And if you get really bored, don't forget the warrantied John Cooper Works tuning kit

 

I have an 04' MCS. I think it handles great, just need a little more power (but the other car solves this problem for me)

 

Maybe than the 2002 S2000.

I'm not particularly recommending you keep the S2000. I just wouldn't switch to a Mini Cooper S.

 

Yeah, I don't have a frame of reference versus the 04/05 S2K. But really, the Cooper S is the only car that I can imagine that is worth selling the S over. (under about 50K) They are vastly different cars, and i'm sure i'll miss some things about the S2K. It's not the perfect car for my needs, but I think it will be quite an improvement.

 

Actually I lucked out... being in CA it's pretty much a pay a premium or being on a long waiting list for MSRP. But while doing some work in L.A. there happen to be a new Mini dealership opening up so I got a January build (the month I wanted with all the new options) during the last week of November, at MSRP. New MCS replacement arrives stateside this week.

There are plenty of places across the country that can offer immediate slots for custom orders at MSRP and even discounted, poke your head around mini2.com and northamericanmotoring.com.

If you're considering more HP, and you aren't concerned about warranty issues, you might want to look into the twin-charge systems out there putting out 300whp. As for parts, I haven't been dissapointed with the pricing, the sponsors on the above websites offer some great discounts on OEM parts, usually about 20-30% off.

Good luck!

 

Okay, you'll probably find this weird at first, but unless you specifically want a very small car, I would check out the current generation VW Jetta 1.8T, maybe with the sport package. I test drove one with the tiptronic transmission, and it was exceptionally tossable and fun to drive. After my wife bought one, we found it was also reserved, classy, and refined when circumstances called for it. Plus it has all sorts of conveniences that the S2000 lacks, many of which the Cooper S doesn't have either - little touches like illuminated door controls at night and a nicely integrated key and fob. She is much happier with her car than her friend is with the Cooper S.

Performance is similar to the Cooper S stock, and the 1.8T engine is highly moddable if you are so inclined (supposedly up to 400 hp).

 

I thought about getting one last year as my 2nd car. But in the Bay Area the markup is just rediculous ($2500). Add options and a MCS runs about $25-27K.
For that much money, I'd rather get a Lexus IS300. More power, more luxuries.
Since it's your 2nd car, you don't need the "fun" factor. I definitely think the MCS is more fun to drive but I already have the S2k for the weekend/fun days.
Also, the MCS is more unreliable than the Lexus, given both are new cars and both are driven in the same way. I checked out the Mini board and there are quite a few complaints about things breaking down. To be fair, all the complainers still love their MCS and would still purchase their car given the chance again.
I ended up getting the Lexus.

 

Trust me, I know all about the 1.8T and the Jetta. I develop turbo kits and chips for them for a living. Over the years I have come to despise them and would never own one. The shifter is junk, the platform is subpar, and the stock suspension is totally pathetic. But thanks for the advice.

 

So you are developing parts for the Cooper S now? Betcha five bucks you hate them as much in five years.

 

Dont do it wait till this version drops!!! I HAVE A STRONG FEELING IT WILL


Four Wheel Drive Cooper S Proves 10% Faster in Testing.

Reports first seen at AutoWek.nl show that Getrag, who currently produce the gearboxes for the MINI range, have developed and tested their own 4x4 MINI Cooper S, and have seen great results, including showing the 4x4 MINI is 10% faster than the traditional two wheel drive Cooper S.

The system is not a permanent four wheel drive system, but is primarily rear wheel drive, then power is shifted to the front wheels if the electronic control system senses a loss of traction at the rear.

It is unclear if BMW will actually take on and produce this car (or a version of it) for public consumption, but it seems when Getrag showed them their work they were "interested" to see the development.


MORE INFO HERE

http://www.my350z.com/forum/showthread.php...threadid=111209