Going to look at this Mini today and have been reading up in here. Can you look at the pictures and tell if this is a true JCW mini by the pictures or only the build sheet will tell me that? All the markings seem to be there. Its an 03 BTW thanks.

http://www.isringhausen.com/is_invdetail.php?stock=68631

 

It has a JCW Cert Sticker on the valve cover, JCW intercooler diverter, and JCW air box which are all good indicators that it has the JCW engine upgrades. There should also be a cert letter (probably with the owners manual). The exhaust tips should also have a JCW stamp. If you look at the cylinder head, between the the valve cover and intercooler, the fuel injectors should be blue.

 

The only paperwork or build sheet for a 2003 will be a Certificate of Authenticity
which has the Tuning Kit number and is signed by Mike Cooper.
You should also have Dealer invoices for the Tuning Kit
and installation as this was pre-factory install.

Hope this helps...

 

Well we bought the car. Had all the right markings as you described plus the letter in the owners manual. Its a one owner TX car so I assume he ordered the package with the car. He traded it in on a porsche, lucky guy. I will be lurking here for awhile learning as this is my first mini.

 

Congrats on the new Mini. You will love the car.

 

trbo-4: Congrats on the new car! The JCW Cooper S is a great car and has tons of possibilities for aesthetic and performance changes!

Enjoy the car and NAM!

 

Do you suggest I get an extended warranty? I normally dont because I dont get my money back on them but thinking twice about that with this car.

 

Do you enjoy repairing your own car? If yes, I would not waste money on the extended warranty.

I do not even hassle going to the dealer for minor warranty items because it is easier just to pay for the part myself and replace it myself. However, my closest dealer is 2 hours away and they are not that great to work with.

The one extended warranty I did purchase (2002 Chevy Suburban), I did not get my money's worth. It was always a hassle getting the work paid for, the specific item was not covered by the warranty, the dealer said that all vehicles had that problem and GM was not replacing the item (like it was a feature not a problem), or there was a deductible.

 

I always work on my own cars but know nothing about the mini. I am just scared if the clutch or power steering rack goes I won't be able to fix it myself. I too had the same issue with an extended warranty where they wouldnt pay for a claim so I cancelled it. Hopefully I can learn more on these boards if something does go wrong, thanks.

 

I guess it depends on the term of the extended warranty, if only to 100,000 I would not purchase. However, if something like 120,000 or 150,000 at a reasonable price such as $1,000 it might be something to think about. The superchargers seem to be go for about 100,000 so you might have a problem after that. The transmissions seem good. You would also need to make sure that something like the clutch would even be covered if it just starts slipping due to normal wear (I bet it would not be covered).

 

I am a hard core vw guy so I know about working on cars It doesnt scare me too bad but I contacted the mini dealer here about some kind of extended warranty and I am waiting to hear back.

 

Did you try aftermarket extended warranty companies? Most dealers just sell you one of these with a 200% mark-up. So if you want one, do your own investigating, as I would not want the dealer to do most of the work anyhow. Your own warranty typically allows any auto repair shop to do the work needed.

Good luck, enjoy your ride.