Hi guys, long time lurker here. I finally pulled the trigger and inked a deal for an '09 JCW in Chili Red with black roof and stripes. It's got the aero kit, cold weather, xenons, auto ac, chrome interior, bluetooth, jcw steering wheel and jcw strut brace. Total MSRP was $35,550.. selling price is $32,500 with 1.9%. I can't wait for Wednesday to get here. I'm coming from a lightly modded Chevy Trailblazer SS AWD so I lose a bit of space and some straight line performance, but in every other aspect the JCW is far superior, especially handling... obviously.

 

congrats

 

Congrats! How'd you work such a good deal?

 

Thanks for the congrats. Dealer had 2 '09 red/black JCWs and 2 JCW clubmans and wanted to clear out the '09s. That plus some negotiating and I was able to get the nice discount. More options than I was originally planning on for right around what I expected to pay. I'm very happy with the deal.

 

Nice choice in colour.

 

Well I've had the car for a couple of days and it's the best vehicle purchase I've ever made. Everytime I get behind the wheel, I don't want to get out. The only car I've had before that I would compare in driving enjoyment is an '05 RX-8 Shinka. Obviously that car is rwd vs fwd on the JCW, but both cars feel like an extension of myself.

The RX-8's wankel was a smooth operator, but lacked torque down low and returned about 15 mpg while the JCW has a stronger torque curve while being a bit more rorty and returning 32 mpg overall so far in a 60/20/20 highway/stop&go/city mix. Granted I'm keeping the revs down for the first few hundred miles, but I could drive the RX-8 like a grandma and barely crack 20. I'm really looking forward to getting through break-in and really doing some driving to see the true potential.

Coming out of the Trailblazer SS AWD, I am so glad to be back with a manual trans. Granted it was nice being able to plant my right foot and put 400+ ft-lbs to the ground with that truck. Despite lowered suspension, bilstein shocks and 275/45/20s on all 4 corners you can't overcome physics and close to 2 1/2 tons doesn't handle very well. And all that unsprung weight really crashed over some of the poor roads here on Long Island. The JCW has a very supple ride in comparison (anyone who complains about the ride should just go buy a Buick).

I'm hoping for a clear day this weekend to give the car a washing and take some pics. Also looking forward to becoming part of the MINI community, seems like a great, diverse group.

 

Welcome to NAM (long lurker)!

Congrats on your new JCW MINI!

Post pics soon!

 

+1 I know what you mean... It's an awesome little package!

Funny!

Yet you'd be surprised at how many people do really complain.

Welcome to the community and congrats on that JCW!

Now get out there & send us some pics!

We will be waiting...

Enjoy & Motor On!

 

Congrats but where is the pics?