Hoping some of you gurus can help me out and a significant amount of other people sitting on the fence. I've heard issues regarding the S has better build quality and quality of materials used in the interior. I'm planning to buy a car that can last me at least 10+ years, since my 20 year old jetta just got totaled, so I'm really hoping to find a car with a reliable build. I'm aware of the horsepower difference , but in the end I'm just looking for something that can last. What are your opinions? What does the S have that the non S doesn't that can justify its 5K premium. Also to the Canadian buyers, due to the higher Cad dollar has the Mini's MSRP lowered?

Thanks for your time!

 

I can't help you out with any facts but I'm a prospective buyer since I just sold my Civic Si hatchback and will hopefully bring home a MCS this summer. Why an S though? Because a base Cooper doesn't feel adequate to me, I'd like the extra punch and title. But in your case I 'think' a base cooper will work for reliability.. if not Mini then I recommend Honda Civic Si coupe, sedan, or the Fit.

 

I wasn't aware that there were any interior differences between the MC and the MCS. Some options are standard in the MCS, such as sport seats, but you can get sport seats in the MC. I believe that many of the interior parts are interchangeable.

If you want to check that, you could look up a series of parts for the MCS R56 interior on RealOEM.com. Then change the settings to the MC R56 and see if they have the same part numbers. I'll let you do the research. I've got shift ***** to make.

As far as the MSRP, is the Canadian dollar up compared to the Euro? I don't think that the US dollar would have much affect on the MSRP.

 

I agree with Robin on the MC and MCS quality.

 

Yup...quality is the same. MCS goes faster. MC gets better fuel economy. Both handle superbly and are a blast to drive!!

 

Well the thing is that American cars are cheaper in general, about ten thousand dollars cheaper. Due to that many dealerships have reduced a median of about five grand, Audi would be a good example. That's why I'm wondering if Mini cooper has done the same. Thanks for the thoughtful insight on the Mini build quality info I'll compare the OEM parts when I have some spare time.

 

Alot depends on what bragging righs you want or need... I got my Mini Cooper in Nov.... I am 57 - my 31 year old step son told me I was crazy NOT to get the "S"... Power to move out of the way of danger on the road?????? Just his reasoning for the "S"... I drove the "S"... Loved the way it "felt" WOW - but did I really need it???? No... More $$, more $$ for insurance - Less MPG = more $$$ at the gas pump... and I know I would want to "FEEL" the car more soooooooooo = more $$$$ to the local PD for speeding tickets...

I bought the "cooper" and have been very happy with it... I get very good MPG because I do Not need to 'feel' what power I do have... I can on the other hand - push on the gas and have a ball - just have to pull up to the gas station more often - hell - gas is cheap - right... lol....

The choice is YOURS>>>>>

 

Cooper piloto = big cojones

Cooper S piloto = big cojones

No difference in quality.

 

Great reassuring point! haha
What does piloto mean though?

 

That's the way i feel about it too, but i just love how the exhaust is in the middle of the car. I've been captivated by the middle exhaust pipes ever since i saw my first Cooper S. However this being my parent's car I'll respect their decision, especially with the rumors of gas hitting two dollars in the not so distant future. However when time comes for me to get my own, I'm probably going to be like your step son, just got to love the S.

 

Yeah and I would say that they are probably soo close that it would be really hard to judge, but the turbo would add another piece to go wrong...again I highly doubt it would be able to be a measurable difference, but just like anything, an added component just makes another place to fail

No matter what your choice you will be extremely happy no matter what

 

if your just want it to last, I'd say non S will be your best bet..... having the same mechanism, the S has a turbo on the engine to produce more power, now base on my common sense under the same configuration anything that output more will wear out faster (I know a lot of people will try to prove me wrong here) by the extra heat and pressure, so if you want your car last longer, I'd say go for the non-S

I am buying a S tho....

 

WOW - where the Hell do you live... I will be there this afternoon to fill up....???? lol

 

It seems among those who discuss such things that there is a variety of approaches to driving MINIs. Driving dynamics of the Cooper are very attractive to some and they actually prefer the Cooper setup, and the same is true for MCS drivers. There are lots of subtle factors at play here. Whichever driving experience you prefer (or your parents prefer) ideally should win out....then the fun can begin as you explore the nuances of these wonderful little cars, Cooper or MCS.

 

I'm assuming you live in the States? I live in Vancouver Canada, and its currently hovering at about $1.10 per litre at the gas station near my house.

 

LOL -- I also ride a Harley - Love to ride in BC and have made three trips.. our first ride several years ago my wife said WOW gas is cheap here - I remined her that was per Liter and just said "Wow" again...

 

Mmm Harleys, I'm looking into one of those too, how is the MPG rate on one of those? Yeah BC is a great place for any type of outdoor activity because of the vast amount of greenery.

 

Piloto = pilot = driver

Piloto is generally how the tifosi (Ferrari fans) refer to their honored marque's formula one drivers. e.g. Michael Schumacher was the best piloto of the past thirty years.

 

Depending on what model - a little better than the Cooper - bigger risk - bigger gain - need to be willing to accept the challange..

Our last ride in your area was ferry to Victoria - ride north to Port Hardy - Ferry to Prince Rupet - north to Hyder the east to Jasper then SW back to WA then South back to Calif... One very great ride... Love Canada...

 

S for Sport.
Non-S for non-sport.

I own an 07 MCS and had a loaner 05 MC. There is a huge world of difference. The MC drove like my Festiva. The MCS drove like my 03 330i ZHP but much lighter.

 

You should try and drive both and see what fits YOU better. All the MINIs are nice, no matter how they are configured. Yes, the Coopers get better gas mileage, and are a hoot to drive, but the S just seems to have a little extra 'WOW' factor...to me anyway. Guess it needs to be up to the individual, but the best way is probably just to experience it for yourself before you decide.

 

I briefly drove a 2007 Cooper (non S) with the automagic, and, quite honestly, it had a fair bit of growl to it, and I had fun with the paddle shifters. It isn't in the same league as an S, but it was peppy enough.

 

I test drove both an '08 MCa and MCSa and found the MCa very peppy with an automatic and the sport button improved the response a bit and enjoyed the paddle shifting up and down the gears.

Coming from a modified '06 Mustang GT I wanted to have a bit of that thrill still and did buy the MCSa.

Keep in mind either one would be absolutely fine just depends upon what you want.

 

Very wrong.

Back to the original question... they have the same exact interior. Same materials, same build quality.

Ignore all the people and their opinions. Drive both and decide for yourself.

 

If you do some research here you will find these suggestions for improving non-S performance:

suspension +/-$500
good tires +/-$400
lightweight wheels +/-$500

Most owners choose aftermarket products like HSport for suspension. Tirerack (see vendor page) suggested to me Bridgestone 019 195/55-16 and ASAJH6 lightweight wheels and above prices reflect same.

The money you save on gas (perhaps 10mpg), insurance etc. should pay for the upgrades in short order.

Another 'performance upgrade' is to take a weekend driving class with your non-S.


And lastly if you are a Harley fan why bother with a Cooper S when you can have a Cycle-Car for not much more (see below).

Hope this helps-