R56 To "S" or not to "S"
#126
Here was *my* thinking:
The general reasons we decided on a MINI were the following:
- Great Handling
- Character/Look
- Custom ordered EXACTLY how you want it
- Great Gas Mileage
Both the Cooper and Cooper S have all of the above, with a slight advantage to the Cooper in gas mileage... and IMO, a slight advantage in look to the Cooper S. However, after looking at the MAIN reasons we wanted a MINI, they both offered everything we REALLY wanted. Essentially, we would be very happy with EITHER.
So, now it came down to a few less-important items:
- Oxygen Blue Paint (Advantage: Cooper)
- More straight-line speed (Advantage: Cooper S)
- Price w/ equal options (Advantage: Cooper [~$2500])
So, while I would *like* the extra straight-line speed, after considering the price bump and the Oxygen Blue paint my wife really wanted, we decided that we would stick with the "regular" Cooper.
In our opinion, the Cooper offered 100% of the "MINI ownership experience", 100% of the options we wanted, and 90% of the driving fun for $2500 less... and it came in the color we really wanted.
The general reasons we decided on a MINI were the following:
- Great Handling
- Character/Look
- Custom ordered EXACTLY how you want it
- Great Gas Mileage
Both the Cooper and Cooper S have all of the above, with a slight advantage to the Cooper in gas mileage... and IMO, a slight advantage in look to the Cooper S. However, after looking at the MAIN reasons we wanted a MINI, they both offered everything we REALLY wanted. Essentially, we would be very happy with EITHER.
So, now it came down to a few less-important items:
- Oxygen Blue Paint (Advantage: Cooper)
- More straight-line speed (Advantage: Cooper S)
- Price w/ equal options (Advantage: Cooper [~$2500])
So, while I would *like* the extra straight-line speed, after considering the price bump and the Oxygen Blue paint my wife really wanted, we decided that we would stick with the "regular" Cooper.
In our opinion, the Cooper offered 100% of the "MINI ownership experience", 100% of the options we wanted, and 90% of the driving fun for $2500 less... and it came in the color we really wanted.
#127
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.
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
#128
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
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
#129
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
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
#131
#132
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?
#133
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.
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.
#135
#136
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.
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.
#137
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¤t=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
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¤t=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
#138
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!)
#139
Ride Quality "S" versus "JustaCooper"
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.
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.
#140