I'm in the process of negotiating on the following...

2008 JCW Mini
Premium Package
Sport Package
Convenience Package
Cold Weather Package
Front/Rear Fog Lamp
Xenon Headlamps with Power Wash
Anthracite Headliner
Nav
Rear Park Distance control
Sport Seats
Chrome-Line Interior

JCW Tuning Kit
JCW Sport Wheels
JCW Strut Brace
JCW Aero Kit
JCW Drilled Front Break Rotors

PowerTone Sport Exhaust
CilaJet Acrylic/Resin 10yr Prot
Medium Ceramic Window Tint
Black Driving Lamps
Custom Sport Stripe (non-mini... dual black stripe down center)

Chili Red
Black roof/mirrors
Carbon Fiber Bonnet intake

It is listed as $43,046 new. The previous driver was leasing it, and works at the dealership (one of the biggest Mini/BMW dealerships in the nation). It looks like it was babied, and has new run-flats on it. 36k miles. It was originally merely an S, but he added everything at the dealership (with a great discount I assume).

Asking price is $27,998, and I've managed to talk them down to $25,181. Is this a good deal or am I clueless as to the value of this car? It's rated at 231 hp. I test drove it and another stock JCW 2009 and it just destroyed the stock one.

 

Well...it is a MCS with the tuning kit installed - NOT a factory JCW. There is a little bit of a difference there but you need to know that they are not the same.

It sounds like a good deal but I would question the 231 hp. The only way I now of 231 happening is with a bunch of upgraded bits and a custom tune. I'd look under the hood to check it out.

Remember the dealership won't make a deal unless there is a profit in it for them. Check the NAM classifieds, completed ebay and even KBB. Spec out a 2008 MCS and then go from there.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the response jsargevt!

Yes the former owner did mention he purchased it as an MCS and added all the JCW stuff, so I know if you look at the VIM it won't show up as a JCW. It has the exhaust upgrade which provides some boost, and he mentioned the intake was upgraded as well.

I actually got to drive it for a few hours yesterday without the salesman there, and took it to my neighbor (he's a mechanic). Everyone at the shop came by and checked it out. He says it's obvious they added the JCW kit then upgraded the intake and exhaust. He questioned the 231 hp as well, saying it's probably a best-estimate. He says the intake/exhaust are pretty nice upgrades, however at most +15hp.

It definitely is a fun ride.

 

Yeah the stage 1 bumps the MCS up to 180-something HP off the top of my head. It certainly makes the car run like it should from the factory.

Let us know what you decide!

 

After giving it some thought I'm going to end up passing on it. Since it's not a "true" JCW it loses some of it's appeal. I appreciate you letting me know that, since I was under the impression it was a legit JCW. I think I'm going to try and look for an older base model and fix it up on my own. Toodles!