So my friend is selling his 2007 Carrera S and has offered it to me. I love my 2011 JCW and am torn as what to do. I have set up my car to perfection in my eyes. Its economical, a blast to drive and puts a smile on my face everytime I get in. The Porsche is a dream car however I dont know if it will be as rewarding as the MINI. Sure it's a great car but...initial cost, maintenance etc all factor in. In a perfect world I would like to have both!
Any JCW/MINI owners out there that would like to share there thoughts? Has anyone else been down this road?

 

if it's decently mileaged, and the price is within your limit, seeing as it's a dream car, and we're not getting any younger, I'd go for it in a heartbeat! It's funny that I, too, have a 2011 JCW but was looking on the Porsche website last night at the carrera and carrera S!

 

Miles are only 18k and I know his car from new. This is what makes it a deal I don't want to pass on!

 

I always tell myself to live life with no regrets, go for it!

 

go for the 911!!! i wish i was in your position.

 

911 and drive it like you stole it!

 

911 for sure. And before you sell your JCW, sell me your alcantara steering wheel please (and yes I'm serious, PM a price). :P

911 ownership, like any other expensive Euro, depends greatly on the car itself. My father daily drove an '02 911 Turbo for 4 years. He loved it, put it through it's paces and NEVER had a problem with it, ever (different car, but at the same time should be re-assuring). I'm sure someone could say they owned a 911, babied it and it fell apart on them every other month. Staying on top of maintenance is key! Either way your sitting pretty.

 

+1,000,000 to what everyone said

Either that or sell the JCW, forget about the Porsche, become a monk, forgo all earthly pleasures and buy a Yugo

 

Porsches and Mini's drive similar

I went from a Boxster to a Mini.....love both

I went to the mini because of comfort...better seats....etc

 

Been driving a 2010 Carrera S Cab. for a few weeks. It's a very different car vs. the JCW, mostly because of the extra power and rear wheel drive. The rear tires really hook up and go not much can touch it on the highway.

 

Check if the 2007 models still have the IMS bearing. If so its a pain in the butt and there is no fix apart from tearing open the engine and having an LN engineering modification done.
Also see they fixed the RMS leak by 2007 too.

I sold my 1988 carrera 3.2 for the mini, not quite the same as your dilemma. The porsche is different but not necessarily better, plus they use a lot more gas and are much more expensive to maintain.

Drive both and decide.

 

Great responses guys, I appreciate all the feedback. If it does happen I will certainly miss the MINI but I know the Porsche will be alot of fun too!

 

2007 still has the IMS bearing issues - catastrophic engine failure!

2008 was the 1st year Porsche did not have IMS issues

That is one of the reasons I sold mine

 

I sort of had a similar dilemma earlier this year. I wanted to sell my JCW to get my dream car, a Lotus Exige. I decided to buy a cheaper Elise and keep the JCW. It seemed like a great idea at the time, but now that I barely drive the JCW anymore, I realize I should have just sold it and bought the Exige like I always wanted.

A Porsche might not give you the smiles you get with a MINI, but overall it's a much better driver's car, and I think you would have way more fun with it.

If it's truly your dream car, don't pass it up!!

 

A car is a tool for enjoyment by enthusiasts and mere transportation my the masses, this 911 is nothing other than your buddies ride, yet if not for a great deal assuming that's your motivation would you still consider this a dream decision??

Seriously just be happy with whatever you choose!!! Is the price that good, cause a 911 is not that rare Carrera S or not, it's no GT3 or TT 911. It all depends on the deal and your liking of the two rides... And what you can sell your mini for now..

Swap cars and see for yourself after a week...

 

I’ve had both 911’s and Coopers in the past and one of each now, although my current JCWS is the dealer version. They’re completely different animals. Which is more satisfying to own? Depends on your intended use. If you’re just using it as a daily commuter on typical semi-congested roads, the JCWS is the better car, IMO. If you live near some wide open, high-speed twisties, or if you have the opportunity to track the car occasionally, a 2007 Carrera is a phenomenal performer in that environment. The good thing is that you’ll be having fun either way you go. As different as these cars are, lots of folks who like one tend to like the other.

 

Posted my car in the marketplace if any one is looking for a great JCW. Will be sorry to see it go but trying to put the deal together and get the Porsche!

 

This is excellent for you, now with all the input and opinion from others, I'm sure you can move forward and truly enjoy the 911 and look forward to making new ventures, while I'm sure you'll think of the Mini from time to time, yet it's good to feed that driving enthusiast inside us all, and your doing that with another good choice!!