Hi Folks,

First post here. I am contemplating buying a cooper. First decision is S or base cooper. I'd primarily be buying this call for commuting and plan to hang on to it for a long time (like, forever). So, reliability and MPGs are at the top of my list of features. I also like a 'fun', stylish ride, and the cooper appeals to me more than other economical cars.

I do like fast cars, so the 'S' is tempting, but it's not really that fast (more quick, I'd say), and I'm not into autocrossing or drag racing or anything... so, I'm leaning towards the regular cooper due to its lower price and better gas mileage. For 'fun' driving, I'm more into twisty roads than I am straight line speed, and my understanding is that the regular mini handles just as well as the 'S', no?

My concern is the low power on the car. I understand that the weight is low, but 120 HPs and torques, give or take, isn't a lot... Does the base car run out of steam above second gear? Do you have to downshift frequently on hills, or (worse), have to mash the accelerator to avoid slowing down on hills? Is it ok passing on the highway? Does it handle as well as the 'S' in the twisties?

What do you think? Cooper or 'S' for someone looking for a fun, commuter - not looking to drag race, but also not very tolerant of underpowered engines?

FWIW - I'm considering a either metallic black, racing green, or nightfire red with black lounge leather and the sports package. Haven't really specd it out more than that.

ETA: the nearest dealership is two hours a way, so it's difficult for me to test drive either car at the moment, though I realize that that would be the only way to really know...

 

I've never driven a MC before but a lot of people on here are perfectly fine with a MC. I love my S and haven't ever thought to myself "damn I wish I had less horsepower." I must warn you though that if you decide to go for a testdrive you will be hooked! Good luck.

 

I had a Cooper for 5 years and thought it was plenty fun. If MPG is a big concern I'd go for the Cooper. You will be changing gears more than on an S but, that's also part of the fun.

 

I'm getting mine primarily for commuting as well. I test drove both and ended up ordering the MC. I didn't think it was underpowered at all. I didn't drive it up any hills though.

 

If MPG is a priority get the Cooper and save some money. I have driven a dealer loaner Cooper w/ auto. I hated the auto trans, but that is just because I don't like the way they shift. Otherwise for just everyday driving there probably isn't much difference. I'm not the least bit sorry I bought the S. I really like it and when I want some acceleration it is there for me. It's more about the driving style you want to have.

 

I test drove both and ended ordering a S because the lack of passing power on the freeway. Even after down shifting a gear from the top gear. The S had much more grunt that it was a lot easier to pass on the freeway.

 

If reliability is a big factor you might be happier with another car. It isnt so terrible but at this point I certainly don't feel comfortable keeping it past the warranty. I was sort of planning on selling it after 3 or 4 years to begin with. The problems issues forums gets a bit over exaggerated, but new engines still seem to be going through the growing pains. Although there doesn't seem to be as much complaints for the MC.

 

Mine's for commuting also, but I like a car to GO when I want it to, especially for passing. I went with the S. Your really do have to test drive both to decide what works for you.

 

We already own an 06 S (wife uses as daily commuter). We have on order a base MC 2008 for my daily commuter. I've driven all versions (except the clubman) and do notice a difference. Given my driving needs and habits, base cooper should be fine. I can't justify 3 grand more for a turbo at this point. If the base bothers me enough, I'll trade it in for an S down the road. If the turbo got as good gas mileage, I'd go turbo, hands down.

I used to drive an 06 CVT , which was lame, but barely adequate- the CVT is absolutely abysmal, so the newer base powerplant with a 6-speed manual =

I agree with the others, though. Testdrive both and be sure to TESTDRIVE each (yes, stomp on it to be sure!). While I don't like abusing vehicles, even ones that aren't mine, it's the only way to know. Greg

Nothing corners or takes a curb like a rental!!!

 

Yup, this is true. Cooper are about balance...handling and power are nicely matched.

Not for a second...it's just getting started. Cooper do not run out of stream, no way....in fact MCSs are way overpowered for my wants/needs. Yes, in an MCS I can push the pedal and be gone, but that's not the kind of car I want in a MINI. Give me balance any day.

I downshift going up steep hills only because I want to go faster. Anybody can push the pedal down...Coopers are all about rowing the gears. That's the fun of it. The R56 engine pulls great and you can access the power you need (at any point) by rowing the gears. And if you put your foot down the car doesn't get away from you. Nice controllable power...that's what I like about Coopers.

Yes, again what do you want? Pass, or blow past. If you want to pass, fine. If you want to blow past, downshift.

Then a test drive is definitely in order, but only because you mention a lack of tolerance. You will be able to tell a difference between the two models...that makes sense since the engines are different. But Coopers have a nicely balanced amount of go, the best fuel economy ratings, and all the handling MINIs are famous for. If you are in a race to get to the next stop light then yes, you might need that extra power. Frankly, this whole power equation can get out of whack. We're driving a car, not a rocket. If you (or me) want/expect/need a rocket, get an MCS, if you want to drive a car, get a Cooper.

Gee, I hope that didn't come out rude...just trying to be direct. btw, are we talking manual or auto? That makes a difference.

 

Perhaps if you posted your general location, some wonderful NAM folks in your area could take you for a drive and you could feel for yourself without a 2-hour drive what the difference is.

I've done that (just for fun, 'cause we have two dealerships within 30 minutes!!) for acquaintances who aren't sure about the MCS or auto gear box, but don't want the whole sales hassle!

Try and see!

 

Thanks folks! The regular cooper is probably the car for me, since it's not actually underpowered (I've owned a geo metro and former girl friend has a suzuki samarai (sp?) at one point, so I've lived through that sort of thing and it's not pleasant!). I've also owned a 130HP civic, give or take, and it's power was fine - I'd expect that the mini might have similar pull to that car, which wasn't exhilirating, but adequate.

My current car does a 14 sec. flat quarter mile and goes to 60 in less than six seconds, and to be honest, I'm over it. As my seven year old points out, "what's the use of having a car that fast if you can't drive it fast". It's going to get me in trouble, eventally and whenever I drive the car like it's meant to be driven, I court trouble. I'd rather have the 40MPG of the mini (do they really get that good mileage in the real world?), but keep the good handling characteristics, which is more fun (to me) than the raw acceleration, anyways.

I'm in the triangle area, NC - closest dealership is 100 miles a way! One of the local car dealers has some used 05's - would that be a comparable car to test drive, do you think?

 

No, the '05 is significantly different. You need a 2007 or later for a test drive.

I can't offer an opinion on the MC vs. MCS because I never drove the MC. My previous car was an Acura Integra with about the same acceleration specs as the MC. It was fine, but I wanted the S performance this time around.

 

If you get to drive both the MC or MCS you will like the both. The dealer let me drive around one of the MC verts and it had more then enough power. I had a blast with the little paddles for shifting and really wish I would have gone that route now. I got the M6 MCS and still love it

I traded in a 07 yaris that was 1 1/2 years old for the 2007 new MCS. The yaris amazingly got lower mpg then the MCS does now, highway and city so I am happy. The yaris had NO POWER, which scared me on the highway, I just couldn't get out of the way of faster cars fast enough. The MCS and the MC did not have that problem. Both zipped along the highway without any problem. At least in the mini if you want to get into a spot, you can get there. Reminds me of my old porsche, if you want the spot, its yours. What's best is most people underestimate the mini and dont have a chance to block you.

Like you have I have a killer drag car that can do 11s and well over 150mph no problem ( and it has gator highway in fla. Both are a blast, the mini is a different car and I have a blast in it also, hopefully soon on the BMW races here.

 

I have an '07 Cooper not S. It is still very quick plus it does have the sport button which gives it a lot more power. I take mine on runs and it does great around turns. It keeps up with the "S" models in front of me.

 

MCS's seem to have cold start issues....Mine finally did it. Watch out.

 

I got the MINI for commuting. Didn't want to put the miles on the STI. I found the Reg MINI to be low on power so I went with the S I drive 30k+ miles a year. So far the car gets great gas mileage. It has started every time and hasn’t left me stranded. I have to say the build quality is lacking. I have been to the dealer many times for rattles and things breaking. Now these things aren’t world ending but are annoying. With that said I think this will be my first and last MINI unless they resolve the many issues. Other then that it’s a great car and fun to drive, just don’t look for BMW service and quality.

 

I originally wanted a MC auto, but got my MCS manual. I love him, but I still think I would have been happy with the Cooper. And sitting in traffic some days with a huge cramp in my leg... the auto would come in handy. You have to drive them both to be sure, but I drove a Cooper for a couple days and wasn't unhappy with it. It is slower, I had to better plan my freeway entrances, but it's plenty adequate if you're just aware and don't rely on your right foot.

 

misslindsey, you're in Brighton, where is this "traffic" you mention?? i'm in A2 and I'll be here for 2 more yrs before moving to SF. hence I want to get a manual while I'm still here..!!

BTW where can i find cute single girls who drive stickshift MCSs around here????