First post & new here - please be kind!

Pretty close to a JCW hardtop purchase in the SoCal area -- I'm in central CA, so no dealers close by. Test drove a JCW in Valencia last week and very impressed. Downsizing from an '02 Z-71 Tahoe. Do you think I'll notice a difference?

So, the questions are -- any advice on dealerships in the LA area? Currently in communication with Valencia (new store), Long Beach and Camarillo. All seem willing to deal, but still waiting for some numbers from them.

The JCW has a different head than the S, if I read and searched correctly -- and the question is whether the JCW is an interference or non-interference engine? I suspect it is an interference engine, but would like to confirm.

Thanks in advance to all, and quite a wealth of information available here...

 

Welcome. What year MINI are you looking at?

 

Oh yeah... that info would probably be important. 2013, new from dealer. Thanks...

 

I bought my MINI from Crevier down in Santa Ana and always take him there for service. I would absolutely recommend them. They cut me a great deal on Pip after I told them about my really bad experience with MINI of Monrovia. My MA there is Christian, he'd definitely take care of you. He even taught me how to drive stick before I bought my car!

Universal MINI is pretty bad in my opinion but it might just be because they are so small. I've also been to MINI of Ontario and have had great experiences there. They also sponsor some SCMM club events.

Nick Alexander MINI is probably the closest to you and I've heard pretty good things about them but I've never been there myself.


For any maintenance I need done that isn't covered by the 36k maintenance plan (7k mi oil changes!!) I use MINI World in Sun, Valley. They will not rip you off, they stand by what they say, and they are really great guys!

Steve's Auto Clinic is just a little far away being in North Hills, but he is amazing. Quick, cheap-ish, quality, he cares about your car the way you would. Use him for mod installations you can't do yourself and out of warranty work.

Stay away from MINICorsa in my opinion. They seem to not care about you or your car unless you're trying to turn your R53 into a track machine. Their prices are also ridiculous!

 

if you buy new mini of camarillo is your place-I have a friend with an 012 JCW with 6200 miles on it for a great price let me know if you are interested-first car sold new out of Camarillo when they opened! still has 2 years of maintenance and 3 years of wtty left

 

Thanks for the advice all -- It will be taken into account. Anybody know anything about the interference/non-interference valve train?

The JCW will be my DD/work car, and I'm looking forward to it. Always fond of the MINI ever since they first appeared in the US. Now it's time I own one...

Not new to spirited driving though, have auto-crossed my '90 Miata a few times -- and many drives with the local club. Even a joint drive or two with the local MINI group. Spent quite a bit of time and $ modifying the Mazda -- and enjoy it -- but looking for the "out-of-the-box" zip with the MINI. Therefore, JCW appears to be the only solutions.

Thanks again for the info so far...

 

Be aware most dealers have sold out of their 2013 allocation as the factory retools to build next-gen Coopers. As of last month, they're configuring 2014 models in my local dealers.

 

Buy a used 2011 or 2010 and get the N14 engine - easier to tune - and the 1st year depreciation is a killer.

 

But the carbon buildup is way worse. Pros and cons with each decision.

 

You can get the carbon buildup taken care of for under $400 - once every 60K miles - not a serious expense

When you can get an Accessport and tune yourself and reroute your PVC too to slowdown the buildup.

 

Pretty much leaning toward new from a dealer -- factory zip right out of the box! Probably won't tune, but you never know. Considered used, and was seduced by that "new car" smell.

Lots of good advice here -- thanks everyone! Will let you know how it all turns out!

 

I highly doubt you will go 60k in between carbon cleaning. Every 30k is even pushing it.

 

The results:

Chili Red over Eclipse Grey, pretty much loaded with the manual transmission -- got a smokin' deal from MINI of Valencia.