Taking delivery of 2013 MCS (with all-season run-flats) in a couple of weeks--and living just outside of Boston. My MA at MiniPeabody suggested that I'd 'be OK' this winter without snow tires. I'll take his word for it, but looking ahead would like to know what kind of money I'd spend for a good set of snow tires for this car next year. I've never used snows before--should I plan on buying a separate set of rims? I assume not--and if not, what does it cost do get the tires changed out, as I'm not savvy enough to do this myself.

(And, I suppose, if anyone would suggest I NOT heed my MA's advice, particular suggestions on a good snow tire right now would be much appreciated!)

Thanks so much!

 

I ran my first gen S on all seasons around Boston and Foxboro/Wrentham. As long as they aren't too badly worn and you stick to plowed roads it's fine. My second gen S came with summer tyres (despite my asking for all seasons, but that's another story) so I got a second set of rims with real snow tyres. Compared to the all seasons it's like having four wheel drive! I ran like that for three winters on the same tyres. When I sold that car I didn't think I would be able to have another MINI so I sold the snows with the car.
I'm back in a MINI now, and got another set of snows for it, as this time I wanted summer tyres. See my thread in the Roadster section about the whole story.
My advice would probably match your MAs. If you are careful and stick to well travelled roads the stock all seasons will be OK for this winter. For next winter get real snows on separate rims. Constant removal and replacement will inevitably damage both the tyres and rims over time if you try swapping them on and off the same rims, plus you have to go to a shop, etc. Tire Rack has pre-made packages that they will ship to your door ready mounted and balanced. You'll need tyre pressure monitoring sensors which adds to the cost a bit, but I'm sure over time it will be the same or cheaper to go with a full set of wheels.
If you have the snows then it also lets you go more aggressive with the tyres on your main rims when it comes time to replace them.

 

If its the 17" tire, expect to spend $600+ on dedicated snow tires.

Its typically easier to have a set of snow wheels and tires, because you can bolt-on the wheels at home if the weather turns quickly.

If you don't have dedicated snow wheels, you will have to bring your tires to a tire shop to have the all-season (or dedicated summer) tires dismounted and snow tires put on.
That adds up on time (since you'll have to wait at the tire shop), and costs each time to dismount and remount.

Myself being in Colorado, it's great to have dedicated 'summer' wheels and tires and then a set of dedicated 'snow' wheels and tires.
Changing them over is simple at home with a floor jack and the OEM tool kit.
Really, you'll find that having an extra set of wheels is extremely efficient for the different seasons.

- ERik