Hey guys, I'm on the fence between getting a new MCS '08 or a Honda Civic Si. I really like how much fun they both were to drive. the way I'm configuring my MCS it'll be around $25-$26K, and the Si is about 21K. Gas mileage on the MCS is better.

I don't know if any of you were in the same position, but any help would be appreciated.

 

Test drive both. I also looked at the VW GTI and the Mazdaspeed 3.

 

I have a 2005 mcs. I get bored of cars easily, so i leased it, thinking I would want something new by now. Guess what I do want something new, a 2008 mcs. This is the first car I have I owned and can honestly say that after approximatey three years of driving, i still like to get in my mcs and go for a drive. I am trying to decide if i want to buy my mcs after the lease or buy a 2008. Still not decided. But I have also looked at the si and just don't get the same feeling about it or any other car. Something about the mcs, but i have to have one.

 

I've test driven them both. I do not like the VW GTI. I liked the way both the Si and the MCS felt...adrenalin rush. When it comes down to it though, I'm really torn between the two.

 

Well , I owned a 2002 Acura RSX type S - allmost same engine - Needs lots of RPM to get power though- The RSX had 200 HP but only 160 FT/LBS of Torque. My wife and I now own 2 '07 MCS and absolutly love them. Don't need to rev at all. Lots of power from down low. The Acura had a long tail section so had more storage, but I still like the MCS a lot more for it's road handling and power.

 

whos gonna wave to you in a civic??

 

Civics are what all the kids have and play with. And I cant imagine it being as much fun to drive as an MCS...
Its a total preference thing really, thats the bottom line. What you get for the dollar and how it holds its value will be some factors to consider. Also, customer satisfaction, which can be found on consumerreports.org there is a reason mature, logical thinking adults love coopers.
Good luck,, if there is anything i or anyone else could answer if you have more specific questions,, then feel free to post

 

A Civic is not a bad car and honestly, you cant go wrong with it as a people mover... now as far as a fun people mover... then im not sure you will get it. Some people like revving all the way to redline to get just a little bit of torque, but i prefer to have torque throughout the powerband, especially down low. I guess you just have to consider why you are getting this car.

The MCS obviously isnt the most practical car out there, but if it fits your needs, then go for it... The Civic to me is just too boring even though it does a decent job at moving people like friends around. But i wouldnt buy a car just to drive friends around. Buy a car that makes you happy.

 

I said Civic Si, not Civic...there's a huge difference. The Civic Si has a 197hp engine.

 

But it only has about 140 torque.

 

yes but can you customize the heck out of your Civic Si strait from the factory making it YOURS down to the chrome bezels around the gauges and the color of the dash trim ?!?!

 

I test drove an Acura RSX, which I was told was pretty much equivalent to the Honda Si. I'm pretty used to going to high revs for power. My previous car was an Acura Integra. I took the RSX out on some twisty roads in Monterey and gave it a good workout. I bought the MCS. The MINI was just more fun to drive.

 

There's just something about the Civic Si that screams, "I still live with my parents!!!"
And it looks like a door stopper.
VW's are for chics. All of them.
The Speed 3 is interesting though... ...I traded my regular 3 for the new Mini.
Minis have more soul than any of the other little rockets; it's almost like a pet. A Jack Russel Terrier that you can drive.

 

If you are truely torn save the $3,000 and buy the Civic Si, because there should be no contest regardless of the price difference.

 

Don't listen to the Honda bashers You are shopping probably the 2 best cars in the price range (the Mazdaspeed 3 would round out the top 3 in my mind).

MINI should really be ashamed of the price difference between the Cooper S and the Si. The Si is a fabulous performance bargain.

But still, these stupid Mini's have an intangible. I am going to replace my Mini soon, and I just don't want any other car - so I will probably be buying another overpriced Mini And I'm cheap, so if I will buy a Mini, there must be something to them.

 

What do you mean there should be no contest? Which car is better? It's really hard to tell from test drives which one was better and more fun...otherwise I wouldn't be torn.

 

satay, I don't like Mazda...I've got two right now and the build quality on my '04 Mazda6 is not top notch...it's basically very disappointing and I don't think I'll buy Mazda again...JD power gave them below average quality ratings.

I was hoping that folks here who considered other cars like the MCS, the Si, etc. could tell me why then ended up with the MCS. It's got more torque, it's a bit greener than the Si, little more cash and build quality isn't that good on the Coopers is it?

 

You're asking that question on a MINI forum, so I'm guessing they meant the MINI.

 

Exactly! The Civic is a good car, but it's always going to be "just a Honda."

 

I have owned several Hondas and now have a 2007 MCS. The MCS is by far a much more substantial car. In the long run you will not be disappointed. Also MINI put the "F" in FUN!!! There is nothing like driving a street legal go-kart with heated seats!

That $3K price difference is made up in quality on the MINI. Also the MINI crowd is much more fun too!

 

Somebody's gotta ask... Do you have a MINI dealership nearby? A difference between MINI and Honda is that sometimes our beloved MINIs need a bit more TLC from the dealer, and if you don't have one close by, it can be a real pain in the heated seat. If you are lucky enough to have a dealer nearby, why not join us?

 

The real question is did you post this on the Honda site(s) as well? If not...it seems you have made your decision! :-) I really hope you go and drive both cars....and when you do...take everything into consideration including this amazing community of MINI drivers that you buy into when you purchase a MINI. Best if luck and keep us updated!

 

Well, the reason I didn't buy a new Si when I bought my Mini was that it was 2004, and current Si wasn't available This time around, it might sound stupid, but I hate the dash in the Civic. It's totally sci-fi. Also, I like that the MCS comes with 16's - I don't like big wheels.

I would second Hypnohealer's comment - driving a long distance to the dealer can be a real hassle. Something to think about.

 

I live in NJ and the both the Princeton and Morristown dealers are about 40 mins from my house.

 

For me it's all about torque. Nothing more irritating that someone on your side who you want to pass at the next light to get your exit but they won't let you and you don't have enough torque to pass quickly enough when the light goes green. The Si doesn't have the low end torque that makes driving in that low range fun unlike the Mini. Don't get me wrong. I luv the looks of the Si and it might be good at the high end of the tach, but so's the MINI and its fast at all ranges with plenty of torque leftover.