If you're picking between the MCS and the Smart, get the MCS. I own both, the MCS is a lot more "car" than the Smart. You can't really have the Smart as your only car if you actually need a car (if you live in a city like SF and don't really need a car, then a Smart works great!)...
We absolutely loved our MCS, the biggest advantage over the Smart, IMO, is the availability of a real transmission.
I have both. The Mini is a 2006 CVT. Totally different vehicles in feel and performance. For the way I drive, by myself back and forth to work, I prefer the smart. For a long trip maybe the Mini if I was on the highway the majority of the time.
Since I owned a 2002 problem filled-31 K miles crapped tranny Mini, I am so not in favor for the car. Left me with a terrible after taste in my mouth. I will never get another Mini. I love my smart and glad I got it
wow, you've had bad luck with cars - didn't you also have a PTCruiser that you hated as well?
(We have both a PT and a MINI....well over a 100,000 combined problem free miles)
back to the thread topic....Whirly, what about you lifestyle...single I assume, or are kids in the immediate future? The smart may be a little bit more novel (that "cuteness" factor) as well as lower cost of ownership. So if you're single and the budget's tight the fortwo is the choice. Now if you have a little more discretionary income, and you want a car to drive, the MINI is a hoot!
Funny you say that, I always noticed the brick-like drag coefficient of the Mini and high center of gravity, was a difficult transition from the hunkering 3 series we had before
My perception is a bit skewed from having an Elise. We used to have an E46 M3, and after driving the Lotus the M3 felt like a minivan. And the Mini, a slow, stubby minivan...
My perception is a bit skewed from having an Elise. We used to have an E46 M3, and after driving the Lotus the M3 felt like a minivan. And the Mini, a slow, stubby minivan...
I understand where you are coming from having driven other sports cars, but when you said the Mini felt like a 3 series I was compelled to reply as to me the Mini, fun as it is in a different way, does not feel or handle like then the M3 (or even regular coupe) and is susceptible to the wind due to its shape and steep raked windshield. Similarly the Smart doesn't handle like the Mini but I have found it to be very fun in its own way - the tactile steering + rwd and short wheelbase = hang on!
So OP, made any decisions? For an only car the Mini probably makes the most sense, unless ease of parking in a city like SF is high priority and/or lower cost is key.
To me, the ideal 2nd car to complement our Smart Cab is a Mini Clubman. I've not yet driven one, but I've looked at it, and there is plenty of storage in the back, and adequate, if not great, rear seat legroom.
The odd thing about the MINI is that when I parked it side-by-side with my VW R32 (uh, er, MkIV Golf) is that, aside from the overhang, the two cars were about the same size. The MINI is not that mini.
I saw the Mini Cooper and had considered it. I did not test drive the Mini Cooper. I saw the roomy video at the Smart USA site and noticed how a big guy like myself could get into one. This is one of the reasons I bought a Smart Fortwo. Having driven a Smart Fortwo since March of 2008, I find it easier to get into and out of than my Dad's Ford Focus and is more comfortable to drive than the FF. The big man video also shows how roomy the Smart Fortwo is. I am six foot and weigh about 320 lbs.
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