....That is the question. As i get closer to ordering my new mini, I am wondering if the JCW package is worth it. On the one hand, probably the only thing I might add would be a MTH tuner file and leave the rest stock. That will set me back around 30K the way I want it optioned. The other route is a straight MCS at around 25K that I would add a Alta CAI, Magnaflow exhaust (when it's ready), a 15% pulley and the MTH header and Tuner file.

So the question is, after I make the modifications in option 2, I'm probably close to the price of the JCW, right? The JCW would be pretty much stock (or should I still plan on modifying it further?).

I need to especially hear from JCW owners. Do you recommend JCW and what have you done to your cars?

From non JCW owners, can I expect good performance from the above modifications, or should I go another route.

As you can see, I am very excited and a bit perplexed at all the different options.
PLEASE HELP!!!!!<img>

 

It sounds like you have already done your homework. This question always creates a stir. Do some searches. The condensed answer is: get the JCW if warranty is important to you. Get the MCS if you prefer to mod and (presumably) save greenbacks. I'll let the others chime in with more specifics. I'm going to

 

I have a JCW for two reason's

1. Warranty without work, I mean you can mod and fight for warranty but that not for me.

2. JCW was financed in with the car . Mods cannot.


After that it all personal preference. If you have the coin and a good mechanic, mod away.

There is not best for all, just what is best for you. If you out out what you value/want then we can chime in to those specifics otherwise its just a crap shoot.


If fastest is your goal, then toss the JCW out.


Paul

 

I am not a JCW owner but I have ridden in numerous JCW cars. I, up till this last week thought the JCW TK was the best way to go. Then, I changed my mind, because after I would have gotten it, I decided that I would want much more horsepower, and the truth is I can get about 260hp @ the crank for just a little ($500) more than the JCW, from the guy I swear by, Randy Webb. That is not using any turbos either. So in my opinion, just like that of others shared, I would get what YOU want most. If you want warranty, get JCW, when the warranty runs out, mod to your heart's content. But if you want speed, acceleration, and torque, JCW is not for you. A thing I would also consider is looking around for your mods a bit more than just being bent on one thing. I did this. Emailed everyone I could, to find out what was the best for me. I found it @ WMS. They have a new exhaust system, and other "top secret" stuff that only a few outside of the complex know about, but I am not at liberty to tell about all that. WMS is one of the few places that offers a 2 year warranty on the parts they install, and the subsequent systems those parts affect.

Just do what YOU want.

Mike

 

You may want to talk to your SA at your dealer. For example MINI of Towson, where I bought my car, even has their own mod packages that compete with the JCW and any mods they install they cover for the life of the factory warranty. So, in my case, doing aftermarket mods vs. JCW was a no-brainer.

 

i have couple of aftermarket stuff on my car, nothing serious, and will not go crazy, however, JCW is the way to go. Yes, it is expensive, but FWIW, i would say go for it. Keep in mind, it will add value to your car, but aftermarket won't. Putting aftermarket cars on the car is always cheaper and more attractive, however, you will always comprimise from something. That is why I ordered JCW suspension kit after lowring my car with h-sport springs, lot of comprimise.... I will JCW my car all the way....

 

First, listen to none of us including me. Oh, you're still reading. OK, my advise is to find a dealer where you can drive both back to back. I know that Moritz in Arlington, TX, has a JCW demo. Other dealers might as well. Drive, look at stickers and see which represents the best VALUE for you.

I've owned an '02 S and an '04 S-JCW. I like the 04 better. In fact I like the 04 $71 a month better. No regrets here, but it was well within "toy car" budget and I've been modding cars since 1964 and I've gotten lazy. This time I let the dealer do it.

 

I would tend to agree. Obviousely you can get further cheaper with aftermarket. That is without question. But for people like me, who plan on keeping the car for a long time, resale value is important. I understand that Randy Webb, M7, Detroit Tuned, etc. are great guys and do quality work and stand behind their product. But I also believe that in 15-20 years a JCW MCS will have more cache than a *Aftermarket Tuner* MCS. Additionally, even though a lot of them do offer warranty and such, it does little good for me since most of them lack the support network to provide that warranty in a timely manner. With the car being a daily driver, I am simply unable to wait for parts and repairs should something go wrong. Not to mention the loaner car, etc.

I guess what I am trying to say is, there is certainly a place for aftermarket. But as others have said, it depends on your circumstance and needs.

Which ever way you go, you will still have a Mini and that is still a whole lot more fun than anything else.

 

I am an 06 JCW owner so I have not had the car for very long. I have, however finished the run-in period and am now enjoying the fact that I can drive the crap out of it and it's all on warrenty (not that I drive the crap out of it - but I DO drive it as I feel it was intended to be driven...fast and occasionally quite hard).

Yes, warrenty was important to me
Yes, performance was important to me

Truely it is your decision. I have driven only the MC, MCS and now my JCW (which I feel is quite different on the road then even the MCS). My fiancee has a 1980 Porsche 911 Sc which is HIGHLY modified and regrets that instead of enjoying the car he spend more time listening for "problems" or tinkering and fine tuning. He LOVES the JCW although it makes WAY less HP.
I plan on keeping the JCW stock (and in B stock for Solo2 racing) until the warranty runs out then looking into some small aftermarket stuff - probably just some suspension stuff (and even so it may be JCW).

Get whatever makes you happy...have you considered a used MCS? A used MCS would afford you some extra $$ for mods and if it's off warranty already you can go nuts!

 

I really look forward to his post. However I have to question the goaljnky post. If your are going to keep your car for a long time, why are you worried about resale value? I for one am not, B/c I plan on keeping my MINI until there are no longer roads to drive it on, and by then it depreciation will have made it worthless anyway. It is all up to the to YOU, you are the one that drives it, lives with it, and indeed might end up selling it. But I have to agree with the rest of the ones that have a JCW on here. In the future if you do indeed sell the car, the JCW will fetch a higher price, because of it's pedigree. Course if your thick with cash like me, JK lol, you'll take off all the AM parts, and get a JCW TK, then you sell it! Either way though, like Goaljnky stated, you'll have a MINI, and that's all that matters.

Mike

 

I guess I didn't express myself correctly. I was trying to make two points.

1. You should be able to recover a higher percentage of your money with JCW vs. aftermarket should you ever decide to sell. Plus being JCW it should add a certain rarity factor, which would aid in a sale.

2. I do plan to keep my JCW, which is on order, for a very long time. I believe (personal opinion) that a JCW badged and equipped car will be more thought after (prized) than an aftermarket equipped car.

 

davisflyer,

You left out something very important, WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?? This makes a difference as where you buy your MINI may make a difference in how the dealership views aftermarket mods. Also if you are close to Webb Motorsports (in CO) that would be a BIG help.

Earl

 

I have 15K on my 05 JCW and I love it! We are planning to order my wife a convertible, but she only wants one with a JCW!

 

See https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=55669 post #26. The JCW stuff falls under what SpiderX calls level one. Same for the standard aftermarket stuff (CAI, pulley, SW, and catback). JCW gets you bigger injectors and different plugs too.

To go to the next level costs the big $$$. Assuming you just do the standard stuff.

which way to go is actually a simple decision that I wish I knew some months ago ....

If you need a car to be absolutely reliable, your means of transportation .... you got to go to work in the morning and cant be worried about throwing codes, where will parts come from, whose going to fix it, then you go JCW. You will know any MINI dealer will fix it free.

If you dont worry about whose going to fix it, can DIY or have shop close by and dont care about the Warranty work, then go aftermarket .... probably more HP at the first level, and cheaper. Many people have.

People also mix and match.

I see the real issue being the where to get the car fixed when I need it NOW. If you buy a kit from any of the vendors (e.g., minimania, webb, etc), I see the weakest link as the supporting network as in there is very liitle to support it. If widget A breaks, where do I take it to be fixed and who is giving me a FREE rental to get to work for the week? That might not be important to some people but to others its VERY important.

This is what you need to figure out .... IMHO

 

I think all these posts are very well thought out and convey all the right decision points. Generally you just see a lot of flaming back and forth between JCW and non JCW folks. Not on this one.

I have a JCW, knew that I paid more for less in terms of speed and equipment, but have never regretted it, having a) financed it; b) warrantied it and c) loved it.

Sometimes I'm tempted to try to find out what it would be like to have 265 hp (sounds awesome) and then I realize that I'm not a good enough driver to handle the 210 I have with the JCW. (And frankly don't have enough brakes in the stock set up to manage the car's current power).

The JCW has been awesome. However, no matter which way you go you'll be happy I'm sure. As long as it's a mini!