Ok so I need advice and I like to hear what the experts think.

I want to get back into a Mini. I am having a dilemma.

This car will be my DD so I know I want a Cooper S or JCW 2 door.

• I have to have auto. I know this then limits the JCW to basically buying new.
• I do want all the electronic gadgets and options so basically a fully loaded car.

This car WILL be tracked at a minimum AX hopefully once a month and if the addiction continues more.

Question - Is the JCW a must or will I be able to be ok with a Cooper S and do some HP and suspension upgrades? The auto trans being a must is killing me. I like the JCW but ordered it will be close to $40K. I just think I can find lightly used S for far less.

Thoughts?

 

I think you'll be okay in a Cooper S even before upgrades. If you order an S or just find one at a dealer that is close to what you want, you can just make upgrades after. I am going to do with mine, i scored a hell of a deal on the price of mine too. The JCW would be nice though!

 

I would say find a used S with a warranty save thousands over new. AGAIN YOU WILL BE FINE!! I love the JCW but 40,000 noway just think about the cars you could own for 40,000??? A911 used of course sounds great, Good Luck

 

Well funny you say 911. My weekend car is just that. Problem is I went to one PCA AX event and got hooked. Problem is I cannot see me tearing up my baby. Yes I know they are a car that should be driven but I will leave that to the canyons and road trips.

The Mini will be DD and track *****. I like all the advice, I appreciate it. I think I will start looking for a nicely used, full option S.

For those that like pics.

 

I'll chime in with my $0.02 worth. Being a new JCW owner who has never owned a MINI before (but I'm a Bimmer guy, so I know a lot about MINI's since 2001 Gen 1...loved them since day one, plus the original Mini!)

Honestly, with the 228hp & 236lb-ft of torque standard in the BMW 2.0L twin scroll turbocharged engine in the JCW, you said "track time", for the money the JCW will give you more. I bought the manual, but I've been in an auto that was driven ridiculously crazy fast (during a test drive) and it was AWESOME!!!

I don't know if you will get that out of the MCS...and I do love the S also.

It's just that so many optional items on a Cooper or "S" come standard on the JCW, if you can resist the "fully loaded" impulse....you can buy a JCW for less money than your fully loaded MCS! (well under $35k).

But, you said fully loaded, so you should go for the MCS...you can always do the JCW pro kit add-ons.,,,but you'll get up there $-wise!

You've got a real dilemma...the options drive up the cost fast! If you like tracking the car you need to think about warranty issues also...you might better go with a used MINI no longer on warranty and play with upgrades to your heart's content. I'd probably try to find a 2011-2013 JCW in nice condition (I almost bought a 2011 JCW with low miles but missed buying it by minutes at a MINI dealer!.....that really hurt!...so, I ordered a new one and the quality of the F56 is far superior hands down!)

Good Luck,

John

 

Thanks John. I like the thought. One problem getting a used JCW is they are all manual. Too much SoCal traffic for that so I have to for sure get auto. I can give up some things but that will have to not be a compromise. Also the options, you are dead on. Problem is the Monday -Friday driving I will go nuts without all the gadgets, what can I say I like all the bluetooth, controls, nav screen, and other creature comforts. That seems to be my dilemma.

 

If you get the Cooper S instead of the JCW, be sure to get the JCW steering wheel with the paddles. I have it on my Cooper S auto and you won't miss a stick shift at all. It's incredible.
Also worth noting that the auto gearbox is pretty much one of the best around.

 

I debated a 2015 JCW and MCS and went with the MCS for the cost savings. In retrospect, I wish I had gotten the JCW.

The MCS is a great car, but now I'm thinking of ways of upping the HP a bit. Each upgrade entails a big expense (MINI Cooper JCW Kit from MINI), or a Tuner (with the possible warranty issues if something fails). I'm not a racer nor do I tack my car. I just like "Peppy" and the MCS delivers that in spades (but feel like I'm missed something not getting the JCW).

With the JCW, you have the racing edition which can be "tracked" in stock form w/o warranty issues. Additionally if you order one, you will get the color and options you want "EXACTLY" as you want. No settling.

Just my $.02

 

All great comments. Now we have a few all over the board.