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I'm looking for a 2nd Mini Cooper. I own a 04 Cooper and want to get a real performer to just drive on weekends/nice weather and wondered if the JCW is the ticket or an S that I would put performance mods on. Don't go to the track, can't stand the new Coopers front end so I'm looking at 02-04 JCW's and S's. But I want something that will really get up and go. Love the sweet little engine in my Cooper...it's quiet and smooth. Want the opposite for the next one though. Suggestions/ideas... thanks.
PS, I"m old enough to be a grandad to most of you but used to ride a Hayabusa (unrestricted) to give you an idea of what I'm looking for!
It would probably help if we knew where you are located so we'd have an idea to go on.
There was a GREAT '03 with the RIGHT mods that was available here in SoCal but I think it found a new home a few weeks ago.
Good Luck!
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'04 MCS, CROC #500, Anthracite interior, black leather, 6 SPD, Premium, Sport, Cold Pkgs, White S-Lites, Michelin Pilot Super Sports, OEM NAV and Intravee II I-Pod System, Valentine 1 Radar Locator, Sunroof, JCW Intake, Exhaust, Intercooler and Strut Brace, JCW Carbon Wing, Dash, Down Tubes, Shift knob, Ring and E-Brake handle, Alta V2 15% Pulley, M7 APD and "Signature Series" Passenger Relief System. License? What else? QXXOTIC.
I'm in the Spokane area. Eastern Wa doesn't have the rain but does have snow so 8 months is good for driving/riding.
I'm game for most anything west of Kansas.
Prices on 05/06 are still a bit wako. 02/03 seem to be more flexible in their willingness to deal. Would the S be a better choice than the JCW or would the JCW be a better starting platform?
Hey putttn! I might have your car for you! I live in Spokane as well & I just drove a 2006 JCW with 19,000 miles on it & it is SWEET! I don't like the 2nd Gen front end either, but I'm still getting one. If I hadn't ordered my 2009 MCS 2 months ago (taking delivery tomorrow) I would have bought this little hot rod. It's tight, no rattles and I absolutely loved it.
Let me know what happens! By the way, asking price is $25,999 but the owner was quickly down to $25,000 out the door including tax & license, so I think he might come down further as the car's been sitting for at least 2 months. Nice fellas there too. Good luck!
Bottomfeeder...hello! I drove that car too. Only problem...no sun roof. I think it's really a nice car too but w/out sunroof I'm not a buyer. I think this car got me wanting performance. Good luck with your new Mini.
If you want something that will put a smile on your face everytime get a GP. Might take a little while to find the right one. Basically a JCW but with a more aggressive tune on it and much lighter (no back seat)
I had an 02 MCS modded and now an 06 JCW, I'd go JCW everything seems to work well togther, in conjunction, Top Gear agrees! I love mine. Regarding that blue one it's does look very nice but no roof! Also it has the aero front and sides but no rear. 05-06 best years for the Mini IMO, best of luck
PS got mine RMW tuned.....eeeyowww more fun than a barrel of monkeys aka Fire breathing
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2006 MCS JCW #20/64 Competiton Edition (Canada's version of the GP but only 64), JCW Suspension, JCW Brakes, JCW Body kit, JCW Engine & exhaust with JCW header, ITG Filter, Brisk Plugs, RMW Tuned @ 196WHP, JCW CF dash, shifter and ebrake handle. English Panther Leather, full load, JCW R112 Challenge wheels summer and R98 webspokes winter {sig pic by COOPERation}
Having a now-modified JCW, I'd stick with the JCW if you want total reliability. They spend a bunch of time and R&D money to make sure it works well. You can have Jan tune it and maximize what MINI builds in so that it'd be super fun. If you want to mod the heck out of it, buy one with a blown motor or something and drop a newly built motor in it.
You need to decide how important reliability is to you. Once you go down the mod path you're taking more risks, which is great as long as you know that you're choosing that path. Either way, you'll have tons-o-fun I'm sure.
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2006 HB/W JCW (Jan Cooper Works)
West Coast MINI
Get a late production 05 or 06 S, they have the upgraded supercharger. You'll know if you take it off if it's upgraded or not by the color of the blades. The black blades are the upgraded ones, or the same you'd find in a jcw kit.
NBSR
