We just got the JCW (and now he's broken in), now I'm wondering why I didn't get one sooner. We never thought about a JCW previously, I was wondering if people considered it when weighing the purchase options, particularly if you got a Cooper-S.

When we first got a Cooper-S, the JCW wasn't available as a factory built machine. The best you could do was add the dealer installed option. I considered adding the JCW add on, but I'm not one for modding cars, even MINI approved and warranted mods. At the time the Cooper-S was out first high performance car and it was quite enough for us.

The story was much the same for our second Cooper-S. We were very happy with him, and the factory JCW didn't yet exist when we bought him. When the factory JCW came out I never considered it as an options, we were still happy with the Cooper-S, until I started to want something a little faster for track driving. Then the JCW was the obvious choice.

Now we have a JustaCooper and a JCW, the Cooper-S seems rather "middling", neither here nor there.

So did you ever consider a JCW?

 

Yep.

 

initially, no; but after a certified used JCW came up with all the options installed at just a little bit more than the barely optioned out S that I ordered, I jumped on the JCW and cancelled my order for the S.

 

Yes... I am considering one now but they are all priced way too high for the mileage on them.

 

I've posted my story before, so I apologize to anyone who has read it multiple times.

I first started shopping for a MINI at the beginning of 2010 when a friend at work came back from the holidays with a new MINI. I test drove an S and liked it, so I had to have one. I also ogled the JCW that was on the lot. I wasn't sure about the red roof and mirrors, but I really liked the wheels, black dials and red trim on the leather seats. I purposely didn't ask to test drive because it was a bit more than I wanted to spend.

I played with the configurator for a few months trying to decide exactly what I wanted in my MINI. I noticed that they still had the JCW, so I asked the MA if he would cut a deal on it since it had been on the lot so long. He said make a reasonable offer. He came back a couple hundred higher than the number I came up with. I arranged a test drive, loved it and bought it.

I've been completely delighted with this car. I think it is definitely the most fun to drive car I have ever owned and is my all time favorite. BTW, now I love the red roof and mirrors. It really sets my MINI apart. Also, after driving my JCW, I think I've spoiled myself for any future MINI purchases. After getting a Justa for a loaner when I had the recall service done on mine, I know I'd never be happy with the base model, and I'm not sure an S would suffice either.

 

I totally wanted the JCW when I ordered my S, but they only came in manual transmission, wish someone would have told me, hey if you wait a few months and order a 2013 they will have auto option.....to my understanding I have heard the 2013 will have auto as an option...i sit in way too much stop and go traffic for a manual. Next go around I guess.....depending on how faithful this car is for me..........

 

Yes, I did consider a JCW.

MINI won't make one in Ice Blue.

So: I ordered a MCS and added the JCW tuning kit. It's more capable than I am at this point, and delightful, so no regrets.

 

Yep. Jcw was the only option. I knew I wanted the extra performance and didn't even consider a non Jcw.

 

I just can't justify the $/hp of the jump from S to JCW.

Much as I would kinda like to.

 

I only wanted a JCW MINI and test drove a used one. When it came time to bring my wife and my ten year old son to test ride one, they both fell in love with a used Clubman S. Since the MINI would mostly be used by my wife, I got the Clubman S they wanted. I know it's not a JCW, but it's stilll a lot of fun and it came with a lot of options.

 

I considered all of the models. The Cooper hardtop was the only one that could be competitively autocrossed in the stock category of classes.

 

I never seriously considered the JCW. I did consider the MCS, but decided the Justa was Just-a perfect for me! HS alludes to one reason, though I haven't actually gotten it out and flogged it yet.

 

 

I never seriously considered a JCW because a stone bare JCW was still more than my S. If I'd had $5,000 more to spend though, I would have in a heartbeat!

 

I only considered a JCW. Anything less would simply not do.