I'd really appreciate your opinion.

I have the chance to buy either a 2009 MCS, pretty well loaded or a 2006 JCW w/19,000 on it, not nearly as well loaded but w/all the niceties (AC, H/K stereo etc.)

I can get the 2006 JCW for $5000 less.

So, what would you do & why?

 

I'd go for the JCW. I have an 06 cabrio (non jcw ) and after having driven a couple of R56's I prefer the first gen models. They just seem to have a little more character to them. But definetly drive both and buy which ever makes you happier.

 

I think at the end it's a matter of what you plan on doing with it.

I would choose the R53, but I'm biased.

 

Thanks, guys. I just intend to drive it. A buddy of mine wants to take me to the track, so maybe I'll get into a bit of that, not really sure.

They are really pretty different cars. I was surprised by that, but after doing some reading here, find that my experience having driven the R53 JCW & R56 S pretty much mirror what everyone seems to be saying: the R53 is a more visceral, raw driving experience & the R56 is more refined.

Not sure which I'd like most after a while! It's tough to decide! I guess I'm fortunate to have two options - a lot of folks would love to be in my shoes - but I can't yet decide which one to buy.

Thanks for the help & keep it coming please!

 

Having owned two 1st gens and an R56 going on 2 years now I'd go with the '06 JCW. Of course with the '09 you'll have a full warranty vs. what's left of the 06's warranty if any depending on what month it was built. I have no complaints about the 2nd gen having absolutely no problems at all going on 80k.

 

Drive them both and just weigh the pros and cons of each. The appeal of a brand new car would probably win my vote. But i've never driven an r53 jcw, just the r53 s cabrio.

 

I guess that would be considered an r52 huh?

 

I think you hit the nail on the head with this summary and it is why I would go with the R53 JCW.
I am biased but the reason I have not moved to the R56 is that I want the driving experience more than just comfort. If I wanted more comfort I would probably be in a BMW rather than a MINI.

Also saving $5,000 is no small thing. Cars are a bad investment in general and if you can save some money and be happy that is the best of both worlds. (Or use the $5,000 to mod the heck out of the JCW).

As others have said, drive both and decide.
Have fun.

 

I have driven both, They are both great the $$$$ is what makes the difference I really enjoy my 2006 GP I bought that rather than a new one. I am having lots of fun with it and it still gets comments no matter where I take it too.

 

I recently bought a 2006 JCW convertible -- relatively high miles (66K when I got it) but in extremely good condition -- and I'm very, very happy with it. I have not driven any 2009 model, but it's hard to imagine a more fun driving experience than that 2006 JCW. Two words: (1) bat; (2) hell.

 

If the particular 2006 JCW is a clean example, and you are a driver that prioritizes driving feel and well-wrought automotive styling (exterior and interior), there is nothing left to discuss. As said in other posts comparing R56 to R53: "newer is not always better." Buy the R53 JCW and enjoy it each and every drive for years to come. The JCW powertrain is untouched for sound and character and I think you'll find the car is very quick in nearly all situations. And if the JCW you are looking at has the JCW suspension installed as well, it's a proper giant killer of a little car.

 

JCW....of course my sig would tell you that. I ordered mine just before the model cutoff rather than get the R56 and have not looked back. I had an 05 MCS before but the JCW is just a kick in the pants!

 

If you get JCW extend the warranty.

 

I have a 2006 JCW for sale, warranty is still good until next year

 

I have a 06 MCS (personal car) and currently driving the 09 JCW (company car)... both cars are unique in their ways.

If you prefer low-end preppiness, softer clutch and smoother tranny (for DD), then get the 09.

If you prefer more of a raw race car and don't mind reving past 6500rpm to get the top-end, then get the 06 JCW.

The turbo power of the 09 is nice, comes on quick but doesn't have much past 6k rpm. Torque steer tends to be a little more noticeable than the 06. Gas mileage wise, the 09 is hands-down much better.

Hope this helps Cheers... you can't go wrong with either one LOL

 

I've only ever driven JCW's and both were cabs. The second one I bought, a 06 cab with every possible JCW option, both performance and looks. I can't imagine driving a non JCW. And from what I understand, the newer JCW's with the turbos don't make as much power as the older ones. And the supercharger whine is music to my ears. It's just a super fun car.

And 19,000 miles is not that much. I bought my 06 a month ago with 12,000 miles on it and I now have 16,000 on it. (A drive up from LA to the Bay Area and two weekend road trips.)

Get the JCW.

 

As you can see the JCW rules I bought one rather than going to the R56, and I have no regrets. Full JCW cars are special like BMW M cars or Mercedes AMG. It's just no contest and to make it a no brainer..... $5,000 in your pocket! Need we say more? What are waiting for? GO get that JCW before it's gone. 09 MCS' are readily available

 

What they said, and use the $5K to add the pieces you want