Most liked posts in thread: Possible New Mini owner.

1. If you're coming from a sport bike, I have to imagine you'll want an S, but it doesn't hurt to drive both models for yourself.

2. I live in San Diego and even I have to drive 30-40 minutes to get to the one dealer in the county, so you'll be fine (we're finally getting a 2nd dealer this summer). Independent shops with Mini knowledge are few, but Helix is in PA somewhere. Of course PA is pretty big so they may be nowhere near you. (Allentown is PA, right?)

3. Brakes and oil changes shouldn't be an issue, and there are definitely people doing a lot more than that. I know a few people have replaced heater cores, for instance (while I paid several hundred dollars at the dealer...). Plus many people do suspension and engine mods in their driveways, too. Whatever you may run into, you'll find someone around here or other sites with the help you need.

4. Not to dissuade you from a Mini, but have you considered an S2000? Lightly used models are easy to find for well under $20,000.

 

That is not a bad drive to the dealership. Mine is about the same and you can get a loner if they need to keep the car. As far as the "S" or the "non S" goes, that is up to the individual. Both shine in their own way and it is just a matter of which one fills your needs. The R# pertains to the model and generation. It is mostly a factory code, but we all use it, so we know what type we are talking about. It's a MINI thing.

Jim

 

Welcome to MA.
The S is similar to the cooper, it just comes with a bigger smile. Now the JCW has a smile that starts to hurt.
Anyway you go, the grin stays a long time.

 

For many of use the purchase of a MINI is anything but rational decision.

So if you find yourself being drawn but your not sure why -- Just buy it -- you have been infected with "MINI Mania"!

 

Howdy! I concur on test driving both but methinks with your bike background you may like the S more, but then again I've been wrong before lol.
M/A is a lively and friendly bunch with tons of people ready to help and you generally get responses to questions pretty quick, if you can't find a post on point.

Keep us posted!

 

My astute colleague from the lone star state once again hit it on the head.

 

Looks like a clean slate to work with, as in looks very stock with the desirable Xenon headlights. If it is sound would sure make a nice platform to start with.

 

Good luck with the 06 MCS. When you check it out, look for any oil leaks around the oil pan. If you see something that's concerning, get the dealer to agree to replace it with a new gasket. There's an improved design change. If you have to pay for it down the road, it can be expensive.