I agree and did almost the same analysis. Almost switched my order at one point to oxy blue, but stayed with BRG so that was a wash. Another factor for me was I felt reliability would be better on the MC than MCS. Historical assessments of first gen reliability in Consumer Reports also have that conclusion. Unresolved engine cold start on the second gen MCS, and early second gen 3-2 shift squeals may also support that conclusion as well, although even with those the second gen MCS is now a CR recommended.

 

I also considered the reliability between the models and problems like the cold start (almost exclusively MCS, as far as I can tell) and melting scoops. I neglected to mention this because:

1. They were of minor importance in my decision relative to the above reasons
2. I didn't want to open that can of worms

 

Just got back from a trip from Florida to Boston and logged 2,826 miles...the car computer said 30.9 MPG and my calculations puts it almost the same at 31.3 MPG. Not bad in my opinion since I push the car pretty hard...cruise control at times, 88 Mph, hard on ramp accel when I can and had a top speed on the Navi of 112 Mph thru S. Carolina for a brief moment. At times was cruising at 90+ for pretty long distances. So I am more than happy with the MPG on my 09 JCW...If I were to drive normal I am sure I would be getting in the upper 30's...

Just a note..When I left on my trip I had a littl over 700 miles on the clock..MPG should start to improve after 1,000.

OH...and no tickets

 

That's good to here. For me the MC was the choice, but if I were to want to go turbocharged, I'd have to give some serious thought to skipping the S and going JCW. Like the larger turbo, stronger pistons, trans, and clutch, and of course the bembro brakes.

 

Drove 300 miles yesterday in bad weather. Filled up with 100 miles remaining on the trip and got indicated 45.1 mpg! This was driving average of about 55 mph because of weather.

2007 MC- 6 spd.

 

I drove all the Mini's and liked them all....but I am kinda of a power junkie and the JCW just fit what I wanted. Never had a 4cyl before and I can honestly say I am very satisfied....the mods have begun but thats part of the fun for me.

 

Many of the MC or MCS comparisons are for Standard trans. My 20 something daughter is ordering a Mini within the next couple weeks. I'm helping her decide on configuration. It will be fairly loaded. Her previous car was a 2002 Jetta GLS with auto trans. Never complained about it being too slow or anything. Just checking I see the Jetta had 115 HP. So the MC automatic should be similiar or quicker being that it's smaller/lighter. I drove a new MC but not the MCS. It seemed peppy enough for normal city/suburban driving, mix of city and highway. Of course if I drive a MCS it will be much quicker. Am I right in my assumption that if she was fine with her 115 HP Jetta GLS 2.0...that she will be completely fine with an MC and for her an MCS might be wasting money on unnecessary HP? (I am having so much fun configuring Mini's and reading the posts. I told her I would let her drive my Audi A4 Convertible and switch with her any time she wants. Compared to what she had previously and it met her needs in performance, wouldn't it seem a nicely equipped MC would actually be better for her than an MCS?

 

Finner, welcome to NAM.

The standard MC, regardless of transmission, is pretty peppy. I had the pleasure of driving a MC auto with paddle shifters as a loaner from the dealer, and I didn't feel I needed any more power for just cruising around, and it had more than enough power for accelerating hard when I needed it, i.e. getting on a highway, overtaking slower vehicles, etc.

Granted, the S will give you much more than that, but for what it offers the MC has plenty of power for most anything. Based on previously having a Jetta GLI with base engine I think your daughter would be happy with the standard Cooper as well.

Hopefully you'll get some more responses from other NAMers who actually own the auto MC validating this.

 

Thanks Drew! You confirmed exactly what I was thinking. Probably going to order before the end of the year. Thanks.

 

Yeah, if she is fine with a 115hp MKIV Jetta, then she will be fine with a 118hp MINI considering it weighs 300-400 lb less and has a 6-speed auto instead of the 4-speed auto in the Jetta.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

Another question for anyone as I finalize options. Definately decided to stick with the MC. Now that color has been decided, SS/B and getting auto trans with Premium and Convenience Pkgs along with Sport Seats, Fog Lights F&Rear, all season tires, the only undecided option is whether to go with portable Nuvi Nav or get the Factory Nav. Leaning toward Nuvi as it is so much less and would meet her occaisional Nav needs.

I have BMW Nav in our X3. Is there any special functionality with the Mini Fac Nav that would make me want to consider the expentiture? I know it is integrated with the Rear Parking Control but not getting that option. feature. Anything else I should be considering regarding considering Fac Nav? (Besides how the Fac Nav looks better with the exceptionally large speedometer.) If no one advises here, I will go over to the Nav thread for feedback on this. Thanks.

 

Hi
i got a non s as well and i love it, i became addicted to everything about it and i cant stop thinking about what i should doo next to my sexy mini . yes i do think that if i had the "s" i would b happier but what can i do my dad bought it for me and its my first car so i am happy 4 what i got ..lol...;]....and just saying most people that r interested in coopers want great gas mileage and if you get a non "S" you will be saving a bit more Gass.


Just look at it !!!!!!!!!!!!!
<a href="http://s214.photobucket.com/albums/cc174/lolvf7/?action=view&current=0901081826.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc174/lolvf7/0901081826.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
I will b getting a JCW grill and b Plasti-Dip'in most of the chrome...feeel free 2 give me any ideas on what i should MOD on it next!

ThanKs

 

In the above "economic analysis" one item was missed - resale value. I did a KBB on a comparable 2005 S and a Justacooper using the standard options and 30K miles. The S was $19,270 and the Cooper was $16,685 which is conveniently very close to $2500 difference! Thus the economic analysis is basically a wash. (Unless you count the 2% interest you'll get on the $2500 you put in a savings account when you buy the Cooper!)

 

I had the same decision to make when I bought my car earlier this year. The deciding factor for me is the run flat tires. I find the ride on them, either in the Mini or my BMW, to be distracting - lots of road jitter and noise for little benefit. With built in tire pressure sensors I am far less concerned about slow leaks, and I always check tire pressure at least weekly.

The standard Cooper has 15" NON-run flat tires, a substantial improvement, at least to me, in ride quality versus any of the other Mini tire options offered by the factory.

I have a bit less HP with the base car, but handling is fine and as a commuter car it meets all my needs and more. Don't dismiss the base Cooper, take it for a ride and see if you notice a lowered harshness level for yourself.

Also, if you autocross, at least in my opinion, the 15 inch tires are an advantage.

Either way, you'll enjoy the car - have fun.

 

I wouldn't let that be a deciding factor, Ss run fine on non runflats.