Hi gang,
It's been a while since I've posted (looking for a real job can do that but I'm glad to be back.
My fiancee and I are planning on moving to North Carolina in a year or two (we're getting married this December), and I have a tough decision to make. I'm planning on going to the Smokies a lot, so I'm trying to plan ahead for a car and I'm torn between a Subaru WRX wagon (good reliability, AWD, quick, and roomy) and a MCS. I haven't driven the WRX wagon, but I've heard it is a blast. I've driven the MCS before and it definitely was a blast. I'm just worried about how it handles the snow and mountain roads.
Now, I won't be getting it for a while, but I'm just trying to do my homework. I'd really appreciate any help, advice or personal experiences anyone can give. Thanks in advance.

Jeff

 

Subaru's AWD will be better in the worst of weather conditions, but the MINI will be more fun to drive the rest of the time. The MINI will be competent on icy/snowy roads.

Do you need the extra cargo room of the Subaru?

 

While the Subaru has more power to offer and AWD, it looks butt ugly, IMO. I couldn't drive/own a car that I didn't absolutely love. But everyone has their own tastes, even if it goes against the regular flow. And a example of that are people driving around in Azteks thinking they're the sh*t.
As for the MCS, well, you're asking the right people. The MINI does good in snow. Depending on how much snow, and being that you mentioned mountain roads, I'd advise a set of good winters shoes for it when that time comes. Outside of the snowy season, the MINI would still be bigger on the fun-factor status than the Subaru.
Just my $0.02 worth.
Cheers,

 

I've taken my Cooper up into the Sierras after storms a few times on roads that were recently plowed but still snow and ice covered. Even with half-bald perf run-flats, it did very well. The traction control and abs do their job, and the incredible road feel you have in the Mini allows you to keep good tabs on whether you're coming "unstuck". Never experienced dsc at work, I think you have to really screw up before it comes into play.

My impression has been that the Mini is an excellent snow car. An lsd would make it even better.

I've driven a couple of wrx's and was not at all impressed, aethetics aside. Compared to the Mini they felt like trucks to me - heavy and vague. I'm sure it's a good car at the limit, but for day-to-day driving it seemed like a total snooze.

 

Hey Jeff, I don't own a MINI so I can't speak specifically to the MINI's handling in the snow, but my boyfriend has a Subaru WRX (which we share for the time being). The WRX is pretty amazing in the snow. We're originally from Michigan, so we're used to the white stuff -- and the ice, sleet, and salt ( :evil: ) that comes with it.

I wish I could give you a review from my perspective on the MINI, but I haven't had it yet...hope this (one-sided) review helps!

Good luck -- I'm sure whichever you choose, you'll be happy. Both the MINI and WRX have high "wave factors."

 

Hi everyone,
You guys and gals rock. Thanks so much for the opinions, they were very helpful.
I guess, depending on where we move in NC (we won't be in the mountains per se), I won't have to worry about a ton of snow. I forgot about the DSC and traction control on the MCS though. I can't wait to drive my MCS along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Lately I had pretty much decided on the WRX (I actually like the looks and I like that, if I need it, I have the cargo room), but I went to the Houston Auto Show this past weekend, saw the MINI display, and it got my blood going again just seeing them there. I'd probably consider even springing for the John Cooper Works Package and not getting many other options. We'll see though.
Well, thanks again for the opinions. I really appreciate it.

Jeff

 

>>I'd probably consider even springing for the John Cooper Works Package and not getting many other options. We'll see though.

I considered doing that as well. My options have pushed the price of my MINI up quite a bit -- but it's still a bargain IMO. Think long and hard about the JCW. I did and decided I could always aftermarket performance mods but some things are better done the first go round (i.e. sunroof!) :evil:

 

Right now, I'm just kind of thinking about cars. I still need to finish paying off my 2000 Golf GLS (the end of this year), and a wedding, and honeymoon, then my fiancee will probably get her new car (Toyota Corolla) before me. But then it's on!
I priced one this morning with the package and all my options, and it came to close to $29K, which is waaaay out of my league. I then priced one with just the options I want, and it came to $23K. It comes to around $25K with only the JCW package and no other options. That $23K is much nicer though. Besides, I've seen a few posts that say the JCW package isn't worth the $5K. I'll be getting an MCS more for the "fun to drive" factor than for performance, so I wouldn't want to spend the $$$ aftermarket either. I like the JCW package b/c it is done by the company and is covered under warranty. Plus it gives you a little exclusivity, as I've yet to see any on the road here in Houston. I don't know that upping the hp to 200 would add that much more excitement. Besides, I'd rather be driving twisties than straightaways.

 

>>I then priced one with just the options I want, and it came to $23K. It comes to around $25K with only the JCW package and no other options. That $23K is much nicer though. Besides, I've seen a few posts that say the JCW package isn't worth the $5K. I'll be getting an MCS more for the "fun to drive" factor than for performance, so I wouldn't want to spend the $$$ aftermarket either. I like the JCW package b/c it is done by the company and is covered under warranty. Plus it gives you a little exclusivity, as I've yet to see any on the road here in Houston. I don't know that upping the hp to 200 would add that much more excitement. Besides, I'd rather be driving twisties than straightaways.

I say strip it down and add the JCW! A stripped S with JCW is a pure, no-frills performance car, and less expensive than the "average" S being spec'ed these days. Of course it's MUCH more expensive than just a stripped S alone, or one modified in the after market. A quick search will yeild umpteen debates/opinions on the value of the JCW. Only you can calculate what it is worth to you.

 

Well, considering that my wife drives a WRX wagon, and I drive an MCS...

I don't think you can go wrong with either car...but they definitely are in different leagues if you ask me. The MCS is WAY more fun than the WRX. The WRX is faster, but most places you can't use that extra speed anyway, and I'll take the manueverability of the MCS over the speed of the WRX.

The WRX wins out in bad road performance and cargo hauling though. If you think you'll need to do either on a regular basis I'd pick the WRX over the MCS. I also think the WRX wagon looks WAY better than the sedan!

The MCS is a fun 4-wheeled motorcycle that I carve around on when it's nice out.

Either way, you're going to have a lot of fun!

 

Just wanted to let you know

If you decided to go with WRX, make sure you wait and get the 05 model. (which should come out in a couple months.) There will be some improvements, including the upgraded manual tranny. If you didn't know, that is definetely the weakest link of the car, especially if you plan on drving real hard. Other than that, it is a wonderful car.

Overall WRX should be a bit more reliable than MINI. Not to bash mini in any way, I love MINI. However objectively speaking I think many will agree that japanese cars are generally more relaible than european ones. Although WRX might not be as relaible as some of the Honda and Toyota offerings, MINI is hardly an exception to that rule either, I think.

Happy shopping!