Just picked up my first ever Mini, always been a fan and has been my favorite affordable car since they came out. Little back story, I sold my 04 Subaru STi so that I could pick up my MCS.

My previous car:


My new love 2003 MCS with 58k miles(taken today):


Future mod plans:
-Shorty antenna
-Chrome delete
-ALTA pulley

Keeping it mostly stock, do you guys have any other ideas for mods?

Regards,
Mike

 

Either a 19mm 0r 22mm rear swaybar and your good to go for many fun miles. Congrats on your mini.

 

^ Thanks for the response. What company would you recommend for the rear sway? I have 22mm front/rear Whiteline sways on my Subie.

 

You sold your STi for a 03 MCS? Why the sudden change of heart for speed, and performance?

 

I just installed a 19mm alta bar on mine. Some people go with the 22mm. I dont track mine so the 19mm works for me. Alta bars are adjustable. There are a lot of bars on the market, I went with alta because I have had good luck with them.

 

Mini coopers are a drivers car. There are many faster cars out there but, for me I really love the feedback the mini gives the driver. Best car I have ever owned!!!

 

Nice car...side bonus, looks like you have a very happy navigator!

 

I agree that Minis are a fun car to drive, but coming from a guy who also owns an modified Evo 8, I can say without a doubt that the Evo is 10x as fun to drive as the Mini. Only reason I don't take the Evo everywhere is because of the bad gas mileage on e85 .. 28mpg on the R53 is niceee.

 

H-sport 19mm rear sway bar from www.waymotorworks.com
Three adjusting positions and great upgrade and feel.
Got mine set in the center hole.
Don't track it but can really feel the difference in cornering and coming off the interstate on a hairpin curve.

 

Don't get me wrong, I loved my STi and still miss it. But, the MCS is by far my favorite car that I can happily afford.

I don't plan on tracking my mini, it'll be my DD so I'll go with the 19mm.

I agree, but everyone has their own opinion of what's "best".

Actually, my navigator doesn't like the mini at all Only thing she likes about it, is the heated seats.

This guy gets me! haha
Evo/STi aren't very good DD's. I was going through 1/4 tank of gas each day to and from work. So I had to get something that saved me on insurance, gas, and monthly payments.

Looks like the general idea is that most mini owners go with the 19mm adjustable, so I'll be picking one up in the near future.

 

hey, i've seen your car on NASIOC. nice looking MINI