+1 on Robin's DSC comment.

 

Get a pretty bareboned S with just what you think you need (MFSW, rear fog), then go in and give the dealer an ultimatum. Either they lower the price within your budget or you shop for a different type of car. Don't mention that you're considering a base Cooper, there are probably other dealers around who you can buy from if this backfires.

Choose the second farthest dealer away and go see if they'll cut you a deal IMO.

 

Thanks all opinions. My MINI will be 2008 MCS with Mellow Yellow/White Roof and 6 Speed...... that's it and named MAX. He will be great for me to commute and weekend out with my wife

 

This is very true...the MCS is a total bargain. BUT......Cooper owners find that "more" in the Cooper package. MCS owners find it in the MCS package. It seems odd perhaps, but many Cooper owners deliberately turn away from the MCS as it does not have the balance they want. This isn't a scandal...a prospective owner simply needs to look at their priorities and what gives them the driving experience they truly want. I do agree, though...there is little need to compromise, and an MCS can be configured to be very affordable. But then, so can a Cooper.

 

I just don't understand given your budget how you couldn't go for the S. I'd much rather a stripped, or relatively stripped "S" than a base model. That's just me though. You may differ as priorities can be different.

 

I agree with gokartride, but then we both own MC and typically agree on this point. It is a question of balance. I find the new engine in the R56 MC a great balance of performance and efficiency. The handling is superb.

I find that whatever situation I'm in that the MC has plenty of get up and go. It's all about what you are looking for. I like the fact that I got mine decked out fairly well, with some really must have options like Hi-Fi, DSC, MFSW, Metallic paint (BRG), cold weather package and then added some nice to haves like oak interior, sport seats, fog lights, center arm rest. I ended up with a sporty and economical car that performs well, drives superb, and decked out somewhat luxurious. When I started playing with the configurator for the 07 a year ago, I built a MCS and with my must have options it was over 25K. I preferred the MC which came decked out to 22K. I knew I would find myself missing the heated seat, better sound, cruise control, and the color more than I would the extra kick, given I thought the kick in the MC was pretty good in its own right.

 

Congratulations.

Will Max look like this?

 

In my humble opinion there cannot be too many Mellow Yellow MINIs in this world.