I had my 2006 MCS for almost 1 week now. It has been a blast and fun to drive. Since driving for 1 week, I've seen a few mini cars in boston but none really smile/wave/honk. I got the 2005 instruction booklet so it seems everything about the car is exactly like the 05 model.

It is my first stick shift car although I had plenty of practice driving my girlfriend's car. So not only is it a new car, it's a whole new driving experience. Since I'm new at driving stick and car is in break in period. I feel an old lady driving a toyota echo is faster than me. Cars are tailgating me all the time because I'm taking too long of a time to shift and I don't go past 4000rpm.

The car so far has no problems so far I think. Initially I heard a popping noise in the back. I thought my trunk wasn't closed so I actually stopped a few times and got out to open/close the trunk again. Then I realize there was a trunk light if I didn't close it hard enough.
Luckily I think that popping noise is a feature and only happens in 1st,2nd,and 3rd gear starting from idle.

I notice the car is very slow when there are passengers. I had a total of 3 people, probably combine weight of 500+ lbs, and the car feels so slow. At first I thought it was my 91 gas from sunoco.

I drove up to 340 miles before I filled up for the first time and put in 12 gallons. I find myself looking for places to go so I can drive around. I got a free cup holder but I hate that thing and haven't had the chance to find a 5star screwdriver to take it off.
I love the xenon headlights!!

 

My 2005 is one year old and has 22,000 miles. Enjoy and welcome to the fin times.

Someone asked me how "I like that little car?" I replied "I love getting into it every day.

 

Congrats blitz! I hear it's worth it to stick to the 4.5k rpm until 1250 miles. It's gotta be tough but I'm going to do it. I've already been scoping roads in the North Georgia mountains on Earth Google. Go get 'em!

 

When I first test drove a 6-spd '05 Cooper S, it was with 4 people in the car. This was a broken-in model, so I could get on it for all it had. On an interstate on-ramp, it chirped the tires going into 2nd gear, and felt really quick. In fact, I'm just about certain it was "faster" than an '06? Mazda MX-5 (miata) that I test drove later the same day, and noticeably faster, and that was with only 2 people in the Mazda, and 4 in the Cooper.

I'm going to have to do the same patience waiting game as you in another Month or so, so I'll be able to sympathize soon enough. But once it's broken in, I think you'll really enjoy the experience.

Heck, if you want to, go to your local Mini dealer, ask to take a test drive, and test drive an '05 MCS 6 speed, and drive it hard, then see what you think.

 

blitz - seems we are getting about the same gas milage with my '06. I will have to fill up tomorrow (a week of ownership) My experience seems like yours. I try to find places to go to drive and love every minute. I have an MCa - things are going well with speed and RPM's. Though I am waiting to use the steptronic (closest thing I can be to driving to a manual) until after the break-in period.

I was going around with 3 large people and 1 small person in the car, and Minerva did not drag or seem slower. Just as zippy!

 

It will feel more powerful when you decide to go ahead and drive it above 4000rpm.

 

I noticed pretty sluggish performance at low rpms off a light, but once the revs increase, the little car moves pretty good. I just have to remember not to jump out in front of big trucks (from a stop), almost got crushed !

 

is this in referrence to an MC or MCS?

 

mini rx has a 2004 MCS. :smile: