I currently drive a 08 clubman and while I love it, I've always been keen to own a 05 or 06 mini with the JCW kit. Well I've managed to find one, problem is its an airplane ride away so I'd love to get any type of feedback as to how it looks and what questions to ask. (strut mushrooming, leaking seals etc.)

Here is the link

The price seems a bit too good to be true, so I looking for some guidance before I spend money on a plane ticket to go and see it.

Thanks for the feedback everyone

 

Yah that's a good deal. I have an 06 as well and just love it. I did find a thread here on what to look for. These cars are a blast!

 

Your link doesn't seem to work for me but I'd be looking for service records, especially if the oil & filter has been changed at 1/2 the prescribed intervals, brake fluid flushes, etc. If the coolant looks clear, if it doesn't overheat, brakes don't pull, looks well-maintained, no paint & body work and if it drives strong, then buy it!

 

http://ottawa.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehic...AdIdZ419501863

I think it's a decent deal. Little higher mileage than preferred but as said above if all the service records check out then it's a good buy. Mine was quite a bit more but less km's.

 

looks fair. body is in good shape, rest of it is clean. is that rust under the engine mount? sux theres no aero kit either. no mods on the engine, that is another plus. ugly color IMO, but thats another story.

these are fairly hard to find, and if youve been looking for a while, then i guess go for it. otherwise, if you have a lil more $$, consider getting an 06 GP. they will have much lower mileage for sure.

i mean, have you just tried a search here in the US? like this...

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...rch=true&Log=0

 

While I love the GP's, I need the backseat for my daughter. Thanks for the feedback so far. I'm gonna give the owner a phone call tonight (he has been helpful so far via e-mail.)

He claims that it hasn't been in any accidents, and that he has all of the service records since the 47k mark when he purchased it. He claims that is doesn't leak any oil, that the transmission shifts nice and smoothly.

What else should I ask. I'm going to get the VIN#, but what else? I'm quite familiar with the N14 engine (I have a 08 clubman) but don't know a huge amount regarding the first generation cooper S's beyond the excellent article on MotoringFile.

Oh he claims that it was a factory JCW not a dealer add on. This means it should have the JCW brakes (looks like I can see Red calipers) and the LSD. He claims that it has the JCW suspension as well.

 

looks factory, it has all the right badges in the right spots. i have no idea how to check the suspension tho. Get the vin, call Mini, they will tell you whats been installed at the factory, ect.

feel for the Flap inside the airbox. it should be a closed flap. if its there, then when you wail on the car, itll open at 4500k; youll feel the car pull at that point. if it does all that, its probably a decent ride!

 

Even though in 06 the JCW options were factory installed, that doesn't mean the car has them all. You could still order engine and LSD and brake options separately. I'd have a dealer do a print out of the car.

I have 59,000 on my 06 JCW cab and just love it.

 

I believe the JCW kits were all dealer installed kits until the 2009 model year.

 

Factory installed kits started in 2006

 

Yep. My 06 cab was all factory installed, including the aero kit.

 

Factory and dealer installed JCW kits in 05 and 06. The kit doesn't mean it has the JCW brakes or suspension. They were separate options.

 

Well unfortunately this jcw was sold before I was able to fly out to see/buy it. I did find out that factory 2006 jcw models included the engine kit, jcw brakes and a LSD, at least in Canada anyways. The suspension and body it was optional, unless you purchased the competition edition. Thanks everyone for your help and feedback, looks like I will have to keep driving my clubman for now

 

Do it. My 2006 John Cooper Mini is hands down the best car I've ever owned...and I've owned about 8 or 10 cars by now.

 

Yep! There are plenty of cars that are faster, quicker, stop quicker, handle better, and turn in quicker track times. However, it's really hard to beat the JCW for pure fun and the joy of driving. I used to ride my motorcycle every chance I could. Since getting my JCW, I've not ridden my motorcycle in more than two years. That says something.

 

Hi all - I may not be in the right spot so forgive me if I'm not...But, I have listed a JCW for sale, and haven't gotten any interest in it yet...From my research, the price is right (Someone else paid more for less options...). If anyone has any advice on what I might be doing wrong or any pointers, I would really appreciate it. I love this car, but need the money for it.
Here's a link to the listing: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post3642391
Thanks in advance, I've been a Motoring member for awhile and always find these boards quite helpful.

 

What does KBB or Edmund say the right price is? I think while the book price might be on point..you can actually find a 2009 JCW mini certified for only about 5,000 more that will come with low finance options, a warranty and an all around more advanced car.

The most desirable years of the gen 1s are the 2005/2006 which had the upgraded engine, lights etc. the mini has niche appeal in general, the jcw is a niche beyond that.

I can't offer any advice but unless you find someone dead set on a JCW...you won't get that price. It's a now 9 year old car and it isn't as though its a Classic.

Sorry man..leave it out for whatever price you want but be prepared to take a lot less..maybe 12k?

 

You can likely get your price, but it may take more time. And be sure to advertise where your most likely buyers are going to be. If I were selling my JCW, I'd put it on AutoTrader.com as well as every single Mini enthusiast forum I could find.