[slvrathlon]

Not sure if this forum is decent to the new comers, but "hello!"

I am a long time VW owner and a member of the www.vwvortex.com and a friend of mine locally purchased a Mini S. What a great car! I am totally in love with this thing... so I come to you guys for some honest advice, etc so I don't get myself into the wrong car.

I currently own a '00 GLX Jetta and I really enjoy the car. But it has now turned 30,000 rounds and I can still get some what of a decent trade in on the car. I also bought the car for a very nice price (Way under book).
Anyway I am currently involved with a joint business Opportunity that will require me to drive quite abit more often than what I am used to.
Anyway I am really looking @ a Mini Cooper S. I guess I really don't know anything about them except I assume they get better than average mileage, I love the look of the car, and well it is a brand new car with warranty w/the option of extended (I think?).
Something my GLX does not have.
Anyway I just figured I would ask in here to see what the general Consensus was about these cars.
Also I would be looking @ the S model for sure.

Anyway if anyone could please voice and state their experiences, etc that would be fantastic!
A pic to bring you guys in here!! Also I am not looking to start Modding this Car I am just tossing in a neat pic of one.
Also a nice pic for your enjoyment!
Thanks everyone!

[slvrathlon]

Also I am very curious on what "Leatherette" is vs "Leather"
and their Upgraded 8-speaker system. I currently have a Pioneer Premiere 940mp Head Unit.
Are they making adapters, etc for people like us that would like to upgrade the head unit?

Thanks again guys.

[slvrathlon]

17 people viewed. Am I in the wrong section of the forum? If so please direct me to the correct area.
Thanks.

[NoisyCow]

I think you are in the right place, it is just that your inquiry is so 'general' that people probably don't know where to start. YES - the Mini is an awesome car - I currently do not have one, but hopefully will before the end of the year. The "Hamann" modified Mini picture you posted - it sure is sweet. Those are the nicest wheels I've seen so far. Your biggest problem may be getting a Mini S in the first place, especially if you want a special color, etc. If you order one right now, you'll probably see a 2004 model in Oct/Nov. I have the money to buy a Porsche, but I'd rather spend 1/2 that and buy a Mini -- probably twice the fun, sans snob appeal! Good luck. Depending on whether you live near a Mini dealer or not, you may want to check out Ebay, there are always 5-8 Mini S's with low mileage going there in the low 20K range.

[slvrathlon]

Hey thanks much for the reply. Yes there are two Mini Dealers in Minneapolis (I think)I know of one for sure that is about two blocks away.

So from what it sounds like you are saying, the Mini-S is totally on backorder? Wow.. that kinda sucks.
I guess the best thing is to head into the dealer and see what I can get, etc.
Any opinions on the Aftermarket Head Unit, Leather seats?

Thanks guys!

[NoisyCow]

Adaptors for other stereos are becoming available. I've read good things about the HK system, although it is not a 'booming' stereo. The 'Leatherette' is fake leather, but from what I've read here it is of high quality and some have said more comfortable than the real leather $1200? option. Same as in use of some high-end Bimmers. Depending on your budget, go for all three options - premium package, sport and cold. All are worth it imo.

[slvrathlon]

Great thanks much!

[Paul]

One point you made is about 'better than average fuel consumption' or mileage. The Cooper S and it's supercharged engine isn't great with fuel. UK miles to the gallon I get on average about 28.2 There's a lot discussion on this subject on the forums, so the running costs might not be as cheap as you expect.

However, the fun factor will probably be much higher than you expect, so get a test drive booked, and talk to the dealers about delivery time.

You might want to browse through or search the dealership feedback forum to get some tips on your local options.

Welcome to MINI2

Paul

[mikeoconnor1]

A GLX jetta, does it have the VR6? If so, the MCS will certainly get better mileage. We own a Beetle turbo, which gets about 25 mpg. The MINI gets about 28-30 mpg. Pretty close. The Cooper gets great mileage, rated in the top ten in the US.
The warranty is 50k with all maintenance included. I think VW has the same terms, without the included maintenance.
I have 2 dogs so the choice of leather and leatherette were not considered. The cloth seats are fantastic.
This car is unbelieveable for the money. It handles so well, the clutch is a dream and the motor has lots of power, right out of the box. I don't have any desire to mod it, yet.
If I were to do it again, I would skip the HK. For 550, I could install a much better system. I find it underpowered with too much bass.

[TheProsse]

....Whats up! I am also a (soon to be former) MKIV owner. (Golf GLS 1.8T)....as some of your ICE questions, be sure to check out the ICE section on this site; I'f you have to have this car soon, or are unwilling to wait a long time like me, call around to MINI dealers in nearby states. For example, Motor City MINI has something like a five month wait on a MCS
I called the folks from Classic MINI in nearby Ohio, and got a scheduled build date of 5/29/03! As far as your other questions, as a VW owner, I think that you will come to like the fact that you will not see yourself coming and going, due to BMW only importing 22,000 a year, unlike my 'Everyone's got one' Golf As far as driving is concerned, you will be upgrading to a sort of pesudo-BMW, and that's never a bad thing. The ride, while firm, manages to be 'velvety,' as well, and the options (Xenons, Sat/Nav) are way beyond anything we VW owners are given here in the States. My advice: test drive a MCS...its the only way to motor!
P.S., the leatherette is exellent fit and finsh--people think its the real deal! (Breathes well, too!)

[MrWhoa]

Just a new guys point of view on the HK stereo. Im a big stereo nut and I was really impressed with the HK system. And as far as it not being a "booming" system..... Mine booms so much I feel like I should get a cup holder that holds quarts of Malt Liquor and some gold teeth.

[Spy Car]

I wouldn't trade my MCS for anything. I'm surprised that an automobile could arouse such passion. I am further convinced that the MCS will be remembered by future generations as one of the truely great automobiles ever created.

You know your friend. Is his face now plastered with perma-grin? Do his eyes beam when he talks about the car? Wasn't he kind of a grumpy guss before the MINI (oh wait that was me

Seriously a wonderful auto

Not to Jedda bash, because we very seriously considered buying a Jedda Sport Wagon and generally like VWs, but on our second test drive in the Jedda our sales guy urged us to take some twisties we had taken the day before in an S. At a fraction of the speed the Jedda was sliding all over the road.

Not a totally fair comparison, I will admit, because the MINI is incomperable in terms of handling, but the agility of the MCS becomes more satisfying everytime you drive it.

The gas mileage may prove to be less than you suspect. More than most cars there is a wide range of mpg depending on road type and driving style. So far I'm doing a lot of canyon driving in a spirited fashion and averaging about 22-23 miles per US gallon. Other owner have told me they have gotten around 30 miles per US gallon taking it easy on extended highway miles (that is unusual though).

My big question, given where you live, is how does the MCS do in the snow? I can't help you with that question, but there are many here who can I'm sure.

MINI2 is, as you are discovering a vast resource for information, and the people are great! Welcome and good luck with your choice

[LMB]

slvrathlon like yourself I'm a big VW fan - I had a golf from new and owned it till it had 220,000 miles on the clock. (It's still going today)

But the Mini is in a class of it's own - especially the Cooper S. It is without doubt the best car I've driven for the money. It's an absolute hoot to drive.

Get one..

PS./ If your wondering why I have an S for sale, it's cause I'm selling my Dark Silver S for an all black one..hint hint

[slvrathlon]

Allright Wow! I just checked this and many replies, thanks much guys.
About the HK system, I am not really looking for a booming system as I don't have that in my Jetta. But I am looking to keep my Pioneer HU as it cost me $899.00 and is the second to the top deck Pioneer makes, Well for a Single disc HU anyway. I am just looking for a nice quality system not looking to add subs and all that. I also have XM in the Jetta right now so I sure do hope I can transfer everything over.

Yes the GLX has the VR6 and is also Fully factory loaded with all options, etc in it and it gets decent mileage but man when I get on it for a little while, holy jeebus does it suck the gas. I don't mind that at all but as I am going to be doing a bit more driving I don't need that extra cost, but from what it seems like you guys are saying the Mini S is a tad better. But ya know what I am willing to deal with that I think because darnit I am really liking that damn Mini!

Ya I am also a huge VW fan and I have many local friends that roll VWs as well so if I decide to do this it is going to be a change that is for sure.
See my whole thing is $$. I can trade this GLX in and still get pretty much what I paid for it on trade and then up a bit more and snag the Mini while my payments increase a bit from what they are now.
At first I was checking on grabbing a Used Audi or M3 but shoot I am in the same boat again.
No warranty, A used car with higher mileage than what I have now for a expensive upgrade. The Mini being the price that it is and the options that you recieve... Well no wonder this car is on backorder!
heh


Thanks alot guys for comments. I need to head to the Dealer today. Check some things out.

[Dark Silver S]

Since you're in your early thirties, I hope you have a decent driving record. If not, do not consider the S. I can tell you that an S is a ticket waiting to happen. Try to get one in "stealth grey" like I did.

Unless you like to be the first one down an unplowed road, snow won't give you any problem. And the leatherette is quite nice, especially with the heated seat option. Your best way to determine what all of these things are like is to a) bother your nearest dealer a lot, or b) find the nearest enthusiast group. We're always happy to show off our MINIs.

[slvrathlon]

Thanks much guys. Oh and I am 25, not in my early 30s


Thanks again

[sib]

I own a '99 Jetta (bought new) and used to really enjoy driving it. Then my MCS arrived -- oops, no more enjoying driving the Jetta!

Definitely the best car I've ever driven. Perma-grin city!

I currentley drive a mkIV Golf Gti 1.8T and do approx 25K a year and have made the switch to a MCS which I ordered about 2 weeks ago. I must admit that I didn't really put a great deal of thought into buying it unlike yourself. I saw one on a stand in my local supermarket on the sunday went to a dealer near my work on the wednesday for a quick look and took the misses down to my local dealer on the saturday for an hours test drive and ordered one straight away. I think after you have gone for a drive you'll either love it or hate it and I'll bet anyones money on here you'll love it! They are truly fantastic cars.

J.

[ISGuise]

I would've replied earlier, but see.. having just taken delivery of my MCS last Thursday... I just haven't been around these boards as much.

Now.. I'm coming from the point that really the only other sticks I drove were a Porsche Cabriolet, a Dodge Viper and a Corvette ZR1. I drove them in racing situations so I never really had to deal much with stop & go and the major pain-in-the-backside that a clutch usually brings about in Stop & Go traffic (Gotta love Boston...)

Anyways. Just stop thinking about it and get the car.

Whether you're dealing with Stop & Go traffic (and if you have the windows down you can bet on having conversations with people around you in the jam), just cruising for the fun of it - or zooming down the highways.. you're just gonna love the car.

Is it the fastest? Is it the most powerful? Is it the best handling? Who cares.

It is, without a doubt, the most FUN car you could possibly own. It loves to play, and (fortunately/unfortunately) it loves to play FAST (Honest officer, it's the Car's fault!!!)

The MCS is a pleasure to drive and your Consumption will vary based on your style. 20-22mpg "having fun", 26-28mph "normal" and 30+ highway I'm certain.

As for some of the goodies:

I went with the Space Cloth seats. Leather always tends to be too warm for me in the summer and too cold for me in the winter. I love the seats.

I went with the HK radio. I'm not like most people, I like a radio that I can listen to without causing serious damage to my ears. I don't need major bass, I don't need massive volume, but I'm also a VERY picky Audiophile and the HK radio (at least thus far) has been very enjoyable. Also I'm not a big fan of messing with a car (I trust the designers) so I kind of like having a factory-installed option.

I went with the GPS. If you can afford it - especially with their new DVD-based GPS systems - get it. If you're a guy who can't stop and ask directions, THIS IS YOUR BEST FRIEND, EVER!

I also got the MINI Car Alarm. Its not installed by the factory anymore, but really its nice having it all built in and ready to run with the car. It'll cost you a few pennies, but again, if you don't like messing with the car, get it.

Unfortunately, people have posted the truth here - many MINI dealers have WAITLISTS to order a Cooper S (as they are almost all build to order due to the high number of options and packages). In MA there were two dealerships - both projecting 6-8 month waits. I was lucky and got in touch with KEELER MINI from Albany, NY (Rex Varughese) - took my order right away and boom. All set and done

I'll just tell you that its one purchase that you won't regret - but the WAIT for the car will drive you insane

--Micah

[slvrathlon]

Hey thanks alot guys. Nice to see a forum helping each other out.

Well I went into the local dealer planning and excited on driving a MCS. Well as I was walking around and looking at these buggers I was approached by a salesmen. Well as we talked about options, etc pricing, etc I asked about a test drive so I could feel this car on the road. Well he informed me that eariler in the morning another customer got into a accident in their only Mini S!!!
So suck for me.

Well he asked me if I would like to drive the Cooper just to get a feel for the car. I of course said "Sure"
Well here is my take on the test drive:

I walk out to the car and click the button to unlock the doors and then click to lock them, no alarm.
I jump in the car and see this totally future like car! I was totally thrown back by the cool design inside. Well I started this puppy up and put back the sunroof (Which is pretty nice how far it goes back, but of course I was waiting to see how loud it was on the freeway) and took off.
Well as I got on a main road heading towards the freeway I gave it some throttle quick a few times to see what the normal cooper had, hmm..(I know for a fact I have to drive the Mini S)
So I am buzzing along and I come to the freeway onramp, well I see some cars ahead so I wait for them to get farther down so I can really take this corner...
HOLY ****! Does this car handle from the factory! I mean whoa... (Now I am really pumped to drive the S version)
Anyway after I proceed to get on the freeway I drop a gear and nail it, well I am sorry to say but the Normal cooper couldn't get out of it's own way. I mean it is ok and all but I guess I am to used to my VR6 power/torque (But again I am still wanting to test drive the S)
The sunroof which came to a huge suprise to me wasn't loud at all to what I thought it was going to be.
Anyway all in all:
The car was a blast to drive, the seats were nice and comfy, and the SUSPENSION well it all speaks for it's own.
I for one will not be purchasing a normal Cooper. But of course like I stated before, I can't wait to drive a S.

Hopefully my mind will change once I drive the S.
Thanks...