Well, today I went and test drove a MCS for the first time. I've never driven an S before, and my curiosity got the best of me.

I took out a loaded MCS hardtop with sunroof (opposed to a convertible).

I loved it. I know that I definitely want the S now. I loved everything about the car. It was by far the most fun I've ever had behind the wheel, and I've driven plenty of $100,000+ cars.

I actually liked the panoramic sunroof so much that I'm leaning toward ordering that instead of the convertible and saving some cash. Not sure yet though. In a year I'll let you all know.

Thought I'd share.

 

I love the sunroof. I open it 2 or 3 times a day.

 

The sunroof is another potential long term nuisance but I love mine and have it cracked open all the time, even when parked [and especially after I transported two orders of fried pork chops from my favorite Thai restaurant, but that's another matter].

 

Well, if I don't get the convertible the sunroof is a must.

 

Yes, you finally drove one, excellent. Glad you liked it, now go get one!

mb

 

I wish it was that easy. I'd trade my Saab in a second.

I shouldn't have driven one yet, because now I can't get it off my mind. My parents said I can get one next fall, but I don't think I'll be able to convince them to let me get one earlier. This year is going to go by SLOWLY.

 

Now that you are hooked.....place one on order now for delivrery in one year

 

I wish they would release the info on the '07s so I could start planning.

I'm sure the colors, options, etc. will be changing.....

 

Well, Kyle: I love the panoramic sunroof, too. And for me, the decreased visibility of the convertible is problematic.....so, I prefer the hatch with the sunroof! Glad you enjoyed your test drive!



Clover

 

the sunroof is fantastic! if it is not raining and not below 60 its open all the time! totally woth it

 

I agree. I took the hardtop for a test drive just for the heck of it, fully expecting to still want the convertible.

I actually liked how open and bright the hardtop felt (with the sunroof) compared to the convertible which is a bit closed in and has horrible visability.

So yeah, not sure which way I'll go.

 

You don't have to worry about being closed in or horrible visibilty if you follow the 90/10 rule

 

Very true. It will probably come down to where I'm living at the time.

Here in New England the 90/10 rule doesn't work so well.

In a perfect world, I still prefer the convertible though.

 

Congrats KRGMini05 on getting a taste of what all of us here have known for a long time now. It will definitely be a tough wait now that you've had 1st-hand experience.
As you get older, you wish that the years would stop going by so quickly, but for you, I hope it's a super fast one!

BTW, I love my panoramic - good luck on your final decision.

 

What!!!??? The sunroof closes?

 

I love my MCS and my sunroof open and closed... 'Cause even closed it creates a feeling of openess... (Starting to sound like deep thoughts here and it's a bit early in the morning for it. )

 

Here's what's crazy: I loved the MCS when I test drove it; but wait 'til you own one. I took delivery last week and found that it surpassed all my expecations despite the painful anticipation of the wait. Think test-drive X 10 :smile: :smile: .

 

I love the sunroof - it's one of the best features of the car IMO. My first two cars had sunroofs, though small. My Sunfire was a wabasto, and went over the top like the Mini, but was still about 60% of the total openeing. I was very happy with it, and it never had a single problem. I didn't *think* I would miss it, so the car after that I ordered without a sunroof - BIG mistake. Although it took a little while, I really missed it and will never order without it again.


That being said, a sunroof, even one as large as the Mini - is in no way a comparson to a convertible roof - apples and oranges. Until you have driven a vert withthe roof down, you just won't understand - it's like being outside while you are driving - you will NEVER get that feeling with anythign else.

 

One of my parents cars is a convertible so I know exactly what you mean.

 

I've been wanting a MINI since I moved to Indiana in 2003. My first MINI experience was a 2005 MCS with full JCW package! Talk about a babptism by fire!

OK I knew that I didn't a convertable before the drive. When I came back down from floating in mid air... I decided I could live with out the JCW stuff. S package is something I can also live with or without. But payments on a MC woud be much easier to afford than those of a MCS also insurance.

Now the torture is waiting for income tax refund for the down payment!

 

The only thing I dont like about the sunroof is, when it's open it gets too noisy from the wind and I dont hear my radio. Apart from that, it's the best damn sunroof you can get on ANY car before going topless.

 

When it gets closer to ordering time, I'm hoping they'll let me take a car for an hour or so on an extended test drive. I've done this with my other two car purchases.

When I drove the MCS the salesman went, so I couldn't drive like my normal 18 year old self would normally drive.

I don't think I even got a taste of what the car can really do.

 

I agree completely, but the idea of going completely topless.....now THAT'S good!

 

Agreed...I added a wind defector to the leading edge several years ago and it has very little effect with the noise. It's a great slow cruising sunroof, but I normally close it for interstate driving.



I owned an orange Renault 5 back in the seventies with a vinyl softtop sunroof...felt like the whole roof was open to the elements...probably it's best feature.

 

next time drive it like you want even if the salesperson is there. I beat the hell out of both the stick and the automatic s when I was testing... will do so again in a few weeks when I go to order... just to 'make sure' the s is what I want, lol. I don't think they would have any problems as long as you're not breaking any laws (besides speeding). they want you to want the car... and this car really shines when you get on it.