MCS problems-
None that are not fixed over 8000 miles of driving it.
One leaky coolant bottle and one recall for bolts in the rear suspension.

MCS disappointments-
After 8 months and over $10,000 worth of modifications the car is great and there is "not much left to do",
except take it to the track and driving school every chance I get for the next 10 years.

My MCS is a blast and totally fun. It's doing great.

One caution- some dealerships are good and others are not. This goes for Sales dept and for Service dept.

Most MINI owners are wildly good people. Much more intesting and varied than your average car crowd.

 

I just ordered a MCS and have to say it is worth looking at multiple dealerships. There are those that don't add a $2,500+ charge (like most in California) or require dealer selected packaes of little or no value or require a long wait (like the few in CA that don't gouge).

If you want a summer delivery, then a road trip from New Jersy, Batton Rouge, or Dallas might be great fun. Good prices, short wait, and a road trip...that could be cool.

I opted for a good price and a little wait as I did not want to drive across the country in mid-winter. Too manay chances for salt, rocks, or worse yet, an out of control skiding car. I want my future MCS to keep looking good for as long as possilbe.

 

Does anyone have any more details on the up and coming car that will replace the renault clio sport

 

2003 MCS no regrets...if you see one and want one get one...it will not disappoint...

BTW...

I'm married, have a kid (my MINIs biggest fan!) and some would consider me OLD (at 41

Motor on, yo!

 

If I had 80k to spend I would get the beautiful and insane Audi RS6. 450 HP, 4.6 0-60, 17.8 to 125 mph. AWD. It's a true monster

 

I am having too much fun with this car, it's got to be illegal!! I have an '04 with 2,300 miles on it and nothing wrong so far. It's only 4 weeks old, so time will tell, tim

 

Over a year without a rattle, squeak or bad part needing replacement. I did do some self inflicted damage that required repair, but that had nothing to do with my MCS itself.

 

>>Biggest complaint is that the lights do not turn off when I turn it off and pull out the key.

>>
Sounds like you need the dealer to turn off your "follow me home lights". It's a programable option.

 

Wow, quite a diverse range of cars. The Mini is a good car. The first year ish of Cooper S was quirky and had some issues, but the teething problems seem to have been sorted out. I have one on order, am going from 2002 Corvette (lease) into it. The Subie STi is a good car indeed, but (IMHO) the styling isn't anything great. The M3 (new I assume?) is an excellent car, but if your from a northern climate, it might be too much fun as a single car in the winter. Were I able to get that and a winter car, tho, I would go that direction...

Pricey tho, I think a new M3 pushes $50,000? A loaded (non-John-Cooper-Works) Cooper S is around $27,000...

I considered the EVO, but felt it a bit too much on styling. Also, the ride on it I thought was harsh. The STi was a consideration, but I was trying to stay around $25,000, so it was out. I considered an RX8 as well, but needed an all-season solution.

caio,

-Matt

 

Just my .02 here. I have had my MCS since June, and with the exception of a rare and minor stumble issue and a glove box door latch with a mind of it's own (I'll get that fixed at first service) this car makes me happy happy happy.

 

16 months,25000 miles,5 windshields and a transmission frozen in first gear(had to be towed back to the dealer) 2002 MCS :???:

 

I'm disappointed in all the rattles. I have a 1992 Jeep with 175,000 miles that doesn't rattle like this car. Otherwise it's a blast to drive. I only have 5,100 miles
on the car.

 

.02 cents from a non-MINI owner who did consider one... I bought my Jetta TDI Wagon over the MINI mainly because of space (it's a wagon), mileage (47 mpg avg)and price($20.9k for a GLS w/ leather package). I still don't regret the decision. I like driving the car and it has a uniqueness factor that rivals anything out there (not many TDI wagons around) even if it doesn't attract attention like a MINI does. I had to wait 3.5 months to get the Jetta.

A few months after picking up my Jetta, a MINI arrived in my life as well, although not belonging to me...

So, being around a MINI all the time, but rarely driving it, I really want one of my own now... Not sure how to afford it (or where I'd put it)... but I want one... Unfortunately, what I would want - a Blk/W MCS w/ zero options - would have to be ordered, so I'd be waiting for it...

 

I've got an MC, and am planning an upgrade- ordered a JCW MCS which will take about 8 months to arrive at my very excellent dealership (Rasmussen MINI). That being said, I've loved every bit of time I've spent w/ my PS/B MC, and actually prefer the looks of the regular Cooper over the S. I'd love to see a naturally aspirated higher performance model, as I'm not a real fan of the hood scoop or the lack of chrome appointments on the S, but I'm also eager to experience 200 BHP of the S. You can't go wrong w/ either.

 

2004 MCS with 5,000 trouble free miles. Not a rattle, buzz, stumble, or any thing else to be found. Car is tight as a drum. The build quality on my MCS is superb. From what I have been reading, BMW has really been paying attention to quality and improvements on the new 2004 models. The early 2002 builds had some quality control and reliability issues. If you have put off your Cooper purchase so BMW could address the "bugs" like I did, now would be a great time to order a new one and skip buying a used model.