i have two other major interest. first is down hill skateboarding, which i have made my own board with my dads help and modified and trucks and other items on it with bigger and better stuff. which helps he hit over 40mph on most hills i can find big enough. i also have a 1963 vespa, which i have highly modified or played with. i had my friend put led ligth on it which is sweeet becuase i have led now and it doesnt even have a batterie becuase of how old it is. i have completely torn it apart and rebiuld everythign and painted it all myself. so i am a tinkerer. i just want to know that is i dont get stick would it be horrible, is stick alot betterer then auto and cvt.? thanks

 

I test drove both and didnt feel that much difference in my downtown test drive and bought an MC. But then the MC released my demon and then I really learned how to drive. So maybe a MC is good for a less experienced driver, lets you figure out how to get the max out of your car instead of hopping in the driver seat of a MCS and being overwhelmed. This is the only reason that I am glad I got the MC before the MCS, it was like my MINI training car.

 

Yes, if you want the max out of your car and you are a modder and tinkerer, a stick MCS would be the best, IMO.

I used to longboard, so I know the mentality. MCS would be a better match for the crazy need for speed too.

If I were you I would go for a used MCS over a new MC if that helps.

 

Another thing to keep in mind...there are different exclusive color options available for each model. Since it sounds like you're not the kind of person who simply must have the S model, you might want to take that into account. If I could have got an S convertible in Solar Red, I would have, but alas it's a Cooper-only color. For me, the joys of supercharged S driving and top-down motoring won out, but you might find what matters most to you is having the car that looks exactly the way you want it...and that might put you in a Cooper instead of an S.


Performance is great, but it sounds like you really love MINIs, so don't forget the aesthetics.

 

Yeah! Classic -- been there done that - 67 Riley Elf and 91 JC Mini... and I'll be back, but this time it'll be a clubbie!

Based on the feedback from our original poster, I would say:
- Used '03 MC
- Manual transmission
- HK
- MFSW

It sounds like you have a modest budget, so used.
Although the CVT would seem to fit the bill, I bet that you might want all of the performance that you could get after a while. It's really up to you.
The rest of the stuff is just to maintain interest without loading the thing up with options...


... But that's just me! Good luck with the search :-)

 

As everyone else had said....drive both....But I think it sounds like you are going to get a MCS to me

 

Things are REALLY going to get ugly when they introduce the Countryman... Then we'll have 3 models to argue about!!!

 

Ummm....Supercharger! Along with center exhaust, S badging, bonnet scoop...imo an S is all around better! Oh, and there not much more.

 

The CVT is excellent for in-city driving and freeway speeds...economical for trips...and, nice for spirited driving along twisty roads. It's nice for me because I can mix up the different modes to fit whatever style of driving I want. Even though I grew up in a stick-shift, as long as the CVT is out there, I'll never use a clutch again.

 

If yo u have a need for speed,the s is for you.

 

I have a new theory on this question which I think may warrant further research. Here it is: If you have to ask the question, get an MCS. Interesting, eh?

 

That may actually be a very accurate theory. I do get the feeling that a lot of people who ask the question are actually saying subconsciously "Please convince me not to spend the extra money that I already know in my heart of hearts I am going to spend."

 

To the originator's "MC or MCS?" question, my answer is "Yes" .

To the quote, I can add that asking questions in NAM forums really HAS given me many opportunities to exercise good judgement. PR's right on, I am guilty many times over, of throwing something out there, hoping to be talked out of (or into) it. Just one of NAM's many member benefits .

Tatt

 

I have another theory, people who ask that question here always end up getting the S, because the fact that they asked indicates they are prone to peer pressure (they care too much about what other people think) and because they asked here, we all know what kind of answer they'll get.

 

i need to break the momentum again.



MC's with CVT's are very cool.

 

I agree completely. If indeed MINI owners in general have no need to "compensate" then a MINI CVT owner must be the most highly "endowed" of the lot!!! And don't even get me started in those beasts across the pond driving Ones and One Ds!!!

 

well thanks for the imput. so far my dad said i can start looking for a mini cooper. he wants me to get that becuase of the less money, but i am going to go with the mcs becuase in my mind it is the ultimite car. so drop me a line if you kwo of anyone in the orange county area with a mcs grey or green. i am still depicting the stick verse auto. but thanks for all the insight ...

 

Thats easy! Go look in the marketplace forum and look all the MCS's for sale about 10 to 1 to a MC for about the same price as an MC. For the MCS being so prefered over the MC seems alot of people dump them

So if you need convinced ......See that spending 25k for a full spec MCS will be worth about 18-20k in 3 years meanwhile the guy that bough MC with no options still sells close to what he paid retail.....make the MC look like a pretty good choice

 

Cooper!

 

Both are great cars, and do drive them back to back - I did, and settled on a 2006 MC with 5sp. I can tell you that weight makes a difference in a cooper. Mine has no sunroof (I don't like them) and the 15" holeys. My car feels more "nimble" than the MCS I drove, it gets great mileage, (28mpg to 33mpg in my actual measurements) and all the controls have a wonderful, direct, "light" feel to them. The ride quality with the standard sport susp. & the normal (non runflat) tires is great, and the handling (particularly with the addt'n of 19mm rear sway bar and sticky tires) is also wonderful. That said, I also have a 225hp Audi TT to drive when I want to feel the acceleration. Got to tell you though, day in and day out, I find the Cooper more fun to drive, and there's something to the "less is more" philosophy sometimes. You'll enjoy either car. Keep us posted

 

Hey you know what, I reckon you're right! The MC will not satisfy someone who think "What if..."

I'm strange, I'm young and like to drive fast, yet I'm completely satisfied with the MC. Not many weird people like me on NAM, thats for sure

Edit: Seems like mini552 is just like me, I also have a MC, with no sunroof (don't like them!) and the 15" holeys. And the nimbleness is exactly what I love about my MC too.

 

I'm definitely w/ you guys on this 100% (except I'm not young and don't really drive all that fast)!!! My Cooper is configured similarly and I'm totally hooked. Not much has been made of intentionally light-weight Coopers...pity they are so overlooked. A blast and, generally, (note to potential buyers) a rediculous bargain!

 

mine has been FLAWLESS...

 

Yeah - I'm not very your (53), and I don't drive all that fast (except on a great road), but I love the lightweight Qship quality of the Cooper. Got the Mymini touring exhaust (wonderful piece), the Hsport 19mm rear bar) and will probably go with MTH software, and I've got a ridiculously enjoyable ride that routinely gets over 30mpg, maybe 26mpg if I flog it, rides and handles great, and the total cost (including the aftermarket pieces) was about $21.5K, and that's with HK stereo, Xenons, chromeline, heated sport seats, etc. So, FWIW, lightweight Coopers definitely rock (as does a lightweight MCS).

 

I think it's great the MC owners espousing the virtues of their great rides, modded or not. Very refreshing, good things in a potentially flameful thread.

You guys got in on the ground floor before the MSRP starts to climb (don't you think it WILL?), and I envy you that.

Very Nice,
Tatt