Hope I am posting in the right section:

I am looking at a 2006 Cooper S loaded...what type of fuel economy will I expect? its a 6 speed manual, and I read something about Minis in california (where I live) getting crappy mileage even using premium here because the premium fuel here "sucks".......?

southern cal is a little bit hilly so its not all flat..IF i drive (semi) nicely, what type of MPG will I be getting? Also, is it a NECESSITY to use premium gas? The lady at the dealer told me the S I was driving was running on 87 and that they do just fine..hmmmmm.

also, anything else I should look into at this 06 before I buy it? its a slammin deal....24k miles, $15,500...english seats, chronopackage, sport package, premium package, xenon headlights, auto AC, multifunction steering wheel etc etc etc.....still has factory warranty on it. oh, does anyone know what the factory warranty covers and how long it lasts for? Also, once the warranty is up can I take it into a Pep Boys or some other auto place to get repairs done? I don't feel like spending out the roof at the beamer dealer here to get it fixed if I can go somewhere else....

I know I have a lot of questions, but thanks !!

 

I have an 04 MCS, with a 15 % pully and a Helix CAI as the only engine Mods done to date. I run nothing but 93 octane fuel and do about 80 % highway driving at 65 to 70 MPH and average 500 miles a week or so. My MPG runs in the 24 to 28 range, have never hit the 30 mark even on some non stop 260 miles runs.

 

Stock (so far) 05 MCS - I drive about 500 miles a week as well 90% on the highway - I ave between 28 - 30 but I drive really hard.

I wouldn't use less the the recommended 91oct.

That is a great deal - I just got my 05 with 24k for 14,500 I thought that was a steal =)

 

Our 2004 MCS with no mods is getting 32mpg on the highway for us. Moderate driving style, not really pushing it.

 

'04 with 15% pulley, CAI and one-ball.
I get 27 in normal city driving, lower with more fun and less traffic.
I get between 30 and 35 on the highway depending on the roads.

 

'04 mcs w/ 15% pulley and CAI and catback exhaust.
26-28mpg mixed

 

- I'm an OC'er too with a stock '04 MCS. I get 20-22 MPG, but that's because I live 3 miles from work. If I make every green light I can get here in 7 minutes. But if I take her out on the highway I can easily get in the low 30's.

- I always use premium. But everything I've heard and read says you can use 89 safely because the engine will automatically de-tune itself to avoid pinging. To get the most enjoyment out of your car, use premium.

- Yes, you can take your car anywhere to get it serviced. Minicorsa comes highly recommended, but they're up in the valley. No, I would not take it to Pep Boys (or Midas or Aamco or ...)

My $.02

 

Sounds like an awesome deal!

I average 25 MPG mixed. Have gotten as good as 33 MPG straight freeway going ~80.

I would stick with premium. Car will run better, and from past experience with other vehicles, you actually get worse gas mileage running the lower octane so it negates any cost savings anyway.

 

I'm very interested in upgrading to a Cooper S. I'm looking at the prices you guys are paying for them. They are charging over 18k for S's here with over 50k miles on them. What's going on in Kansas??

 

04 MCS
(Madness) CAI, Header and Exhaust, 15%, MSD Coil/Wires
(the ECU will be tuned within the next week or so... )
92 Octane
I keep REAL numbers, I don't read the OBC...
I get as low as 22mpg in town and on the hwy I get up to 31mpg... Normal Hwy is 29mpg

 

It is Kelly blue booked at $22,000 but the guy has to get rid of it immediately

 

I'm getting any where form 25-30mpg it all depends on how I'm feeling that day. Went on a long trip from Portland to San Fran and averaged around 30mpg

I just have slight mods to the car: intake, exhaust, 15% pulley, ignition, and ecu. Just bolt on stuff right now.

 

Not the way to take care of an S. I wouldn't touch this car. Who knows how else it's been mistreated?

Your warranty questions: 3 yrs/36k miles all maintenance - probably already run out. 4 yrs/50k miles new car warranty - you might have a year left.

I get 25-27 mixed in my stock 05 S.

 

With the following mods

Alta CAI l 17% SC Reduction Pulley l EBC GreenStuff Brake Pads l M7 Strut Brace Bar l Brisk 14LGS l Kingsborne Wires l Hotchkis 25MM Rear Sway l Clutchmasters Fx2oo + Clutchmasters Flywheel l Stealth SuperSprint Exhaust with MF/ Tips

and 93 octane, I get about 18 to 20 MPG. I do 90% city driving as I live/work/school in the city.

 

I'm seeing a lot of people saying they have ECU..what's ecu?

 

ECU stands for Engine Control Unit...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_control_unit

 

2006 MCS GP, California Gas.
I get 22 MPG around town with some highway mixed in.
I get about 28-30 on the highway.
I would use 91 octane.
The GP is tuned differently (slightly higher horsepower) so your mileage should be better than mine. I also drive the car pretty hard.

Warranty work must be done by a Mini dealership, even a BMW dealership cannot do Mini warranty work. After warranty I would find a shop that actually works on Minis from time to time. In OC you should not have a problem finding a good shop.

 

Do not use anything but premium gas!! It will run fine, BUT, you will get worse gas mileage and reduced performance. Not worth the .20 cents pg difference!!

I average 28 MPG mixed driving in hilly Knoxville, TN, but that's post RMW tune. Before that I averaged 26 MPG mixed driving.

Sounds like a good deal on the car, get it!

 

low teens for the most part. I'm not really one who looks at mpg to tell you the truth. If I like the vehicle I buy it. If it gets anything over 15 them i'm good with it. Although my 77 F150 averages 10! but it's built tank tough so it's to be expected.

 

I just have to throw this in here as I can't help myself. 45 to 51 (actual) mpg on my MC (Non S). You guys have the "speed" and we have the "MPG".

Jim

 

Mods are in my Sig. Pre-mods, I got 27-30mpg, post mods and heavier foot, 22-26mpg.

RMW tune this weekend, we'll see if that affects it.

 

Good gas mileage? It's a side benefit of driving such a great performing car!

I am averaging 26 - 28 in all kinds of driving, including commuting. Strictly hiway, and I just touch the under side of 30mpg. I have seen low 20s when I have my foot in it. If I am pushing that hard, FUN, not mpg, is the major part of the equation.

 

The bottom line is that your happy and I'm happy which is what it all really comes down to.

Jim

 

Expect 2 MPG improvement overall

 

Was that in an S manual? which year?