...in terms of cost, maintenance, performance and insurance. I would be getting an automatic. Thanks.

 

The S obviously cost more. It also has more horsepower than the cooper due to the turbocharge and insurance is most likely cost more as well.

 

Well had to figure someone would start one of these for the 07's, Can of worms is open.

 

I always kind of chuckle (in a friendly way) when folks ask "MC or MCS?" --- The engine performance characteristics are SIGNIFCANTLY different, as in "a different car." Handling can be quite similar, and some even prefer the ride of the "non-sports" configuration. But if you care about the speed and accelleration, then there isn't a question anymore. If the engine performance isn't that important, you will save a significant amount of money on everything from the cost of the car to insurance and gasoline consumption.

Thousands.

--tm

 

I agree with tm, especially with the MC no longer suffering from the CVT. She didn't want to go with a manual, and at the time the MCS was manual-only, so she stuck with the MC for her 2004.

I enjoy driving it, but the CVT is disappointing, and she always gives me grief when I drive it in manual mode.

 

If you care about accelerating briskly above all other characteristics, then you must get the MCS. (Especially if you want to extract more power out of your car later...)

If you do not care about accelerating briskly, save your money and get the MC.

 

I'm convinced that the MC will be adequate for my needs.

 

Here I go possibly being a fly in the ointment, but I have to say, I came to the same conclusion when I decided to buy an MCC instead of an MCSC last Spring. I loved the extra power of the S, but I decided that the MCC would be -- almost exactly as you described it -- "adequate" for my needs, figuring that with all the traffic on the roads and posted speed limits and other factors that tend to keep one driving a car at closer to four or five 10ths of its ability most of the time rather than at nine or ten, I'd be just as happy with the regular Cooper, and I'd save some $$, too.

And, well...I was both right and wrong. I was right that the Cooper is "adequate" for my needs, but I've come to the conclusion that I was wrong about being just as happy as I would be in an S. Which is why I've been thinking more and more seriously about ordering a new 2007 MCSC (or, possibly, picking up a used '05 or '06...although I'm so picky, and MINIs come in so many variations, I have a hunch I'll end up ordering new). That supercharger whine is like a hit of crack -- I NEED it! (At least, I frequently find myself telling myself that. Not that I've ever actually done crack cocaine. But I digress!)

I'm thinking about switching up from a Cooper to an S because the #1 reason I got a MINI in the first place wasn't to be practical, or economical, or get a car that was merely suitable for my circumstances -- if those had been my primary objectives, I would've gotten a Honda Fit, which is a heckuva lot of fun in its own way, and a great bargain, too -- no, my #1 reason for getting a MINI was to have fun behind the wheel. And the Cooper has definitely given me that! But for me, I've decided, an S would be even more fun -- and I think, quite possibly, a LOT more fun -- and so here I am, 8 months later, thinking of getting the S I wish I'd gotten to begin with, if I had it to do over again.

Anyhow, that's my take on my own personal sitch. I think all the MINIs are brilliant -- they all have their strengths (as well as their drawbacks) -- and I don't think a person can really make a "wrong" choice in deciding on one over the other. And believe it or not, I'm really not trying to change your mind, and I absolutely, positively think you should go for what you really want. What prompted me to comment was just your statement that a Cooper will be "adequate" for your needs -- which is undoubtedly true -- because it reminded me so much of my thought process 2/3 of a year ago.

And here's the "but": But it also reminded me of this discussion I've had with myself with increasing frequency in recent months about what I really want, versus what I merely need.

 

To decide this we took an MC then an MCS out on back to back test drives. When we returned in the MC we thought we had found our car. The we took out the MCS, the performance difference is so great we just had to have an MCS. We went for the new R56 turbo charged model and have not regretted it for a minute.

Try a test drive with both cars one after the other and see oif your opinionn changes.

 

Exactly, the best way to decide is to drive both cars, back-to-back.

 

If it makes you feel any better...the MC will now be fitted with a 6-spd manual stick...

 

I vacillated back and forth between the two. I think I was driving my salesman nuts. With the MC for the same $ amount I can load up with options. With the same cost MCS the only options are DSC (safety), rear fog lights (safety), cruise control (traffic ticket minimizer), and sparkling silver paint (my one luxury).

I finally asked the critical question, why do I want a Mini Cooper. The answer: It's fun to drive. Why a Mini Cooper S: It's even more fun to drive (and it has more agressive looks - I like that).

My MCS is about to be built. Too late. No more vacillating.

 

Getting an S means never having to say,
"I wish I had gotten an S"

 

For info, my R56 MCS, 1200 miles, lots of built up areas, 36.7 mpg so far.

 

Wessy, your situation sounds like the thoughts that I imagined I'd be having if I had not ordered the 07 MCS that I'm waiting for. I had a new 06 MC on hold at a dealer in late Dec, and ended up canceling that sale and ordering an 07 S. I ended up deciding that life is too short to live with "I wish I would have..."
I had a set budget so I decided to get a modestly appointed S. Even an S with few conviences is still an S.
Personally, I like the S front end over the MC grill/hood -- even if the hood is only good for air popping, so that helped my decision also.
Sky2 -- I hope that's been helpful. I certainly wouldn't mean to push you in any particular direction your desires should be your driving force, but reading Wessy's experience sure solidified my thought process.
Thanks I'm glad this topic came up!

 

designerMINI, you won't be dissappointed - it's great!!!

 

Thanks for the kind words.

I'm actually torn between getting a new 2007 MCSC now -- well, in a few months from now, after ordering one -- and waiting for the 2009 R56 MCSC. (Yup, convertibles -- I've been bitten by the ragtop bug for the last few years, and I really want my "fun" car to be a topless one.) Which probably isn't all that different a decision from the one many of you have been deliberating over, except that if I decide to go with the R56 convertible, it's a (much!) longer wait for me. On one hand, I think, "Two years? That's no big deal. It'll be here before I know it." And on the other hand, of course, I think, "Geez, two years? TWO YEARS? No way!" (I've used the exact same words you have, designerMINI: "Life is too short!")

Decisions, decisions. But what wonderful decisions, deciding between various models of MINI!

Anyway, congrats on your sweet new ride, R56MCS -- I've been enjoying your "Living with the R56" thread, BTW, thanks for all the info! -- and congrats on your forthcoming MCS, designerMINI!

 

Thats pretty impressive! Thats what im getting on my current '05 MC!
Im sure once the engine is nicely broken in, the new R56's will be pushing close to 40mpg on average. Looks like the turbo kicks in only when you want it...otherwise its basicly just there for the ride.

 

I'm planning to order a MC. I am looking for a car with really good mileage that is still fun to drive. So far have avoided driving an MCS completely. I don't think I want to know what the difference feels like.

 

good thinking. you won't miss what you don't know. The cooper will be lots of fun.

 

This is EEEAAASSSYYYY.

Order a 2007 cabrio now. Keep it stock. Sell it in 2009 to someone who would rather have a supercharger (like me - but I already have mine). Order a 2009. This wouldn't work with a Chrysler which loses 40% of its value when you drive it off the lot - but should work for your MINI!

 

Hmm, my last sports car was a '79 Trans AM (Midnight Blue). It had a 400 4 barrel and I bought it brand new back then. I've since become more practical after several speeding tickets way back when.. I currently drive a '95 Celica coupe. This was bought brand new at the dealer in '96. I would hope the MC automatic transmission has at least as much power as the Celica. Maybe I should just test drive the MC and not the MCS.

 

Call me in '09, I'll be waiting!!!!!
Thank you all for starting this thread, as I have been feeling very guilty about having the terrible thoughts towards my 06 Cooper, and severe buyer's remorse for not purchasing the CooperS. This is my first automatic in about 16 years - mine has CVT, and despite my service advisor assuring me that it will get better, after 6K it really hasn't. Acceleration is important to me - when my Cooper is cold, it's downright sluggish. I use the car mainly to go back and forth to work (via interstate) and my trips aren't very long (7 miles each way) so the Cooper doesn't reallly get a chance to warm up. On the few "roadtrips" 300-400 miles on interstate it does well and gas mileage is quite good. I love all the other aspects of the car, but performance is putting a huge damper on it and outweighs a lot of it's good points. I test drove a Cooper before buying and it didn't seem as sluggish as mine is...I really have been spoiled the couple times I've taken it to the dealer and been given a CooperS as a loaner. I don't want to give it back........

The only bright spot is that I'm leasing the car - depending what is out there in 2009--- I'll probably be looking to get a CooperS, or whatever speedy little demon is available at that time.

My guilt is lessening now, I'm glad I'm not alone.......

 

It's kinda too bad they make more than one kind.

 

Oh, believe me, Paul, I've thought of that, and am also considering it as an option! "Great minds," and all that...