ICE Purchased a 2026 JCW. Coming from a manual 2004 S (R53). A quick review.
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Purchased a 2026 JCW. Coming from a manual 2004 S (R53). A quick review.
I drove the R53 to the dealership expecting to be underwhelmed and was honestly looking for clarity that the R53 was the one to keep. I was obviously pleasantly surprised.
While not as visceral/connected as the R53, the F66 makes up for it in power, overall quality (especially the interior), and reliability. I actually don't understand the interior hate — the large center-dial speedometer and heads-up display is closer in spirit to the R53 than the F56, just my opinion.
I found the gearbox to be adequate and the power (specifically torque) impressive. A caveat: my wife owns a Passport as the family hauler, and I track a manual 996, so this is simply meant to be a fun city car (that my wife will drive, as she struggled to learn manual).
I think it's fair to prefer the R53/R56/F56 JCW or S if you're an enthusiast who wants a manual (this is only the second automatic I've ever owned). With that said, overall I'd rate the F66 80% of the experience for 120% of the convenience compared to the R53.
I know everyone has a unique critera of considerations when purchasing a vehicle but figured I'd share in the hopes that it might help others decide.
P.S. the R53 will be for sale soon, sub 80k miles and I'm the second owner, light blue, no sunroof. DM if interested.
While not as visceral/connected as the R53, the F66 makes up for it in power, overall quality (especially the interior), and reliability. I actually don't understand the interior hate — the large center-dial speedometer and heads-up display is closer in spirit to the R53 than the F56, just my opinion.
I found the gearbox to be adequate and the power (specifically torque) impressive. A caveat: my wife owns a Passport as the family hauler, and I track a manual 996, so this is simply meant to be a fun city car (that my wife will drive, as she struggled to learn manual).
I think it's fair to prefer the R53/R56/F56 JCW or S if you're an enthusiast who wants a manual (this is only the second automatic I've ever owned). With that said, overall I'd rate the F66 80% of the experience for 120% of the convenience compared to the R53.
I know everyone has a unique critera of considerations when purchasing a vehicle but figured I'd share in the hopes that it might help others decide.
P.S. the R53 will be for sale soon, sub 80k miles and I'm the second owner, light blue, no sunroof. DM if interested.
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Salah
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Mar 15, 2026 02:07 PM
