Hello MC Fans! My name is Jeff and I am new to this forum and Mini style. I am selling my OPEC addicted SUV and looking to get a Bad @ss Mini. I have been looking at a lot of the cars for sale in the "Market" place and am very interesting is about 30 of them! I have done a little homework so I know what MCS means...I know what JCW is....I have learned the color schemes and interiors...

I need some help from those of YOU that know the real guts of these cars and what I will really miss or want in one vs. the other car. To help you help me, I am one of those guys that likes 0-60 fast, but don't like doing 150. I getting on the freeway with AUTHORI-TIE! (Any South Park fans out there?) I LOVE to carve up a canyon. I like technology and convenience, but don't need my bum warmed. I love music but don't need a 15" woofer to be happy. (HK system)

Here are some questions that I hope are somewhat intelligent.

1. How many miles (driven fun, but not psycho) can you expect to get out of a MS, MCS, and MCS JCW engine? 120k? 150k? 200?
2. What is the GP package?
3. What is a better idea? (Assuming same year and price.) a.JCW with more miles b. MCS lower miles?
4. Is there a signifigant mpg loss/gain between MCS and MCS JCW?
5. How does one get (which model) the best performance AND mpg?
6. Is there a year when BlueTooth integration took place? I have a lot of on the road con calls.
7. Are all the sunroofs/moonroofs electrically operated or are some manual? Also, if "pano" roof, does that assume they open, or are there some that are just glass roofers?
8. Anyone selling a low mile MCS JCW for around 20K?!

I know these are all semi-subjective questions and will have MANY ways to answer. Basically I want to make the right decision as I will be in this car and loving it for 5-10 years. I have a 2000 Chevy Tahoe Z71 Opec Addict that I want to trade in or sell. I have about 20K to spend. Could you all help me make an informed decision.

By the way...here is the one I am looking at. http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true

 

1. If you take care of them they will last a long time.
2. GP package: taken from Wikipedia..:

The GP features more bolstered front seats but has no rear seats, which along with reduced sound-deadening, deleting the rear wash-wipe, offering optional air-conditioning and making other steps to reduce the overall weight, resulted in a weight saving of around 40 kg (88 lb) over a Cooper S. Additionally, the car has enhanced braking, suspension, a smooth underbody and 218 horsepower (163 kW) from the John Cooper Works engine modification package. In place of the rear seats there is additional body stiffening and below-floor storage areas. There are many unique styling points such as the red door mirrors, a carbon fibre rear spoiler, unique body kit, bespoke (2 kg lighter) 4-spoke alloy wheels and specialised badging. Available in just one colour scheme, Thunder Blue with a Pure Silver roof, each car is individually numbered and features a decal on the roof along with a plaque on the dashboard.

3. personal preference..
4.,5? ? not sure....
6. Not sure of the year but check if your phone is compatible. some phones work some dont, some partially work
7. As far as I know, all are electric sun roofs. if no sun roof option selected... solid roof..

 

I relation to the Scion. Forget the questions. Just close your eyes, leap into the unknown, and get a MINI. You will thank yourself over and over and over. These cars are truly special....even moreso in GP or JCW form.

 

I have a coworker who has a scion and he likes it I guess. I don't think I would be able to drive one however. Once you go Mini, you don't go back.

 

Let me assure you all.....I know what Mini passion is. I have owned a classic and was introduced to a 197x Cooper when I was 5 years old. I just want to make sure I get the most for my money and the performance I am going to want in the long run. I am thinking an MCS will suit me just fine, but what am I missing out on with JCW? Do I scour the earth for the perfect JCW or start enjoying an MCS today! Non S is just out of the question.

 

JCW gives you factory upgrade (and thus, warranty if any is left). If you're not looking for warranty, go for the MCS and mod to your heart's content.

 

test drove a tC a couple times. doesn't compare remotely. maybe with all the TRD goodies, but by then you've spent more than you would on a new MINI.

I'd get the lowest miles you can, and just add aftermarket goodies later to get the JCW performance.

personally, I'd say you'd be better off getting a brand new 08 Cooper S with sport suspension and limited slip if you want the best compromise of mpg and speed. otherwise, an 05 or 06 S will work, but finding the limited slip on a used car will be really difficult, I imagine.

 

The TC is Total Crap..... I had one and will never buy another, my sunroof exploded while driving with no impact...after that a TSB was sent out they are not made well at all... IMHO.... I am on my 61st car, so I have owned enough to know what has been a great car or just a good car......

 

if you want to spend just 20k, gp is out of the question. jcw does give you a bit more kick, and is especially sweet in '06+ factory-installed spec 'cuz you also are guaranteed to get lsd. that said, you can relatively easily mod an mcs w/ aftermarket stuff to make it run like h*ll. what i like the most about the jcw is more its connection to the original john cooper garage, which is pretty stupid, i know, but i like it these cars don't have great 0-60 times, but they're one of the most fun-to-drive cars we have. even an mc will be tons of fun in the canyons

mpg's are decent but not super consider the car's size. that said, i have managed to get 35mpg out of my jcw mcs on long trips. obviously, it's better to get as low mileage car as you can but probably how well it was taken care of is just as more or more important, so it's better to buy from someone who knows about cars and who treats them well. if you look around long enough, you can probably find a good deal on a jcw mcs. keep in mind that '06+ cars would be fetching a bit more $ and especially since often they are pretty loaded with other options

as for scions... they are SLOW. they are pure econoboxes with bling potential. a driving enthusiast who wants a fun-to-drive experience might want to stay away from scions...unless you're getting one as a second, daily driver

 

These are the types of replies I was hoping for. I have a '59 356A that is my other car and it does get road time. So when it comes to bling, I have that more than covered. The Scion comment was meant to provoke anger and immediate response .
I had a classic Mini and NOTHING will ever compare to its handling. Again, I don't need 0-60 in really fast. I just don't want to get slammed in the bumper getting on the freeway ever. Please keep the replies coming...it's making my thought process flow. Leaning towards the MCS JCW. Like RoadusCarnivorous, I like the original ties to JC garages.

 

hi hockeyman - the JCW adds a lot of very solid performance hardware that works better together than the individual parts may suggest and comes with factory warranty and some genuine pedigree. It adds up to quite a difference in driving feel between an already impressive S and the 210hp tune JCW car especially. Smooth power delivery and very broad powerband (with excellent top end) is how I would describe it in a nutshell. Beyond powertrain, the suspension is a noticeable improvement over 'stock' too, brakes are enlarged, etc. The aero kit itself (i.e, body kit that many JCW cars tend to have fitted) is a nice alternative to most of the mini S's you will see (though lots of aero kits are out there too, it's a great looking addition to the car, IMO).

Motoringfile.com had a couple of reviews of a 2005 factory JCW a while back that might be worth a read while you are checking out the used market:
http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/07/...eview-wrap-up/

Similarly, the even more desirable JCW GP was reviewed here:
http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/12/...review-jcw-gp/

Pics in my gallery of a Canadian example of a 2006 factory JCW.

 

I'd say lower miles on an otherwise well equiped MCS rather than a JCW with higher mileage. Chances are the JCW may have been driven harder by someone more interested in a "fast" car. A MCS may have had a gentler previous owner. If you read though the many, many NAM threads regarding mods, you can do an awful lot for less money than a factory JCW new. Watch the warranty issues for the aftermarket mods if it is still in effect. I bought my 02 after the warranty was gone. I've enjoyed learning a whole lot about my car. I am happy having added the mods and know much more than I would have if purchased a JCW. Now, that said, I recently test drove a 05 JCW and I was a bit blown away. So, I had my pulley reduced within a month of that test drive. Next month it's a RMW tune by Jan. Be sure to look into the build differences in the early years and the 05-06 models. The tranny gearing difference is big (I don't remember exactly when it was changed). There are a lot of other changes that add up. Some for the better and others maybe not. Good luck on your search for the right car.

 

BAAAH! (like a goat) thanks for the info. Very well stated. That is a very nice "example" of a BAD @SS Mini too. As it turns out NOW, I have another debate. You will all likely laugh.....
My Credit Union can get me a new car at wholesale value. I am now looking at the '08 Clubman, Clubman S or Cooper S. As if I didn't have enough to think about.....how are these turbos working out? Supercharger vs. Turbo anyone? Fundamental conversation that probably requires some home/book work on my part.....but again...nutshell anyone?

 

Thanks T-Sis!

For the record....this NAM forum is AWESOME! I found the same good people on the MM classic side of the house too! These cars really do attract cool people. I love my 356, but those folks tend to be a bit snooty for my taste even.