Just wanted to drop everyone a line to say thanks for all of your postings on this forum.

I made the trek from Indy to Cleveland yesterday to pick up my new-to-me 2004 JCW. What an amazing car. This is the car I have wanted to order for the last 8 years! Wife doesn't care for Minis, but after driving a Civic SI I decided to start looking for a Mini again, and much to my surprise the exact car I wanted was for sale!

The ride home was amazing, and if I were single I would probably have quit driving around Orlando!

To those of you looking for a car, be sure to put the discussions you read in context. I was worried about the '04 after reading the threads about build quality and gear ratios, and actually considered passing on the car. Thankfully I didn't. As a former race car driver I understand where the gearing ratio discussions are coming from, but as a street car the average and above average owner won't be able to tell a difference. Yea an '05 gearing would probably save you a few tenths at Mid Ohio or Road America, but bopping around town and on the occasional road trip the '04 gearing is fine.

Thanks again to everyone who have unknowingly contributed to my research and subsequent purchase and I look forward to meeting you at an event or two.

Brandon

PS - I'll include some better photos after the car has been properly cleaned up after the wet trip home yesterday.

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Like you I just bought a brand new used (46k mi) MCS JCW. Mine's a 2003 and I couldn't be happier. It spent its life being babied by the previous owner's son, one of the better Mini mechanic's in Portland. I bought it as a 25th Anniversary present for my wife (& me). She is pumped. To think I could have wasted my $$$ on diamonds.

Looking through our old files yesterday, we came across original Mini Let's Motor ads & brochures from 2002 to 2007. They are hysterical (how about a barf bag for rear passengers!). I guess our Mini was fated.

Have fun...

 

Damn little car!!!

I justified buying it with my accountant (wife) to save money on fuel, but I can't quit driving it!