Really? Of the limited number of the waves I have received only MCS owners wave at me. The MC owners stare straight ahead and avoid any eye contact with me whatsoever. Not sure what's that all about. I take that back, one MC owner honked at me several times but I didn't notice it because he was behind me in another lane and in my blind spot. My wife finally told me and I honked back but I don't know if he heard it. Sorry!@!

 

I don't know about that... One MC owner I know had Goodyear F1's on his MC and would spin the inside tire in curves.

To be honest, one trivial thing draws me to the MCS over the MC is the transmission and the shift pattern. For some reason I like reverse to be up-left rather than down-right (although I drove cars and trucks with that location for years ).

Basically, if the MC was available with the MCS's 6-spd, it would be a much tougher decision. And with a MC turbo kit on the horizon, one could have the best of both worlds: MC initial price, style and insurance w/ (more or less) MCS power.

 

I like Coopers a lot....perfectly matched to my driving needs, preferences, and tastes. I will be buying another one and, for the exact same reasons I bought my present Cooper, will pass on the MCS.

 

Maybe I should apologize for reviving this thread, but its fun to read the same thoughts I've had while I wait for my MC to be delivered.

 

I was looking for an economical, 4 seat, fun to drive, convertible and the ONLY car that fit that bill was the MCC. The MCSC is NOT economical considering the initial price difference and everyday mileage being WAY less than the MC. There is a big difference between 24 MPG (small SUV territory) and 34 MPG in everyday driving. Coming from an NB Miata, the MC feels just about right as far as performance. To me it's a lot more fun to be able to use ALL the power in an MC vs. having to moderate the power in an MCS. The MC also seems lighter handling and feels more manueverable in the twisties.

 

I got the MC instead of the S because this is my daily car, and I don't plan on doing autocross or the like. I have had my MINI for a week and I have to say that this little car has PLENTY of power for me. And with the gas mileage I'm getting, it just makes more sense for me.

To each his (or her) own.

 

I opted for the MC cause I really didn't need the extras included in the S. For the kind of driving I do and the garage space we have it'll be perfect, supposed to pick it up round end of Mar.
NW

 

I test drove both the MC and the MCS, the MC was a better fit for my driving style/preference; in city driving, the MC requires more shifting, and that's what I like.

 

Wanting an automatic, my obvious concern was whether the smaller engine "could".

There was no doubt the MCSa had more than enough power for everyday driving, but I am still smiling from my test drive with the MCa. I really preferred the fun feel of the MCa. Since my Mini does not arrive until the end of the month, I may have to go for another test drive just to be sure I am not dreaming!

Once I do drive my new MCa for a few weeks, I think I will go for another test drive of an MCSa just to confirm my feelings.

 

Getting back to the original topic of this thread, "Anybody still buying an MC instead of an MCS?", we have an answer from Dr. Michael Ganal of the BMW management board. The worldwide figures are:Source: http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/08/d...ini-at-geneva/

 

^^^Yes, but I think the # in the U.S. are pretty close to dead even.

 

I am waiting on my 2006 PW/B MC to be delivered next month. The ride, difference in gas mileage and just overall use that I have for the car, I had no need for the MCS....well not at this time anyways!

 

With a Cooper at an autocross / track, if you're fast - it's the driver.

With a Cooper S at an autocross / track, if you're fast - it's the car.

:D

 

i came close to an S, but due to reasons in the following order, i decided against MCS:

1) extra purchase cost
2) reliabilty (read about all kind of problems with idle and driveability with S's)
3) extra maintenance cost (tires mostly)
4) increased probability of tickets

i tested the S and liked it. however, the S speed is not blinding. as stated above, its forte is handling, which the MC does fine.

About 5,000 miles into the MC, i am happy with the purchase.

I would rather have ordered a 130i, but it is not in the U.S.A. yet.

 

I'm trying to hold out for an '07 MC but it's tough. My mother is going to drive up from the east coast to Seattle so I may have her pick me up a MC. Madly scouring websties for '05 and '06 deals. Wait time in Seattle is 6-8 months for a MC. Must resist.

MC makes sense for me since i'm looking for good mileage for daily driving and fun handling for weekend excursions. While I could afford a MCS JCW I didn't get to where I could afford one by buying things that are not practicle and thrifty.