Just a brief hello to everyone out there and say its a pleasure to be on board after a long time lurking. Great forum which may just swing my next choice of car. The thread title says it all!

I've test driven both and am finding it difficult to split. Does anyone outhere have any views as either testers or owners that might help. My heart is wanting to go for the MCS but I was mightily impressed by the VRS and feel its too good to be passed up. My overriding impression from the classified ads is that its much easier to find a decent 2nd hand MCS than a VRS. Does this say something about how many people go for the Mini initially only to realise its not quite good enough??? Views Appreciated.

The Consumer

The MINI Cooper S is not a bad car if you don't mind the harder ride, it's probably more fun in some ways, and it sure handles extremely well.

The Furby in it's standard form doesn't get close handling wise but it's more comfy and economical. Build quality wise the Furby seems better generally speaking.

It all depends on what you are looking for really

Thanks for the reply. I tend to agree with you. Having owned a Focus St170 and Golf V5 prior to that I have appreciated both sides of the argument with class leading handling on one side and comfort, refinement and a bit of torque on the other side. Doesn't help my predicament although as I'm on this forum I should do the honourable thing and get a Furby and be happy because it always left a smile on my face after the tests.

Just being as honest as I can be - I've had loads of different cars, the Furby is the first one that I (we) have ever owned from new so it's a little different hehe.

Let's face it, I'd love to be able to own and afford a car to scream around on the track with - not gonna happen though :(

Money not an object? I'd go for the MCS.

Howecer, it is overpriced for what it is, even 2nd hand, you could still buy a new Fabia RS for that cash. Throw another one in the mix, as running costs don't seem to be an issue, how about a new Octy RS? About 14k new, great fun etc etc. However, you've done the Golf thing so I guess it is out of the question.

If price/running costs/ day to day useability are the main criteria, its gotta be the Fabia.

Wanna laugh, need the image (whatever it is ) want more performance and better handling, get the MCS

JM2PW

Mini or Furby? I was in the same predicament a year ago, I went for the Furby, have no regrets. It does quiet and comfy and 55mpg when you want, or fast, furious and 40mpg when the mood takes you, The icing on the cake was when I had it revo

I don't manage 55 mpg in the 2005 model, not even on the underreading on-board computer. I tend to get at least 35 mpg most of the time, and it goes up to 45ish 'real' mpgs, not much more than that though at normal(ish) motorway speeds and with a reasonable warmup.

When I drive it to Holland we'll see how it ends up on very long journeys, will end up going 50mph a lot so that should increase mpg no end

Which ever give the better smile on day to day use, then go for.

Being unbiased I'm sure the engine mod prospects are better for the furby.

The MINI Cooper S is not a bad car if you don't mind the harder ride' date=' it's probably more fun in some ways, and it sure handles extremely well.

The Furby in it's standard form doesn't get close handling wise but it's more comfy and economical. Build quality wise the Furby seems better generally speaking.

It all depends on what you are looking for really [/quote']

AND the Mini is a tad.....well girlie

I'd say the standard ONE is the Cooper S Works is not quite so girrrrly imho

(noting that in pink it would be )