Guys,

I have a few questions. I'm scheduld to test drive mini's tomorrow and
I have never driven one. I'm thinking I'll probably like the s better than
the base models.

1. What kind of yearly maintainence can be expected? I drive around 25K miles a year.
2. What is the cabin noise like on the highways?
3. Can I fit my golf clubs in this car?
4. What are the pros / cons with the MC vs. the MCS?
5. Is this the right car for the amount of miles I put on annually?
6. They have 2006's and 2007's on the lot. Which is better?

Thanks in advance for any insight. I will post pics tomorrow if I buy, but I really need some direction from the folks who know.

 

A lot depends on what you want. That'll determine which is better for you. For instance is power more important than mileage? Is purchase price important? Which looks and drives better for you?

 

As you may know, the new model has a brand new engine. If you are the paranoid type, this could push you to take advantage of a deal on an '06 for all of your miles.

 

To answer your question best, you need to extensively test drive each version and make your mind up. I'm not being a wiseass, it's that you'll be better able to recognize what meets your needs.

I drive about the same number of miles as you do in a very hilly and curvy area. I'm in MINI heaven. Over 80% of my driving is in rural areas. If you live in a congested city with rough potholed roads, that'll have to factor into your decision.

I drive a 2005 Cooper S with the John Cooper Works kit, so I have about the most intense of the stock MINIs. I have put on 51K miles in 23 months. I do a LOT more maintenance than the manual requires or suggests. I change my oil every 2500 miles, sparkplugs at 20K, wires at 40K and tires on an as needed basis. Half the forum thinks I take great care of my car, the other half thinks I waste tremendous amounts of money...let's save that argurement for another thread....

Front tires last me 15-18K miles (Pirelli Eufori@ 17"), rear tires 50K miles. Brakes pads are about worn out at 51K...some wear theirs out at 12K (avg seems to be 35-40K) Maintenance costs are zero if you adhere to MINIs suggestions.

With an S or a Cooper with Sport Suspension Plus, there is considerably more tire noise on highways than ordinary passenger cars, but it's not annoying to me. I'm pretty hardcore. I value performance and handling. If you think Camrys or Accords are just peachy, you may be barking up the wrong tree with the MINI. MINIs are liveable, but don't expect a pillow cloud ride. They have razor sharp reflexes and are more fun than a barrel of monkeys if you like that type of car.

Golf ain't my game, clay target shooting is....but if you fold down one side of the rear seat 1 or 2 bags would fit. Even more golf bags would fit if both sides of the rear seat was folded.

If you value acceleration, get the S. I much prefer the manual transmission. The CVT automatic in the Cooper has lots of fans. I ain't one of them. I had one as a loaner for a few days and it drove me crazy.

I hope some of this helps, but you really gotta do some test driving. I'm sure some members of a local MINI club would be happy to tell you their experiences. Maybe you could go to your next local MINI club get together.

Best of luck,

Rawhyde

 

I drove both - hard - at Beaver Run last month. The '07 S is a little softer, but not objectionably so (and I came from a h-a-r-s-h- Mazdaspeed Protege, so to me the '06 S is "supple" and if the '07 is "not objectionable" it's still got enough starch). It looks higher mostly because the "beltline" is higher - to integrate with the higher hood required by European pedestrian safety regs.

The interior, well, in pictures it looks like it was "GM-ed", but in person it's much nicer, can't explain why, but I liked it. It's a little more integrated than before. Not "toyish" in person, but I agree that it doesn't photograph well. Can't explain why, perhaps there's not enough contrast. Just wait, the chrome and brusked aluminum and whatever other trim kits are sure to come out and change the looks.

The seats in the '07 S are fantastic, and the fabric is much better than before.

The further-apart headlights still give the '07 a googly eyed look to me, but that would probably grow in me if I had one.

The '07S turbo is strong, really strong. One of our club members said it feels like a R53 with a pulley and more low-end. The regular Cooper is apparently also much improved in the engine room, but I didn't get a chance to drive it...

 

wow my head is spinning.....
it's such a personal choice