First of all, I love my 2002 MCS as much today as when I bought it in July of 2002. I did not experience any early build issues that others had reported with the exception of the ECU changes and the leaking radiator overflow tank, which were easily resolved.

Here's the issue: Currently have a 2000 BMW 323i (wife's car), 2004 Toyota Sienna (travel/weekend car), and the MCS. We have 2 kids, 6 and 13 years old. Started thinking about "downsizing" our needs. Turning 50 next year, so I am kind of having "reverse mid-life crisis". We could easily live with just two cars, and the MCS maybe the one to sell. Lowers our overall costs for insurance, depreciation, etc., if we sell. I would just like some other opinions on folks out there that have gone through a similar thought process. Of course this means that I drive the van for most of my commuting, my wife loves her 323i too much to either sell or let me drive (it was a gift to her as well). My priorities in life seem to be changing.

Specs. on my MCS: 2002 MCS with basically no options, EB/W. I added Madness swaybar, CAI, pulley, UUC cat-back, and H Sport springs. Dyno'd at 184 HP at the wheels. Less than 29k miles, still under warranty until July 2006.

 

Maybe the reason you're not having a mid-life crisis is because you already have and drive an amazing MCS?????

I can't pretend to have any idea of what you're going through, but if you bought and enjoy driving an MCS, I am certain you will find a mini-van severely lacking, which might in turn send you down a slippery slope to a whole other sports car that is more expensive and dangerous! So, in summation, tell your wife that you are taking preventative measures to stop a potentially crippling purchase due to an unforseen mid-life crisis by keeping the MCS!

Plus, you've got an '02 - first production year (might be worthwhile if you keep it a long time).

And you've got EB, a discontinued color; it's tastefully modified, and is a rare car that isn't weighed down with too many options and very few miles.

Keep it.

Oh yea, and if you can't drive the 323, she can't drive the MCS. Can you tell I'm not married?

mb

 

Sell the Sienna. That is the best choice, since you only have 2 kids. They can fit in either MINI or the bimmer, any your youngest already 6, he/she can climb in the back seat of your MINI. In case of long trip, you can rent a mini-van for that. The gas money you saved from driving the MINI should able to covered the rental. (Imagine how much you spend on the gas, if you drive the Sieanna daily?)

 

Well I think you should get on the track with your little mini and start having some fun. Living life even more . If nothing else you will have to get one of your children a car in 3 years anyways y not the mini if you get tired of it by then?

 

Also the hatch of the MINI can fit most of the big items..
If you need to fit in long item, the folding seat from the bimmer can do the work. Believe or not, I shop lots of IKEA items with my 325Ci, and I have no problem to fitting those long boxes in the bimmer.

 

You worked hard the last 30+ years. You deserve to keep your MCS. :smile:


I just keep pushing myself to work harder and harder when I want
something. that's just the way I am.

 

Way to keep your priorities straight GoSharks.

I wish I were as strong in that respect. Anyhow, for the Sienna, may I recomend a make-over so that you'll still be driving a MINIvan rather than just a minivan. Take the cue from this modification.



Happy trails!

 

My kids are now 14-boy and 9 girl. I was dying for them to get to this age so I could justify the MINI, which I picked up last Wednesday. At the age yours are now approaching a minivan is less of a need. I got rid of mine, since my kids ages are far enough apart that I rarely take the two of them together anywhere. Usually it's me taking one and my husband taking the other. Especially now that my son is in High School, there are endless activities and functions that the 9yo doesn't go to. He also has started travelling around with a friend's son who is driving him alot.
We kind of started this process last year, I got rid of the minivan last year because of mechanical issues and we lived for awhile with just hubby's truck and my PT Cruiser. When we went on our family trip over the summer, I just rented a minivan for the week. Other than that, we've not missed having it at all. As it stands now the MINI will be great for daily use, much better gas mileage than anything else we have. We only break out the "big guns" on an as needed basis. With the MINI we are back up to a 3 car family, but the 14yo will be getting his Learner's Permit soon, so we are keeping the PT for him to use when the time comes.
Annette