Hello all,

well....I need to cut my budget down because of some reasons. So my budget will be max $23k(OTD) and I am thinking 48 month finance.

I may choose other cars within my budget (as like Honda or Toyota), but I really want to have a MINI this time. So I am thinking to buy 'just a cooper' with some options or base MCS.

'Just a cooper' will have Front fog lamp/6 Speed/Rear fog lamp/Sport seats/16" 5-star blaster and base MCS 6 Speed with only Rear fog lamp. Their will be no DSC/LSD (I knew that 'just a cooper' does not offer) both.

I know I have to decide what to buy by my self, but I'd like to know what others think. And if without DSC/LSD for MCS 6 Speed, will it be OK on street with So Cal weather? because I am not thinking regarding auto cross and track days.


Thanks in advance.

P.S: Of course there are no problems with my current car (No DSC and Auto trans) until now.

 

No track days?
Get the Cooper.

Track days or frolicks in the mountains?
Get the S.

I'd rather have the base S for my tastes.

 

Thanks,

I did test drive both MC/MCS 6 speed and both have DSC and LSD (with MCS). I think MC will be good for me instead of MCS. But I do not know just I cannot erase thinking of MCS from my brain....hehe

 

You still have options.. Base MCS or a CIVIC SI would by my choices. If you want something used then the R53 or if your lucky you may be able to find a R56 used with low mileage... Good luck


Edit.. Why don't you just get the Base mcs with LSD?... You don't really need the DSC.. Just don't drive stupid.

 

If there are doubts, get a base S with whatever options can be afforded. Either that or go for 60 month financing and expand your budget. If you get a justacooper you will always be telling yourself that you shoudl have got the S. good luck

 

Get the S. Especially if that's what you originally and still now want. Having buyer's remorse is seriously no fun. Many actually prefer their MCS to be stripped anyway.

 

Calculate the interest you end up paying for 48 months and 60 months. The difference is not that much. If you are having any doubts, go with a MCS. I have learned my lesson from previous experience. Always go for the bigger/stronger engine when in doubt.

 

Get the "S"!!!!! Even if it's !00% stock, stripped, it's awesome, I kid you not.

I just got the last batch of custom ordered '07s, and had the exact same budget. i was amazed how much i could squeeze out of it.

My MCS has:
- Dual sunroof
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Piano black (I hated the standard interior on the "S")
- Cold weather (Skip it, since your SoCal)
- Armrest (more storage, comfort)

it came to 23,750, and I was able to negotiate with my MA to an even 23.

I cannot tell you how great this car is...so much better than others I considered. Just close the door on one and you'll feel and hear the level of quality (it's a BMW, really). I came over from the Civic world and it's a whole new ballgame.

The "S" will keep you smiling. The car comes so well equipped. Here are freebies that you get that show the world you made a great decision:

- Contrasting roof & side view color! Go for white, it looks way more decisively "chosen" than the black, in my opinion
- White wheels (they require a little more TLC, as they are dust magnets)
- leatherette. Smells, feels and looks awesome. (Cloth at no charge, but how)
- Front fogs. These actually serve a purpose. Again, I don't understand rear fogs..

You'll never miss:

- extra $ for metallic paint. Go for chili red! it's almost free
- auto climate control.
- dsc
- xenons (unless you live in the sticks)
- rear fogs. The empty switch in the cockpit does whisper "cheap bastard couldn't sprint for the option" but the back will not lose any credibility except for totally insane other MCS owners.
- deluxe sound system. Standard is just fine. As they say "any car that you need to turn up the radio on for enjoyment isn't really a fun car to begin with"

I would seriously urge you to consider an off the lot '07. You'll surely grab an amazing steal, and might even find one with a slew of features you never thought you'd afford. PLus the '08 prices are silly to pay since:

- No technological increase or available options that don;t already exist in an '07
- these cars hold their value so well, there's no reason to worry about it being "old"
- no visible difference between an '08 or an '07.

Do it now! (And honestly, best of luck with any of your decisions.... whichever you choose).

 

^^ Should definitely have added an IMO before that "you'll never miss".

 

Depends on the type of driving you like to do. I personally am kicking myself for not getting the WRX and just getting the base Impreza. I would get the MCS for sure!!

 

Thanks for all good comments. I will think carefully what I really want to have it. I like this NAM forum a lot

 

I had a chance to buy a LB MCS for 21,XXX at MT. view Mini 6 months ago.

 

...you rang?
<subliminal>
get the rear fogs
fill in the toggle panel
you'll regret it if you don't
you won't miss the extra $X a month
</subliminal>

 

Something to think about:

I had a friend that was shopping for cars last month, and was interested in the MINI. We went for a couple of test drives at the dealer that I bought mine at (he wanted an auto, I have a manual). While there, I noticed that they had what looked like a large inventory compared to when I bought mine, but there were only a few regular Coopers on the lot. Like maybe only 5% Coopers. The rest were all convertibles or S models.

I asked my MA about it, and he said they had a lot of demand for the regular coopers, probably due to recent gas prices. You might actually be able to swing a nice deal on a S because of this. Maybe even on an '08. You might get one with a few options, but probably not exactly the options you want.

 

Here you go. An S with LSD within your budget. Be sure to look at all the no cost items that are standard on the S model. These sport coupes are an excellent value, they will make you smile, and when it's time to sell it, will hold thier value. And yes you do have color choices at this price level. Here are a few of the available color and wheel combinations.








My MINI Cooper S
My 2008 MINI Cooper S
Base MSRP*$21,200
Destination & Handling$650

paint
White Bonnet Stripes $100
Chili Red Body Color $0
White Roof/Mirrors $0

package
No selections in this category

performance
Front Fog Lamps STD
Limited Slip Differential $500
6-Speed Getrag Manual STD
16" Bridge-Spoke (Performance) $0

cockpit
Sport Seats STD
On-Board Computer STD
6-spkr AM/FM CD Player STD
Leatherette: Black/Grey STD
Interior Surface Checkered STD
3-Spoke Leather Sport Wheel STD

TOTAL MSRP AS CONFIGURED*$22,450

accessory**
No selections in this category

TOTAL ACCESSORIES **$0
TOTAL MSRP AS CONFIGURED*$22,450

You get a lot of car for your money when you don't load it up with un needed stuff.

 

I would add DSC to this if it is an S, and there you go you have 22,950 within your budget.

Also if you go the MC route you can have DSC. The OP post made it sound like it was combined with LSD. It's not.

I for one wanted to keep the budget down. I toyed around with the S, but decided on the MC. Plenty fun to drive and an all around great car. Didn't get any packages except cold weather but optioned it out to around 22.1.

 

I agree with the others. Just get an S virtually stripped but with LSD. You'd still have enough money for metallic paint if you wanted and one or two other small additions.

 

We didnt want to swallow a bill bigger than 22k but wouldnt buy a car that was not fun to drive and could scoot.
Ended up ordering a pepper white - pepper white, mcs with lsd and cloth seats.
I'll let you know how i like it next week when I pick it up

 

Awesome choice on the PW!

 

If you enjoyed driving a Cooper at all then trust me it only gets better as you explore the handling prowess of this car w/ a nice balance of power. Some think you can't have enough power, but that's only one approach to MINIs, albeit a vocal one here on NAM. MINI handling can be fully enjoyed w/ Cooper power. Plus you get a decent bump in mpg out of the deal....and the secret is if you want to explore this aspect of R56 Cooper performance, you can get some extremely impressive mpg numbers!!

If I were faced with your tough choice I'd get a Cooper I could live with on a day-in/day-out basis. You may not have the power to throw you back in your seat, but you will still be able to fully exploit the great handling MINIs are famous for. Cooper owners know this.

 

+1 for the MC. I've been very impressed with this little car and continue to have fun in it every time we drive around. I don't doubt that the MCS is great, but your needs and limits (e.g., $) are what they are. Get the right car for you and don't buy into the hype that you'll cuss yourself everyday for not buying the MCS.

 

I dunno fbox? I would be tearing my hair out if I settled for less than I wanted and still was within $1000 of it? You'd be amazed at how for a little more, you get a whole lot more. I purchased a fairly stripped down "S" and for around $23,000. My only regret is not getting the LSD as I purchased off of the lot, but have since added all the goodies aftermarket (and still adding).

This is MHO BTW! In my estimation, there is a huge difference between these two choices. To each his own, however.

 

...and make sure no one around you drives stupid.

 

I agree with everything except DSC. You wont miss it, unless you get into a situation where you need it. Then you will sorely miss it.

 

You can get DSC with an MC. It is $500.

The Star Blaster 16" wheels will cost you $750. Get the 15" wheels that come with the MC and buy a set of Rota RBs for $575. The Rotas will be lighter weight (better performance) than the OEM wheels. You can probably sell the OEM tires and wheels on this forum. Or, keep them as an extra set if you have the garage space. If you don't like the RB design, there are other Rotas that are reasonably priced.