I'm looking at an '06 JCW loaded in mint condition with 12000 miles and an '08 MCS, pretty loaded (no leather, no LSD )with 14000 miles. Virtually the same price. Part of me says it's a no brainer. Get the '08 with all the warranty stuff etc. but another part says, get the JCW cause it's different, looks better (to my eyes). and is fast. This Mini obsession thing is making me nuts. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

Have you driven them both yet? They ride and sound different. Really two totally different cars.

 

well, actually it's the 08 MCS that's more fast (especially with a couple of mods), but 06 is more 'engaging' with more connected to the road feel. Like Augie said - test drive both, or at least similar cars - one R53 and an R56.

I thought about 'downgrading' from my R56 to R53 for a while until I installed a more firmer suspension (TSW) and got the RMW engine tune.

 

what is your budget? do you have the money to make the repairs? if not go with the 08. If you do have the money to maintain the car and dont mind doing so I would go for the 06 JCW. just my opinion. maybe I am biased.

 

I think it is a good idea to get the newer car as I wouldn't want to spend a whole lot, at least for a while. I do like the 06 "look" better, though.

 

And one is much, much better.

 

To me the LSD is important to have. I had one Mini with it and one without, and I think the LSD is good to have if you drive the car hard.
I always wanted to add it to the car without but it was too expensive to add because of part cost and labor cost.

I prefer the looks (especailly the interior) of the Gen 1 cars.

 

Not true, stock for stock, the 06 is about a half second faster through the 1/4 mile.

Also, and I realize this is subjective, but the 06 looks better on the outside, and looks vastly better inside. As stated, it's also a more engaging drive overall.

That being said, the 08 MCS gets much better MPG, has better low end torque and a warranty, though from most indications, the 06 will prove more reliable.

 

No brainer? The 06 JCW of course.

 

They are both great cars, you can't go wrong either way. As expected, some people here are biased either way based on what they currently own.

Ask yourself a few questions:

What are the options on both cars? Does the JCW have things that you like that are missing in the R56?

How important is it to have a warranty?

Do you plan to do any other mods to the car?

Which one "looks" better to you?



I managed a MINI dealership and have experience with every configuration of R53/R56... a few observations that I have had are:

Pro-R56
-the motor in the R56 has alot of torque and feels more powerful than the R53 JCW, even though the numbers tell you otherwise... especially noticeable "off the line"
-the JCW tuning kit for the R56 is a relatively cheap add-on and gives you even better performance and sound
-the R56 gets much better fuel mileage than the R53 does

Pro-R53
-the JCW models have a great exhaust sound! and the JCW kit gives the car a noticeable power boost over the standard Cooper S
-more "classic" interior styling/layout
-more crisp steering feel

In terms of weight and performance numbers, they are both very similar.


Do some research on the price before pulling the trigger either way-- compare MSRP on the 2008 to pricing on a new one and make sure it is discounted enough. Also do your due diligence on the 2006 price-- most 2006 JCW models that I see for sale typically have a crazy-high asking price to go along with it.

 

I appreciate you all taking the time to help me out. I'll keep you posted.

 

please do. I have wondered this question myself many times after having had my car in for service and getting to drive a new one. I will admit. as a technician myself I feel that the older cars feel a lot more durable. the engines feel more durable and the overall feel of the car is more quality. in my opinion however both cars equal each other out in different aspects. I plan to own one of each at some point in my life. appreciate all feedback you can give on your purchase

 

If both had the same warranty and maintenance plans, I'd choose the '06 JCW. I might end up choosing it anyway.......

 

He mentioned the 06 JCW has only 20K, so I don't think he's going to be spending "a whole lot".

IMO the JCW is something special the 08 MCS is just another Mini, or should I say all Mini's are special compared to other cars but the JCW's are EXTRA special

 

This IS a no brainer. Anybody who has driven both cars for a reasonable period will admit that the visceral connection to the road in the R53 JCW, was completely erased in the R56. That is what makes the Cooper so special. The new Boxster Spyder was clearly inspired by the strong affection drivers have expressed about the R53 JCW and GP.

Get the '06 JWC. A drivers ride.

 

 

Well, '08 MCS part of the equation has been replaced by an '09 JCW with 5000 miles that will cost me $4000 more. It has 3 1/2 years of warranty left (2 1/2 maintenance). Pretty much mint with Premium package and leather. $25,000. Seems like a good deal. Any thoughts? I did notice that the review of the '09 JCW wasn't bad but wasn't particularly stellar either. I do like the idea of a warranty though.

 

It will still come down to what feels best for you. I had a moderately optioned '04 MCS for 3 years and truly loved that car. Unfortunately it wound up on the wrong side of a Dodge Dakota.

A couple of weeks ago I test drove an '09 MCS JCW with 7200 miles. Great car, excellent options (aero kit, R113s, xenons). Much better equipment than my R53.

And yet, it didn't quite do it for me. It's loads of fun but to me it's missing something that the R53 had. It may or may not be the same for you.

 

Sigh....nothing makes me sadder on NAM than continually reading opinions on the R53/R56 debate spoken as if they are fact. I owned an '06 R53 for 30K miles, a "reasonable" period I think, and have now owned two R56's. I like the R56 better, especially my factory JCW. My opinion, yours may vary, but I don't feel at all that the fun was completely erased.

Realistically, the OP's dilemma will continue to be played out for the next few years. In another year, all R53's will be out of warranty, neither variant is known for its stellar reliability record. When buying used, my general motto is buy the newest one you can.

 

What he said. My 2005 MCS, while a balst to drive, was a shop queen with build and mechanical problems too numerous to list. My 2009 MCSa, OTOH, is a solid, well-built car with no major problems at 10K.

Part of this so-called loss of feeling with the road is due to the all-electric steering system replacing that problematic--and unreliable--Rover-derived electro-hydraulic steering system, something that was always giving me mechanical trouble on my 2005.

 

FYI Tazio is an automated spambot response that never offers nothing constructive

 

Good post

 

My wife has an R55, R56, and just picked up the R52...

I like the interior and handling of the R52...but I like the kick of the R56...and the gas mileage of the R55.

A new JCW will put you over $30K...

 

Can you please explain? In the market for a '06 JCW and you scared me with the comment.

OP, did you ever get the car?

 

I have an R55 JCW, and sometimes I wish I would've known about an R53 JCW I know of for sale. The trq on mine is what sold me, but with no LSD, it's kind of annoying at times.