Hey all! I'm researching on the MCS so any suggestions are fully welcome !

 

for all the research you should need.

 

pay only scant attention to negative posts as they are rarely driven by logic.

 

What are you researching for? For a reason to buy?? If so, keep in mind, every day you dont own a MINI, is every day you lose out.

Get a MINI. It will change your life.

btw, welcome to NAM.

 

My best suggestion would be to read as many of the posts as you can - and as was mentioned earlier, take some of the negative posts with a grain of salt - yeah, some MINIs have some problems, but the vast majority of them are great cars.

I say - order one and enjoy!!!

Welcome!!

 

Thanks! I've been reading alot of posts. There haven't been much on car prices for alarms. The dealer quoted me $895. I found that quite expensive.

 

I've been looking for acar to buy since my current 89 camry is on it's end of its life. My budget is tight, but I'd rather buy a car that I want rather than some other used car.

I'm looking at prices for the mini. At first I was thinking of getting a regular mini cooper, but I drove the cooper S and it's so much better in speed and mobility. However, the MCS is higher than my budget allows. But, I can't settle for less. Althgouh, I am willing to look at used MCS, but I haven't seen many in Houston.

 

Sounds quite alarming to me
I know, I know...

 

Suggestion: Order a "basic" MCS with manual transmission (These cars in standard form already come LOADED from the factory) and get it with just the cruise control (MFSW) and that's it. Stay away from metallic paint, Xenon lights, sunroofs and leather seats which will only increase the price.

You'll be looking at a car that will retail for no more than $22K before taxes and fees.

Another suggestion: If you can wait, ORDER the car from the factory by all means. Most cars in the dealer's lot are pre-specced and this means they are fully loaded models. Don't settle for less/more than you really want to. Also ordering and waiting for the car is 50% of the ownership experience. Don't miss on it if you can afford to.

 

I'll echo C4's sentiment, ordering just what you want is the way to go. I originally looked buying a used MINI, but all the ones available were 03's loaded with extras, and ended up being more expensive than the MINI I special ordered.

And waiting is a blast. It's like being 8 yrs old again waiting for Christmas.

 

I would just got with the factory setup, without the key the starter is disabled and the door handles won't work.

Yes, someone can still break in, but with the trick door locks, I don't see anyone opening the door and driving away.

My 2cents.

 

Keep in mind, the new '05s have different gear ratios. Previously, 1st and 2nd gear were a little "tall." The new gearing gives the car a little better low end acceleration, and a lot of folks have traded in models from previous years to get that, or the new cabrio.

So, there are some used MINIs around. Some with fairly low milage. Some get posted on NAM, or you can check Craigslist, or eBay. Then compare what you find against the cost of buying new.

Good luck!

 

Don't feel you have to get the "S"; weigh your options. The sunroof is key, xenons and metallic paint are great, and if your not a stick driver the auto is manditory, I suppose. Do you need the extra power? How important is insurance & gas mi? The MC is no slouch, especially in the twisties. All the fun of MINI plus you can get some goodies. 2 cents.


-Steve

 

:smile: Welcome to NAM, sillyvibe (great name)!!

I agree with the suggestion of ordering an almost bone-stock MCS. And by ordering a basic MCS, you will have a rarity AND a great platform for after-market mods. You'll be amazed at the standard equipment:

• 6 airbags
• air conditioning
• cd stereo sound system
• Roadside Assistance
• Center Speedo
• Custom programmable MINI Key

I'm sure I've forgotten some items! LOL! I don't think you need to worry about the alarm system. I am one of those who really loves the Xenons. I had the halogen lights in my first MINI, a Cooper, and they are not as effective as the Xenons. Just my .02....

And you may want to motor over to Brian Harris MINI in Baton Rouge to check out their lot or call and ask what they have. I was there in April, and they had quite a few used MINIs. You may also want to see what they charge for the MINI Alarm, parts & labor. I had a service there and really liked them.

Good luck!


Clover

 

I agree, a bone-stock (more or less) MCS is a very good way to go. No problem. However, don't overlook the Cooper outright if that's a better fit for your budget. Coopers take a bit of getting used to in order to get the most out of it, but they are a blast...even if (again...more or less) bone stock (= light)!!!

I think sometimes people drive the two models back to back and (naturally) are drawn to the one that is the fastest. Valid perhaps for many, but things are not always as they appear at first glance. Depends what your primary interests are, where you drive most, and your personal threshold for thrills. It ain't all about speed, imho...not at all.

In the end, if you're motoring in a MINI, you're in for some seriously good times, so make the best decision you can and go for it!

 

WE have a July Build 02 "S" that we bought new and just love and will never part with. I saw one for sale from a member here for around 16 or 17k. Can't go wrong wit that! Check out autotrader.com and do a national search. I think there are good used "S"s out there now for reasonable bucks. You may have a long drive home but that would all be part of the adventure. Good luck!

 

I checked out the site and there's one that's not too far from me that's a MCS. Although, it's loaded with more stuff that I need like the HK system and moon/sunroof. I was wondering, did you get a warranty with your car? The car I was looking at is 2004 MCS for 20K. Not much better, but I wasn't sure if I had to pay taxes for it since it's from the owner, not the dealer.

 

What kind of mileage does the 2004 have, sillyvibe? If it's under 48,000, it should still be under warranty.

I don't know about your tax answer.

And the H/K is a very nice system...I have it (had the standard system in MINI #1), and love it. And the sunroof is fantastic! I've never had one before, but have enjoyed it so much, that I can very enthusiastically recommend it.


Clover

 

Sunroof in cali is great. But in Houston, it's hot and humid! I have a sunroof in my camry and i hardly use it. HK system is nice but I think I can live without it. The car is under 20k miles. I don't like the seat color tho. Plain black and grey is good for me.

Here's the link:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ist=140#vdptop

 

You will have the remainder of the 50,000 mile/4 year warranty....this is MINI's warranty, it doesn't manner how many different owners the car has.

It looks great to me...I love Electric Blue!!!