As some of you know I've had a MCS on order since the end of last year. I was looking for a fun yet affordable small car for some time and finally decided on the MCS.
I had looked at a number of other cars, mostly Honda products, such as the Civic, RSX, S2000, Accord V6, 350Z, etc. I've always been partial to Hondas but for a variety of reasons the current offerings left me wanting. The S2000 and 350Z were in the running but I already have the NSX and they were just a bit more than I wanted to spend.
Anyway, last fall I took a test drive in a MCS and was really impressed. It had that certain something. Excellent driving position, wonderful 6-speed gearbox, go-kart feel, surprisingly roomy interior for its size and a nice torquey engine. It is a bit on the heavy side considering it's only 12 foot long, but on the flip side, it's also rock solid and has a substantial feel to it too. I went back a few weeks later for another test drive and made the decision.
Well, last night I picked it up. I ordered an all-black MCS. I didn't go too crazy on the options. I ordered the panoramic sunroof/auto a/c package and Harmon Kardon stereo. The S is reasonably well-equipped to begin with. I was considering the 17" wheels but decided to stick with the std 16-inchers as they are much lighter.
Only one flaw so far. The rear driver's side window molding has some wrinkles in the rubber. I'll take it in next week and also have them mount the just-available aux port for the radio. Then I'll be able plug my Apple iPod in directly.
It's kind of interesting. In many ways, I like the MCS for the same reasons why I like my NSX. There are numerous little detail touches that have been "noodled" and well thought out. It's tremendous fun to drive and so far I've always come back after a drive with a huge smile. The car also provides a more accessible form of driving fun than the NSX.
With the NSX, you really need some open roads (or a road course) to have the most fun. With the go-kart like MCS fun can be had on every road and turn.
I'm not yet sure what future mods, if any I'll do. The JCW package is expensive but now that I've been driving the car, it's very tempting. I may install the black grilles from the aero kit too.
If anyone is looking for a fun and affordable (~ $21K) 2nd car I'd highly recommend the MCS.
-Jim
PS: Debbie Franks of Princeton MINI/BMW was really great and helpful. She owns a vintage MINI - and it's always nice to deal with an car enthusiast who "understands."
PPS: I just realized I posted this in the general forum instead of the Off Topic forum. Sorry.
I had looked at a number of other cars, mostly Honda products, such as the Civic, RSX, S2000, Accord V6, 350Z, etc. I've always been partial to Hondas but for a variety of reasons the current offerings left me wanting. The S2000 and 350Z were in the running but I already have the NSX and they were just a bit more than I wanted to spend.
Anyway, last fall I took a test drive in a MCS and was really impressed. It had that certain something. Excellent driving position, wonderful 6-speed gearbox, go-kart feel, surprisingly roomy interior for its size and a nice torquey engine. It is a bit on the heavy side considering it's only 12 foot long, but on the flip side, it's also rock solid and has a substantial feel to it too. I went back a few weeks later for another test drive and made the decision.
Well, last night I picked it up. I ordered an all-black MCS. I didn't go too crazy on the options. I ordered the panoramic sunroof/auto a/c package and Harmon Kardon stereo. The S is reasonably well-equipped to begin with. I was considering the 17" wheels but decided to stick with the std 16-inchers as they are much lighter.
Only one flaw so far. The rear driver's side window molding has some wrinkles in the rubber. I'll take it in next week and also have them mount the just-available aux port for the radio. Then I'll be able plug my Apple iPod in directly.
It's kind of interesting. In many ways, I like the MCS for the same reasons why I like my NSX. There are numerous little detail touches that have been "noodled" and well thought out. It's tremendous fun to drive and so far I've always come back after a drive with a huge smile. The car also provides a more accessible form of driving fun than the NSX.
With the NSX, you really need some open roads (or a road course) to have the most fun. With the go-kart like MCS fun can be had on every road and turn.
I'm not yet sure what future mods, if any I'll do. The JCW package is expensive but now that I've been driving the car, it's very tempting. I may install the black grilles from the aero kit too.
If anyone is looking for a fun and affordable (~ $21K) 2nd car I'd highly recommend the MCS.
-Jim
PS: Debbie Franks of Princeton MINI/BMW was really great and helpful. She owns a vintage MINI - and it's always nice to deal with an car enthusiast who "understands."
PPS: I just realized I posted this in the general forum instead of the Off Topic forum. Sorry.
