So, I just returned my loaner Mini Cooper to the dealer (as my Mini S was getting an oil leak fixed).

I can't tell you how happy I was to get back into my Mini S this morning. It has so much more power, kick and soul than the non S. As far as gas mileage, I was averaging about 34 mpg w/ the non S and am averaging about 31 w/ my S. -I realize this all depends on how each of us drives, yet for me the S is a no brainer.

 

Where was that oil leaking from?

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Good point above about high altitude, with the Turbocharger (MCS)
will not see that nearly 4% reduction in power for each 1,000 feet above sea level.

Non-Turbo Cooper (MC) suites my needs just fine and I have absolutely no regret.

Key is to be sure to drive both and make up your own mind.

 

The question is not whether to turbo or not to turbo... it is what SIZE OF TURBO.... JCW FTW!!!

 

I think it all depends on how you drive.

I like to drive fast. I like to race on to the freeway, I like to do canyon blasts on the weekends, I like pickup when I want it.

I drove the standard Mini and related it back when I bought my A4 years ago- sure, it handles great, but I was going to get bored quickly. Tooting down the freeway at 50mph isn't something that interests me.

But it all depends how you drive. Since you're asking MC or MCS, you might have the speed bug like I do. If you do, don't dare go MC. No way, no how!

 

Ultimately, here is the thing. The non-turbo nuthuggers will say that the Mini S does not get as much gas mileage wise. This is completely untrue. If you shift early and stay out of boost, you will get the same mileage if not more. Plus, when you want it, you can hit the turbo RPMs and go. With a Cooper, if you want speed...too bad. There is nothing there for a kick.

 

Seriously though... JCW!

 

The leak was coming from the lower turbo return line/tube. The rubber seal inside the tube was missing and thus it leaked pretty good. Thing that annoys me more than the leak is the fact that my car leaked from day one and I paid $695 for the mandatory vehicle inspection from the dealer. Why didn't they catch this? It left a good sized 4x4" puddle under the car after every 10 mile drive. Plus smoke was coming out of the scoop and smell of burnt oil in the cabin. My Mini only has 950 miles on it, so it's not something that developed over time. When I called the issue in it only had 350 miles, yet took 5 weeks to get an open date for them to look at it.
Anyway, still love the Mini and all seems well now.

 

I would love to get a JCW .... but my total price for the MCS was $22125. I just can't deal with extra $7000. Could you help me please?..

 

Sorry Pinky, but we already know that at 70MPH, the S will not get the gas mileage the Cooper gets. We tested that theory on a 400 mile loop of mostly freeway driving.

The two Coopers got better than 40MPG, while the S got 36MPG. Still very respectable gas mileage.

I think it would be fair to say the S and Cooper can be pretty close to the same MPG for in town driving if the S is driven conservatively. In mostly highway driving the S cannot match the Cooper regardless of how you drive it.

Myself, I did not buy the Cooper over the S for its gas mileage. My primary reason was based on the fact I will be keeping the car for 10 years and the long term cost of ownership was the primary driving force behind my decision.

 

So your solution is to "...stay out of the boost..." Might as well get a Cooper.
Re: "With a Cooper, if you want speed...too bad. There is nothing there for a kick." Plenty of "speed" in a Cooper. I find that I can get myself on the wrong side of the law real quick.

The real question is how you intend to drive the car. If your view of life is that every stop light is a drag race, then the S is likely the car for you. If you view of life just a little more laid back, then check out the Cooper.

 

I have at least 400 miles of highway driving so far in my MCS at calculated 39.7 mpg (car says 41). This is with cruise set at 65 MPH. Much better than I hoped for.

 

If you would have asked me if I could have gone without the turbo before I installed a CAI, I would have said yes.

Now that I've installed one though... not a chance.

 

I would expect a Mini to get better mileage than a S UNTIL you load the cars with more weight, or have to drive harder like in overtaking situations or uneven up hill mountainous roads. The smaller output engine will require more effort to make the car accelerate thus more gas would be burnt.
I drove a R52 justacooper and she went pretty well. I drove her like a GP Superbike. She was constantly at redline and the gas mileage was 13 miles per gallon. More effort, more stress on the engine. I am a VERY proud owner of a 08 R52S and a R56S. I would have to grow some patience if I was ever gonna buy a justacooper, I see theyre usefulness for people who would not know what to do with the TQ or HP, or the Sunday driver . I agree with others posts when they say depends on your style of driving, If I was going to buy a Mini justacoop, I wouls save my money and buy a saturn or a Gee Whiz

 

Please tell me your tongue is very firmly planted in your cheek with this last comment before I go ballistic at your sexism!

One of the reasons I went for my justacooper instead of an S? Maintenance! Sure, it's all under warranty, but if you look through threads here, how many problems here are just S-related (melting hood scoops, super-hot hood temps, turbo problems, cold-start chatter)?

 

Stop please with the aged, sexist comments.

 

okay..., it was not meant to be sexist sorry if anyone thinks that
...

 

Surely we haven't gotten to the point where MINI drivers are making fun of other MINI drivers about their girly cars.

 

MCS if it was my car...but wife would not like the stiffer ride of the MCS...therefore we got the MCa with Premium Package. It fits my wife perfectly and she loves it. The MC is underpowered for my taste but I only drive it 5% of the time. If wife is happy, I'm happy.
The MC is great fun non-the-less. I've kept up with other MCS on particularly spirited runs in the mountains above LA. I would fall back a bit on the longer straights, but kept up in the twisties. Great fun, but wished I had the MCS for the extra performance parts and power.

MC = comfort, civility and fun
MCS = fun fun fun

 

Or pointing out flaws of the type of Cooper they didn't get just to make themselves feel better about their own purchase

 

I never regret not having a turbo, nor did I regret not having a supercharger. I've driven lots of more powerful MINIs, but I always got the most motoring enjoyment out of Coopers. The balance between power and handling reminds me most of the British sports cars I loved...personally I do not want or need anything other than this.

 

Easier question. Does anyone regret getting a turbo?

 

Please stop, you guys are making me cry...booo hoooo hoooo

 

I've driven some Just-a-Coopers and letmetellyou.. if they're modified ... I think more fun than a Cooper S!

 

I have and I did. And I did it without taking any cheap shots to other Mini owners, other than the replying to your nonsense in kind.