lights you have to decide if you want them.
>>-I've never driven a stick before, is it difficult to learn in a brand-new MCS? I've heard that new cars' clutches are "stickier".
You'll have to practice driving stick. Rent a car that has stick. The clutch isn't bad and it is not hard to learn.
Go to Honda and go and practice on their new cars- too bad. I went there to buy an Accord before I bought my MINI and the sales person said 5 speeds are rare- they order all automatics these days and sometimes people who don't drive standard come to them and try the standard anyway and he ends up teaching them how to drive it! Amazing. They gave me a lousy price of $21K for a 5 speed Accord DX 2003- I didn't buy and a week later I had an MCS for $23,700.
Banned
They gave me a lousy price of $21K for a 5 speed Accord DX 2003- I didn't buy and a week later I had an MCS for $23,700.
wow my uncle got a accord ex with v6 auto for 18,700
but they hate us at that dealership. our family bought 4 accords from there over a 6 month period...and they probably hate us, cuz we bargain down 5 dollars
oh and here is a pic of a DS/white/white
wow my uncle got a accord ex with v6 auto for 18,700
but they hate us at that dealership. our family bought 4 accords from there over a 6 month period...and they probably hate us, cuz we bargain down 5 dollars
oh and here is a pic of a DS/white/white
2nd Gear
I originally wanted the Dark Silver and White top, but ended up getting an all Dark Silver. I love it. As for the white wheels, I would be very hesitant about choosing white. I have the R90 wheels and the brake dust from the OEM pads covers them within a day or two. I can imagine on white it would really be a problem.
You could spend $160 and buy GreenStuff brake pads which have very little dust. Not sure you will want to do that or not. I just ordered a set so that I do not have to clean my wheels twice a week!
You could spend $160 and buy GreenStuff brake pads which have very little dust. Not sure you will want to do that or not. I just ordered a set so that I do not have to clean my wheels twice a week!
The Auto trans is 'no fun' because it makes the already sluggish MC even slower, decreases mileage, and makes me lose my lunch to Civic SIs.
I love the great handling and styling of my MINI though, and the S is incredibly appealing with its supercharger.
Oh, and Chitown_COOP, That's the dealer I've been using as well! (Bill Jacobs MINI)
I love the great handling and styling of my MINI though, and the S is incredibly appealing with its supercharger.
Oh, and Chitown_COOP, That's the dealer I've been using as well! (Bill Jacobs MINI)
7th Gear Gal
>>I originally wanted the Dark Silver and White top, but ended up getting an all Dark Silver. I love it. As for the white wheels, I would be very hesitant about choosing white. I have the R90 wheels and the brake dust from the OEM pads covers them within a day or two. I can imagine on white it would really be a problem.
>>
>>You could spend $160 and buy GreenStuff brake pads which have very little dust. Not sure you will want to do that or not. I just ordered a set so that I do not have to clean my wheels twice a week!
>>
>>
Cheers!
Clover
>>
>>You could spend $160 and buy GreenStuff brake pads which have very little dust. Not sure you will want to do that or not. I just ordered a set so that I do not have to clean my wheels twice a week!
>>
>>
Cheers!
Clover
3rd Gear
I guess I must be missing out, but I think the CVT is great. Best of 3 worlds (or 3 program types). I test drove an S and still got the CVT. Guess I don't see to much difference. Good luck and motoring with your MCS!