Thinking of getting a 06' MCS

[ht@yyz]

Well, I'm new to this forum and looking for some feedback and/or comment on the MCS. I'm planning to trade in my Acura TSX (a.k.a. Euro Accord) for the 06 Cooper S. This is what I'm planning to get:

Silver with Black roof
Premium Package (autodim mirror, sunroof, heated seats, rain sensor, etc)
Space Cloth Seats
Auto Climate Control

Since I drive 100 km (or 60 miles) a day, I would like to get some feedback on the reliability of the Cooper S. The 05 seems to be pretty good except for "electrical" stuff according to the Consumer Report. Any comments? Also, what are some of the hiccups? What about rattling noise, etc.? Older models, such as 02 and 03, are known to be "not so good". How about the 04 and 05 models? Lastly, any comments on the dealerships in the Toronto (GTA) area? Thanks!

[k m s]

Welcome!

I have a late 04 Cooper S Convertible. Until recently I was doing a commute of 180 miles a day, it's also been to France and Italy and I've never had the slightest problem so, in my experience at least, it's been extremely reliable.

Hiccups - it developed a squeeking noise from the rear suspension recently, happens when I go over a pothole or rough bit of road but it's been into the dealer today so hopefully all should be sorted when I pick it up.

Can't comment on the dealers in Toronto though for obvious reasons!

[Paul]

If I were looking for more solid build and reliability then I would chose anything that's an '05 onwards (July 2004 build), as they are generally improved, the later the better really, although odds have always been against getting a "bad one", they seem to keep reducing year on year!

I think 100km a day should be no problem at all, we drove about 60 and 45 miles a day in our MINIs until recently and never really had any mileage related issues! Just I often found alternative routes (with more bends) to enjoy the journey a little more, and it could take longer than it should as a result!

[MINImeat]

I have an '03 MCS and it's been a wonderful daily commuter car, so if the reliability and build quality have improved I'd expect the chances that your S will be a wonderful car too will be very good.

[ht@yyz]

Does anyone have the Electric Front Window Defroster? I guess this option could be a problem if I break the windshield (ie rocks, etc)?

[Paul]

I did on my last Cooper S, I thought it was very good, but not used here most of the year,so my latest S doesn't have it.