We recently purchased a used mini cooper. To be exact, it is a 2003 Electric Blue Mini Cooper S JCW. As I am sure you know, this was the first year for the dealer installed JCW package.

As luck would have it, we seem to have had a rod bearing go bad. We are checking on this further but our fear is that the crankshaft has been scored and the engine will need to be rebuilt or replaced.

The car has 115,000 miles on it and is in really nice shape for the year. We recently spent the money on all new engine seals, belt and belt tensioner, new ignition coil, power steering pump and fan. It will need new half shafts up front at some point.

This was to be a daily driver for my son rather than a toy that we could work on over time. As a result we may have come to the end of the road with our mini ownership. We don't necessarily have the time or cash to get into a project like this as he will be headed to college in the fall.

My question to the forum is this. Is this car worth holding onto and fixing later when we are in a better financial position to repair it. Or do you think there would a mini enthusiast that would want to buy this car as is and work on the motor themselves. I do believe it would be a great car with a new motor and somewhat rare...in that it is the first year for the JCW package. Any thoughts on what you think we should do? We love the little car but right now it just doesn't seem practical to spend the money on getting her repaired. Someone with the knowledge and the time could get this car back on the road again or probably could sell it for a profit.

Would love to hear your opinions.

thanks
Dan

 

I'm not sure I'd call a MSC with a JCW Tuning Kit as "somewhat rare" as I've seen Kit Numbers over 10,000.

What is the Kit Number on your MINI? Is it a 200bhp kit or 210bhp kit (with airbox and larger injectors)?

 

So sorry to hear about this situation! If you don't want to repair and hang onto it, then you may wish to chat with local tuner shops, Mini Clubs and sports car clubs like SCCA. You just may find someone is eagerly looking for a collectible, a race car, or a Track Day/Track Night in America car to modify. It just might be a great opportunity for you and them. Here is a list of car clubs:

http://new.minimania.com/article/1637/MINI_CAR_CLUBS

Also, list on car forums like ours: http://new.minimania.com/Cars4Sale_list.cfm

Here are some tuners and shops: http://new.minimania.com/article/319...ners_and_Shops

Hope this helps, and please let us know what you decide!

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I am not a mini expert and have no idea how many they made in 2003. I was assuming because it was the first year for the dealer installed kit that there may not be as many. The kit number is s1070. I don't believe it is the 210 bhp kit. more like the 200 bhp. Just thought it maybe of interest to a mini collector as it is the first year for it.

 

JCW I appreciate your input. That is good advice if we decide to sell it. Looking for other opinions and advice on whether we should get rid of it. Is it worth keeping from a collector standpoint. I don't believe this car will ever truly be a collector car or appreciate in value. We are looking for reasons to keep it but I don't think there are many.

 

My May 2002 build MCS has kit number S616 which has been upgraded to 210bhp.

1st Gen special editions (MC40, GP and LOTS) will be the most collectible.

 

Thank you for clearing the up. I wasn't really looking to debate collectability or compare production numbers of JCW kit. Was looking more for advice on what to do with it. JCW helped but would love to hear other opinions on if it is worth sinking the money into this car...and what options may exist to repair it.

 

How are we supposed to answer your question objectively without taking its chance for appreciation into account? You aren't looking to debate collectibility or production numbers, yet you pointed out that you thought it was rare. Without taking data like this into account, you're just asking us how much we like the car the forum revolves around. I like the R53. It's a great car. If it were me, I'd keep sinking money into it because there is no other car on the road like an R53 JCW. But that's just my opinion, you will need to make the decision based on your financial situation and how you feel about the car. If you don't really care about it, then drop it. If you do, then keep it. If you want to take the objectivity out of asking a forum for their advice, then it's pretty hard to help you out without bringing someone's own personal feelings into it.

If you do decide to keep and rebuild it, the engine will be good to go for a long time. You've already spent the money on quite a few other maintenance items, I'd say keep going with it. And you have the best color, Electric Blue!