Looking to buy my first JCW. Had a classic Mini in the past and ready to jump in once more at the top of the heap

Like to locate a good JCW model. Found a decent 2007 model locally but I'm wondering if I should stretch the budget and hold out for a 2008 or 2009. Any really significant difference between these 3 years I should know about? Thanks in advance for any info/opinions.

 

Congrats on jumping into the deep end and going for a JCW. I only have an S, and have found myself wishing for the extra power. As for your question, I don't know that there are any years to avoid, but there are certainly differences between the years you're looking at. In 2007 and 2008 MINI had a JCW tuning kit available for the MINI Cooper S that brought horsepower up from 172 to 189 and torque was slightly bumped as well. This tuning kit is still available for the Cooper S and consists of an ECU reflash, upgraded air filter and freer flowing exhaust.

In 2009, MINI started offering a factory JCW car with stock 208 hp by including the items listed above and some modified engine internals that are allegedly the same as what the MINI Challenge race cars have. The factory JCW also has upgraded brakes (four piston front calipers with almost another inch in the diameter of the rotors), anthracite headliner, different wheels and some other aesthetic niceties.


Hope that helps. I'm sure others that have JCWs can weigh in with more info.

 

If you want a real JCW, you need to get something that's 2009+

Otherwise, it's just a "tuning kit" that anyone with an S could get installed at their dealer.

 

Stay Away for 2012. don't kill your self in the wait!

 

Thanks gang. All good comments which I'll take to heart. Now I just gotta find the extra $$ that a 2009 requires over the 2007 I was considering!

 

There are some really good deals to be had. Sadly because the resale isn't what one would hope for a used MINI.

Fortunately for you it'll work in your favor though. I recently picked up a 2009 JCW Clubman for $15k+ less than the previous owner paid when he drove it off the lot 20 months ago.

Good luck in your search!

Todd

 

Thanks, Todd. What resources did you use to locate your JCW? I've been looking here and also at cars.com. Any other means you can suggest?

 

I really don't like cars.com. The site isn't updated very frequently so I've chased many a car, only to find out they were sold months earlier. I've had a bit more luck with Autotrader. Also, you may want to just troll a lot of dealer's websites. Since you're looking at something 09+ you can also use the MINI Next search on the Mini USA website.

 

Thanks for your post. Forgot to post that I DID find a 2009 JCW and will be picking it up next Saturday. Now the real fun begins

 

Go to mini USA site and check the dealer inventories. They usually are pretty up-to-date. If you see a 2009 up JCW that you like you need to act fast because they do not stay on a dealers lot very long.

www.miniusa.com

 

Thanks, Ronnie. Decided on one in Baltimore. I'll be flying there next Saturday to pick it up. Christmas in February

 

Your trip back to Cleveland is sure going to be a lot more fun then your trip to Baltimore.

Keep us informed on your drive home and send us some pictures.