JCW Thinking of getting a JCW.. MK6 GTI owner
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4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Socal
Thinking of getting a JCW.. MK6 GTI owner
**SINCE PEOPLE KEEP REPLYING***
***I GOT THE MINI****
I know the answers here will be biased, but maybe someone here has had the same car as myself.
I currently own a MK6 GTI and have been contemplating getting a JCW. My gf currently owns a '11 cooper s hardtop too.
Has anyone gone from a MK5 or MK6 GTI to a JCW and regret it or the opposite, just loved it?
Do you guys love your JCW? What would you have done differently? What about getting a Cooper S with aero kit instead?
This would be my only car and daily driver, so I would have to sacrifice on the space, but I'm looking for a change.
Here's what i'll be replacing
DSC_0018 by absoluteczech, on Flickr
If I get one, I cant decide on red or black
***I GOT THE MINI****
I know the answers here will be biased, but maybe someone here has had the same car as myself.
I currently own a MK6 GTI and have been contemplating getting a JCW. My gf currently owns a '11 cooper s hardtop too.
Has anyone gone from a MK5 or MK6 GTI to a JCW and regret it or the opposite, just loved it?
Do you guys love your JCW? What would you have done differently? What about getting a Cooper S with aero kit instead?
This would be my only car and daily driver, so I would have to sacrifice on the space, but I'm looking for a change.
Here's what i'll be replacing
DSC_0018 by absoluteczech, on Flickr
If I get one, I cant decide on red or black
Last edited by absoluteczech; Oct 17, 2012 at 08:30 PM.
4-Door Candy White '12 MK6 GTI owner here...
Back in '08, we were deciding between an MKV and a MINI. The MINI won because we didn't need the extra room of the GTI. When we added a family vehicle a couple months ago, the GTI was the obvious choice among the available options that are 4-door, fun-to-drive, and efficient.
Anyway, the biggest difference between the MINI and the GTI is the insulation from the road, if you will. Comparatively, the MINI drives like its an extension of your body, even with the base suspension (again, comparatively), but that has pros and cons. The GTI is a more comfortable/composed ride, but it's not as fun/rewarding to drive.
The other difference for us is the power, since we have a Cooper, but the JCW will make up for that.
BTW, nice GTI. Love the BBS wheels. (The others are nice, too).
Back in '08, we were deciding between an MKV and a MINI. The MINI won because we didn't need the extra room of the GTI. When we added a family vehicle a couple months ago, the GTI was the obvious choice among the available options that are 4-door, fun-to-drive, and efficient.
Anyway, the biggest difference between the MINI and the GTI is the insulation from the road, if you will. Comparatively, the MINI drives like its an extension of your body, even with the base suspension (again, comparatively), but that has pros and cons. The GTI is a more comfortable/composed ride, but it's not as fun/rewarding to drive.
The other difference for us is the power, since we have a Cooper, but the JCW will make up for that.
BTW, nice GTI. Love the BBS wheels. (The others are nice, too).
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4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Socal
but thinking about it as you can see. I think its me just getting bored and wanting something fun to mess with. 4-Door Candy White '12 MK6 GTI owner here...
Back in '08, we were deciding between an MKV and a MINI. The MINI won because we didn't need the extra room of the GTI. When we added a family vehicle a couple months ago, the GTI was the obvious choice among the available options that are 4-door, fun-to-drive, and efficient.
Anyway, the biggest difference between the MINI and the GTI is the insulation from the road, if you will. Comparatively, the MINI drives like its an extension of your body, even with the base suspension (again, comparatively), but that has pros and cons. The GTI is a more comfortable/composed ride, but it's not as fun/rewarding to drive.
The other difference for us is the power, since we have a Cooper, but the JCW will make up for that.
BTW, nice GTI. Love the BBS wheels. (The others are nice, too).
Back in '08, we were deciding between an MKV and a MINI. The MINI won because we didn't need the extra room of the GTI. When we added a family vehicle a couple months ago, the GTI was the obvious choice among the available options that are 4-door, fun-to-drive, and efficient.
Anyway, the biggest difference between the MINI and the GTI is the insulation from the road, if you will. Comparatively, the MINI drives like its an extension of your body, even with the base suspension (again, comparatively), but that has pros and cons. The GTI is a more comfortable/composed ride, but it's not as fun/rewarding to drive.
The other difference for us is the power, since we have a Cooper, but the JCW will make up for that.
BTW, nice GTI. Love the BBS wheels. (The others are nice, too).
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,334
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From: Vancouver Island, Canada
I was on the fence about trading my NA Cooper in on a 2011 GTI. I took extensive test drives in both the 2011 and also a 2009 they had. It is a nice car, and I really liked almost everything about the VW, but it felt too "refined," and disconnected from the road as someone posted above.
I took my car (which has a modified suspension, to be fair.) and the GTI on back to back runs of a local twisty road I like to run. I was hitting the same speeds in both cars, but the MINI felt more planted. I experimented with a hard right hand 90 degree turn going 60KMH... no drama in the MINI, but the VW oversteered and body rolled like crazy.
I'll probably get a GTI when I grow up, but for 100% fun, I think you'll be pretty happy with the JCW.
I took my car (which has a modified suspension, to be fair.) and the GTI on back to back runs of a local twisty road I like to run. I was hitting the same speeds in both cars, but the MINI felt more planted. I experimented with a hard right hand 90 degree turn going 60KMH... no drama in the MINI, but the VW oversteered and body rolled like crazy.
I'll probably get a GTI when I grow up, but for 100% fun, I think you'll be pretty happy with the JCW.
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 318
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From: New Lenox il
Never had a car that causes so many people to start asking lots of questions....
Especially while fueling up.
Blast to drive too.
I was thinking gti at one point, but they blend into the landscape too much. People turn there heads at the mini.
Especially while fueling up.
Blast to drive too.
I was thinking gti at one point, but they blend into the landscape too much. People turn there heads at the mini.
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4th Gear
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From: Socal
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2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 144
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From: Fruit Cove, FL
Had three Mk IV: ’02 1.8T GTI, 20th Anniversary GTI, and an R32.
Liked each of those cars.
The 20th and the R32 were very fun, capable cars that got a fair amount of attention.
I still miss the R32 at times.
That said; I like my 2011 R56 JCW – a lot.
It is a blast to drive.
Handles well and mileage is superior to either of the 1.8T GTI’s and nearly 9MPG better than the R32.
Insurance is a bit less on the 2011 JCW than on the R32 that was seven years old.
IMHO: Either is a good choice, but the JCW offers a bit more fun than the Mk VI GTI.
You’ve driven both so it will come down to which one feels better to you.
Good amount of aftermarket support for MINI’s too.
For me: The local MINI group has way more events, is more fun, and is generally more pleasant than were the 8 years I spent with the VW’s.
Liked each of those cars.
The 20th and the R32 were very fun, capable cars that got a fair amount of attention.
I still miss the R32 at times.
That said; I like my 2011 R56 JCW – a lot.
It is a blast to drive.
Handles well and mileage is superior to either of the 1.8T GTI’s and nearly 9MPG better than the R32.
Insurance is a bit less on the 2011 JCW than on the R32 that was seven years old.
IMHO: Either is a good choice, but the JCW offers a bit more fun than the Mk VI GTI.
You’ve driven both so it will come down to which one feels better to you.
Good amount of aftermarket support for MINI’s too.
For me: The local MINI group has way more events, is more fun, and is generally more pleasant than were the 8 years I spent with the VW’s.
I don't know if the aero kit actually does any good, but if you're going to add it to an S, then you narrow the price gap to only $3k or so. Definitely not worth the savings.
absoluteczech, i remember you and your car very well on vortex when I was active a couple years ago! your car was actually somewhat of an inspiration for mine. i had a 2010 GTI 2 dr that I upgraded to APR stg 2 plus a few other appearance mods like LED tails and front lip, etc.
I got bored of the car and had the lease transferred to get a MY11 WRX. That got boring too and had lease transferred for a 2012 Mini Cooper S. and yes. That got boring so I traded that in for my current car, a 2010 JCW WC50. yes i'm like a fickle *****.. but I LOVE MY JCW, ive had it for a month and I constantly want to just take it out for a drive which is something I haven't experienced with any of the prior cars.
In comparison (all of this is my opinion and what I remember from 2 years ago), the GTI pulled a bit quicker in a straight line and with the stage 2 it was quite easy to get over 130mph. The JCW (which is currently stock but I plan on doing a stage 1 tune) handles much better, and has better control of torque steer. the GTI didn't have crazy amounts of torque steer but the JCW handles it better. it is true what they say about MINIs, they feel like they are not FWD cars.
as for the ride quality, the GTI is much smoother but i'm guessing that is why the JCW handles nicer. YES the run flats are similar to driving with rocks as tires but I got used to them after a while. the JCW also has really good brakes (Brembo) compared to the GTI which are just "sport".. if you are not careful you will get thrown through the windshield (exaggeration but you hopefully get the point) if you brake hard enough. def test out that aspect of the JCW, it may be a bit much for some people.
build quality wise, both interiors are very nice.. the WRX was crap compared to them both. both actually are kind of quirky and unique in their own way. i liked the GTI's interior very much, the seats were well bolstered, and all the ***** and switches were nice as well as the touchscreen radio (i had one without navi but the bigger screen before they switched to the smaller one in 2011.. RCD 510 if i remember correctly? its been a while lol)
as for the JCW, the interior might be quite different from what you are used to but german engineering nonetheless. as far as i can tell, people either love or hate the interior. now for the seats, i was not a fan of the leatherette on my Cooper S, and thought the Lounge leather seats in my JCW were just OK. the type of leather is different from what you have in the VW, its the harder type of leather so make sure you check that out at the MINI dealer. I ended up swapping my lounge seats for JCW Recaro Alcantara seats which I am in love with.
something else to def consider is the cargo capacity... not sure what your lifestyle is like but you will be losing a significant amount of boot space coming from the GTI
all in all, i finally found a car I can love and live with. i was lucky finding the JCW WC50 edition, it has 95% of all the upgrades/mods I wanted to put on my car but my advice would be to get a JCW w/ auto AC, NO Sunroof (the shades are useless and the car gets super hot in the sun), NO navi (the consensus on NAM is that everyone hates it), & aero kit (its so much easier to just get it with the car instead of having it installed afterwards).
i hope this has helped! feel free to PM me with any questions
I got bored of the car and had the lease transferred to get a MY11 WRX. That got boring too and had lease transferred for a 2012 Mini Cooper S. and yes. That got boring so I traded that in for my current car, a 2010 JCW WC50. yes i'm like a fickle *****.. but I LOVE MY JCW, ive had it for a month and I constantly want to just take it out for a drive which is something I haven't experienced with any of the prior cars.
In comparison (all of this is my opinion and what I remember from 2 years ago), the GTI pulled a bit quicker in a straight line and with the stage 2 it was quite easy to get over 130mph. The JCW (which is currently stock but I plan on doing a stage 1 tune) handles much better, and has better control of torque steer. the GTI didn't have crazy amounts of torque steer but the JCW handles it better. it is true what they say about MINIs, they feel like they are not FWD cars.
as for the ride quality, the GTI is much smoother but i'm guessing that is why the JCW handles nicer. YES the run flats are similar to driving with rocks as tires but I got used to them after a while. the JCW also has really good brakes (Brembo) compared to the GTI which are just "sport".. if you are not careful you will get thrown through the windshield (exaggeration but you hopefully get the point) if you brake hard enough. def test out that aspect of the JCW, it may be a bit much for some people.
build quality wise, both interiors are very nice.. the WRX was crap compared to them both. both actually are kind of quirky and unique in their own way. i liked the GTI's interior very much, the seats were well bolstered, and all the ***** and switches were nice as well as the touchscreen radio (i had one without navi but the bigger screen before they switched to the smaller one in 2011.. RCD 510 if i remember correctly? its been a while lol)
as for the JCW, the interior might be quite different from what you are used to but german engineering nonetheless. as far as i can tell, people either love or hate the interior. now for the seats, i was not a fan of the leatherette on my Cooper S, and thought the Lounge leather seats in my JCW were just OK. the type of leather is different from what you have in the VW, its the harder type of leather so make sure you check that out at the MINI dealer. I ended up swapping my lounge seats for JCW Recaro Alcantara seats which I am in love with.
something else to def consider is the cargo capacity... not sure what your lifestyle is like but you will be losing a significant amount of boot space coming from the GTI
all in all, i finally found a car I can love and live with. i was lucky finding the JCW WC50 edition, it has 95% of all the upgrades/mods I wanted to put on my car but my advice would be to get a JCW w/ auto AC, NO Sunroof (the shades are useless and the car gets super hot in the sun), NO navi (the consensus on NAM is that everyone hates it), & aero kit (its so much easier to just get it with the car instead of having it installed afterwards).
i hope this has helped! feel free to PM me with any questions
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4th Gear
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From: Socal
Hey! I remember your car. Thanks for the kind words. Well I found 2 2012 JCW in red up in northern california (im in southern) but hell i would make the drive. Is it completely possible to get JCW under MSRP? I think one them is offering near invoice pricing based off what its equipped with.
are they what you are looking for? i purchased my 2010 preowned from a volvo dealer and got really lucky with it - the dealer did not know it was a limited edition car (only 50 in US). my advice is to throw away any notions of "buying from a local dealer" and expand your search to surrounding states to make sure it has everything that you are looking for options wise. dealerships are only taking 2013 orders now and you will certainly get a better deal on a 2012 than a 2013. there is almost 0 wiggle room on a 2013 so if you are lucky and can find a car you like in a 2012, spring on it.
xenons are def worth it, tech package is nice - the mini connected system is good, the HK sound system is also nice but isnt 100% necessary, sunroof goes either way but like i said it gets REALLY hot in the sun because the sunshades are seriously translucent, and the auto AC IMO is 100% worth it. all in all, do your research to see what you like and find out if they can be retrofitted - some things can't be and some things CAN but are too expensive.
xenons are def worth it, tech package is nice - the mini connected system is good, the HK sound system is also nice but isnt 100% necessary, sunroof goes either way but like i said it gets REALLY hot in the sun because the sunshades are seriously translucent, and the auto AC IMO is 100% worth it. all in all, do your research to see what you like and find out if they can be retrofitted - some things can't be and some things CAN but are too expensive.
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4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 333
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From: Socal
they have 2 in norcal (i expanded my search) not much out there and paying shipping costs ruins the deal
both are red
i think i got the dealer @$33k for '12 JCW
but has no bluetooth! i really want BT in my car. is it easy to retrofit oem bt into these cars?
CENTER ARMREST (473)
CARBON BLACK COLOR LINE (N/A w/4L4, 4L5 or 4L6 Instrument Panel) (4C1)
XENON HEADLIGHTS -inc: follow-me-home function, adjustable off delay, beam-throw control w/manual adjustment (REQ: 502 Pwr Washers) (522)
WHITE TURN-SIGNAL INDICATORS (785)
PREMIUM PKG -inc: auto headlamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers, chrome line interior, auto-dimming rearview mirror, auto climate control, comfort access keyless entry, anti-theft alarm system (ZPP)
and has leather seats
no pic for another one but its got what i really want. just wish they would hurry and reply back to my emails LOL
theres another one (havent replied back on pricing) listed at $35k and has recaro seats!
SPORT SUSPENSION -inc: stiffer front & rear stabilizer bars (226)
BLACK HEADLIGHT HOUSINGS (REQ: 522 Xenon Headlights & 785 White Turn-Signal Lights) (N/A w/524 Adaptive light control or 7L7 Adaptive Xenon Headlights) (3A2)
HEATED FRONT SEATS (494)
CARBON BLACK COLOR LINE (N/A w/4L4, 4L5 or 4L6 Instrument Panel) (4C1)
RECARO SPORT SEATS -inc: heated front seats (REQ: GSE1 Dinamica & Leather Seat Trim) *Late Availability* (4FA)
XENON HEADLIGHTS -inc: follow-me-home function, adjustable off delay, beam-throw control w/manual adjustment (REQ: 502 Pwr Washers) (522)
BLUETOOTH MOBILE PHONE & USB/IPOD ADAPTER (N/A w/6FP Mini Connected or 7L5 Mini Connected w/Navigation) (6ND)
WHITE TURN-SIGNAL INDICATORS (785)
CHILI RED (851)
CARBON BLACK, DINAMICA & LEATHER SEAT TRIM (REQ: 4FA Recardo Sport Seats) (GSE1)
both are red
i think i got the dealer @$33k for '12 JCW
but has no bluetooth! i really want BT in my car. is it easy to retrofit oem bt into these cars?
CENTER ARMREST (473)
CARBON BLACK COLOR LINE (N/A w/4L4, 4L5 or 4L6 Instrument Panel) (4C1)
XENON HEADLIGHTS -inc: follow-me-home function, adjustable off delay, beam-throw control w/manual adjustment (REQ: 502 Pwr Washers) (522)
WHITE TURN-SIGNAL INDICATORS (785)
PREMIUM PKG -inc: auto headlamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers, chrome line interior, auto-dimming rearview mirror, auto climate control, comfort access keyless entry, anti-theft alarm system (ZPP)
and has leather seats
no pic for another one but its got what i really want. just wish they would hurry and reply back to my emails LOL
theres another one (havent replied back on pricing) listed at $35k and has recaro seats!
SPORT SUSPENSION -inc: stiffer front & rear stabilizer bars (226)
BLACK HEADLIGHT HOUSINGS (REQ: 522 Xenon Headlights & 785 White Turn-Signal Lights) (N/A w/524 Adaptive light control or 7L7 Adaptive Xenon Headlights) (3A2)
HEATED FRONT SEATS (494)
CARBON BLACK COLOR LINE (N/A w/4L4, 4L5 or 4L6 Instrument Panel) (4C1)
RECARO SPORT SEATS -inc: heated front seats (REQ: GSE1 Dinamica & Leather Seat Trim) *Late Availability* (4FA)
XENON HEADLIGHTS -inc: follow-me-home function, adjustable off delay, beam-throw control w/manual adjustment (REQ: 502 Pwr Washers) (522)
BLUETOOTH MOBILE PHONE & USB/IPOD ADAPTER (N/A w/6FP Mini Connected or 7L5 Mini Connected w/Navigation) (6ND)
WHITE TURN-SIGNAL INDICATORS (785)
CHILI RED (851)
CARBON BLACK, DINAMICA & LEATHER SEAT TRIM (REQ: 4FA Recardo Sport Seats) (GSE1)
why would you ship? driving up there and back with your new car is half the fun! i drove from NJ to MD to get my JCW!
my vote personally is the second one w/ the recaros. it is almost impossible to get them after purchasing the car unless someone who has them wants to swap - that is how I got mine and they are quite rare among MINIs. the leather in the picture above is the one i had in mine - it is very nice but not "tight" enough and sporty enough if you know what i mean. put it this way - i prefer the type of leather in the GTI but for me, no leather is nicer than alcantara. IMO, the second car is spec'd nicely - has everything you need and nothing extra like the premium pkg although you might want a car w/ auto AC - i think its an important feature.
give the dealer a call, they might not have listed all the options.
my vote personally is the second one w/ the recaros. it is almost impossible to get them after purchasing the car unless someone who has them wants to swap - that is how I got mine and they are quite rare among MINIs. the leather in the picture above is the one i had in mine - it is very nice but not "tight" enough and sporty enough if you know what i mean. put it this way - i prefer the type of leather in the GTI but for me, no leather is nicer than alcantara. IMO, the second car is spec'd nicely - has everything you need and nothing extra like the premium pkg although you might want a car w/ auto AC - i think its an important feature.
give the dealer a call, they might not have listed all the options.
also when you get up there to see the car, make sure you get some seat time in the recaros, they are not made for big people. neither big as in tall or big as in wide. i am 5'8 160 lb and find it hard to imagine someone bigger than me to fit in the seats well
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4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Socal
thanks. you misunderstood me if i went out of state like i found one in seattle and chicago i couldnt drive back, too far. norcal to socal is 500 miles one way. far diff from nj to md! lol but thats what i plan on doing.
im really leaning towards second one myself! just wish the guy would hurry and email me back so we can start negotiating...
anyone want to buy a 2010 GTI? :P
im really leaning towards second one myself! just wish the guy would hurry and email me back so we can start negotiating...
anyone want to buy a 2010 GTI? :P
haha as an east coaster, I would PAY to drive up the coast of Cali, it's so nice especially around half moon bay and big sur! lol
try giving them a call. btw you are not considering a Golf R? i think you are in the same price range as a JCW.
I would imagine your car to sell pretty quickly on vortex as long as it doesnt have a lot miles
try giving them a call. btw you are not considering a Golf R? i think you are in the same price range as a JCW.
I would imagine your car to sell pretty quickly on vortex as long as it doesnt have a lot miles
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4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Socal
just hit 40k on the gti and did the service :( i had an offer a few weeks ago but wasnt ready at the time since i was considering a used cayman s and still looking.
golf r would be too lateral of a move. i would rather just chip my gti, as i have no needs for the awd in socal.
so the guy offered $300 off MSRP on the recaro jcw. i told him if he can give me $750 off ill pick it up next week, so we'll see.
golf r would be too lateral of a move. i would rather just chip my gti, as i have no needs for the awd in socal.
so the guy offered $300 off MSRP on the recaro jcw. i told him if he can give me $750 off ill pick it up next week, so we'll see.
$750 IMO is a good place to START but you might be able to swing down to $1000 or more since it technically is near end of MY12.. its tough though, "halo" cars (STI, Golf R, JCW, EVO, etc) are always tough to negotiate on because the dealer knows they are tough to come by.
I think you can get the Bluetooth kit add-on but you need to confirm if the 2012 has the Bluetooth as part of a package.
I was pondering about the lounge seat at one point but I sat in one at the dealer and it was firm. However, if you can get the one with the Recaro sport seat then go for it.
Are those two JCW's in your search are new? or pre-owned. It seems they are none here at any dealer on the East Coast.
I was pondering about the lounge seat at one point but I sat in one at the dealer and it was firm. However, if you can get the one with the Recaro sport seat then go for it.
Are those two JCW's in your search are new? or pre-owned. It seems they are none here at any dealer on the East Coast.
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4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Socal
both are brand new. the one i got down to 33k doesnt have BT and has also a red roof (didnt really want either) the one w/ recaro's has a black roof too which i wanted just like the pic in my original post.
when i arrive in person i'll see if i can snag another $250 off the top, but honesly it makes a few bucks difference over 60 months and its not the end of the world.
when i arrive in person i'll see if i can snag another $250 off the top, but honesly it makes a few bucks difference over 60 months and its not the end of the world.