Hello. I'm in the market for our first Mini purchase and have been hitting NAM results for the different searches I've done, so I thought I would hopefully become one of you all, and make it official!

We are trying to find a solid used one that will be our new 3rd car / my fun runner, as my son gets his license and needs to use our pick-up. I've been eyeing the JCW pretty much exclusively, enticed by the anticipated zip they should have, but when I starting running the VIN's through my on-line insurance quote engine, for even around a '09-10 hatch, I'm looking at premium bumps of $450-500. Which for us teachers, soon to be paying for college, well, that's is a bunch and will keep adding up. I gotta say that amount surprised me a bit for a 9 year old 4-cylinder car, even as awesome as they are. So now I'm leaning towards an S, because premiums are significantly lower, but I was hoping for the JCW power. Never having driven or owned one, will I be disappointed with the S's ability to get up and go? What was the first year the JCW was offered, so maybe I can save on price and ins that way? Is there a great deal of money, time, and skill needed to take an S engine and make it perform equal to the JCW?

We are in the Texas Gulf Coast area, so anyone that knows about a car in our area that sounds like what we'd want (not afraid to go back as far as like '04 if mileage is low) that may or may not be listed on the site, we'd so appreciate a message back pointing us in that direction.

Thanks so very much for all your help! Super stoked to hopefully buy a reason to need this website and all it's awesome members!!
Matt

 

Welcome, If you can find a JCW car that's a good price I would jump on that. Sometimes people dont know they are JCW when they sell them on cars.com and such. So keep a look out.
2009 was the first year for the factory JCW on the gen 2, In 2013 they got the factory JCW N18 engine.

In the older cars it was an add on kit for the gen 1, then they started doing factory i believe in about 2005~2006.

Good luck.

 

Thanks so much for the info! I've got my eye on a few for sale right now, trying to get the best deal and buy the most reliable one, We keep our cars for a long time, so longevity is important in my decision. Is the N18 engine you mentioned in the 2013 more reliable/stronger/better than the one in, say the '09-'11?

 

Welcome,

yep, its an easier engine to maintain and most of the bugs have been worked out. For Cooper S you need to look at 2011+ to get the N18. JCW it was 2013+ for the Gen 2.

 

Gotcha. Does that make a 2009 or 2010 a bad choice? Or if you had a chance to get both, but money was tight and you could get the 2010 cause the 2013 was too much, you'd still do it?

 

Nope does not mean its bad, if the timing chain, water pump, thermostat hosuing, HPFP, waterpipe, turbo oil lines, and oil filter housing gaskets have been done, those are the major things. Like I did on my 2007 MCS, then it's fine. Or if it has super low miles like 30K or something.

 

I see. I was getting excited about narrowing down a purchase, but now I'm uneasy (but it's a good thing) since you giving more knowledge. So you feel like getting a car like the link I added is a sketchy roll of the dice, or just be careful, check carfax, and it won't be too bad of an investment? I can't spend what they are asking anyway, but it's the first one listed in a very long time that's anywhere remotely close to where I live. History seems accident free. Mileage is 59,266.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used...ting=236937767

I so appreciate your time!

I know it's probably a very slippery slope as well, but how about a 2010 MCS that's had the JCW tuning kit installed about 4 years ago, by a Mini Dealer with OEM stuff? I'm guessing that some of the stuff that you mentioned would had to have been looked at and serviced while installing the upgrades? 53K miles.

Thanks again sir!

 

Yes!

 

Hi and welcome to NAM!
When buying a used Mini, you should thoroughly check it out. The gen 2s in the S models are turbocharged, the gen 1s are supercharged. If you were to find a good 2006 MCS JCW, I can tell you, they don't disappoint, but remember these are not drag cars, they are handling monsters and have ample 210 hp to drive the twisties to a point that most others cars can not keep up.
If you want a freeway cruiser, the 06 is really geared for the twisties.
The gen 2s, you should get are the (2013 S JCW) got the better engine and they run strong and would be more comfortable on the freeway and still do nicely in the twisties, but you are going to pay a price for a good one.
Side note: These will last a very long time, but maintenance is vital to long lasting and I am guessing you know that from your comment, but I can not emphasize this enough.
Best of luck in your search!

 

Yes, not interested in the drag aspect, definitely want more of a twisted experience! Not sure I can pull off or justify the cost of a 2013. Being teachers, and with a second job, and 2 older kids, the phrase "disposable income" doesn't really exist. But we will invest in a great Mini, to which our means are suited. My wife spent time growing up across the pond and has always had a love for them. I have been watching the classic version for a long, long time, but needing a daily driver, I want to get the most fun and most reliable I can afford, (insurance a major factor as well). Love to hear that a nice '06 would fit the bill. Haven't seen many come up for sale though.
Thanks so much for your guidance and well wishes!

 

Welcome.

 

I have three, but my daily is this 06 MCS JCW model. We have seen them get over 600K miles without a rebuild. They are tough and can handle curves amazingly!

It reallydrives like a co-kart on rails!

The chrono package is a must for me!
They are nimble!

 

Man! She is BE-YOU-tiful, inside and out! Such a sweet ride. And 600K? That's ridiculous that they can last that long! And great to hear. Yes, as I received your post just now, I'm making a spread sheet with the 5 cars I'm trying to decide from, and will put your, and the other members, info to use for sure. I'm looking at one that has a history of front end damage, but it's a 2013 (highly desired as you and the other guy mentioned), and the I've spoken to the owner, who seems motivated, and so because of the history and his desire to sell, I'm thinking we can get one that we normally couldn't due to price. He said the damage was only cosmetic...I know, famous last words but...he will take to a Mini dealer and get a pre-purchase inspection for me. The car is 4 states away from me, so unfortunately, I'm going to have to trust him and the report from the dealer. Do you know if there's something specific, other than the logical or obvious, that I should make sure gets checked? Am I crazy for even considering it? I just feel like, if it's straight, I could steal one that normally I would be able to. THANKS!

 

I didn't see where you stated your price range, but my search criteria sounds similar to yours (except I hadn't zeroed in on JCW) and I narrowed it down to 05-06 MCS. I haven't driven a JCW so I don't have a comparison, but I'm pretty pleased with the performance of my 06 MCS. No comparison in straight line acceleration, but as far as grin-inducing handling in the twisties, it is right up there with my (suspension-modded) 2013 GT500.

I drove several Gen 2 cars, and just didn't get that same raw enthusiast feel as the, Gen 1. It sounds like money is a limiting factor, so I'd encourage you to at least check out a well sorted Gen1.

 

I don't know what you are thinking is the right money, but the 13 JCW with a good undercarriage would be ok. Cosmetic damage is not a good answer. I have seen totaled cars that owners have said it is just cosmetic damage! After all, these are unit constructed chassis and a bad bump to the front can cause all kinds of tracking issues.
A word about the gen 1s "S" model. They are super charged , which give linear power, so in the twisties, there is no surge to worry about. Also, they are the rawest driving with tight steering and handling like no other car you have driven (I have owned many sports cars, from , Jags, MGB, corvette, etc, etc. My 06 is the most fun of any other car I have owned and I have owned many cars! Yes, I am a gen 1 addict! and their go-kart abilities!
These cars can take a licking and keep on ticking!

 

Not finding many gen 1's, hardly any that seem like they are right for us. Is the N18 engine in the 2013 superior enough to spend an extra 2-3K on upfront to avoid more maintenance costs down the road, or is the 2012 engine okay to get and save a few bucks on price? Only talking JCW here. Thanks.

 

There is no real comparison in my humble opinion. Buy the 13, if you can. JCW will always cost more and if you have the cash get the newer one!
Remember the 13 is more refined (which means not as raw to drive)