that is the question

Ive been fervently looking for the right MCS blk/blk combo, and found one at a local dealer that can be had in 1-2 days...awesome! It does have a few options that I don't necessarily want, and could save $1500 or so if I waited longer (or ordered)...

however, I keep getting whispers from the dark side to wait 2-3 months (this is what Ive been told the wait time could be like) and custom order a JCW. Sparing options, I can spec one to 4-5k over the cost of the MCS...


current car situation: high mileage audi that I don't want to waste money on anymore...not sure i'd want to hold onto it for another few months considering I might already have a buyer lined up.


I'm just wondering at this point if it's worth the wait (and more importantly the money) to go for the JCW. I know I can make up the power difference with about 2-3k of time and effort on my end and I wouldnt have to wait all that time for them to build it.

Also on my mind is the fact that 2010's are almost out...to my knowledge nothing new save for some interior option/combos..but it seems a bit silly to custom order a car on the tail end of the model year.

Care to chime in with any opinions...I might be going to the dealership to pick up the MCS tomorrow, so make it snappy!

 

I would say wait till the 2010 and get the JCW. I'm regretting it slightly not getting a JCW. At the time it wasn't in the budget but right after I ordered I got a nice raise and could have still canceled the first order but I waited and didn't. I have since driven a JCW and fell in love with it. So I would say go for the JCW.

 

ive driven both..I love the JCW! but I also love the MCS...I was finding it hard to justify the 5k+, but mods definitely add up...and arent covered under a warranty ;\

I just went through some old threads and most pointed towards the JCW, considering they are a tougher sell, and more 'deals' can be had. However, I dont know what sort of 'deal' one can strike with a dealer when custom ordering one.

I guess im going to call a few more dealerships in my area, and possibly some in AZ or OR. id be willing to buy a cheap 1 way ticket if I could find the JCW I wanted ;p

appreciate your input though, thanks

ps. How do you like your moonroof? Any complaints?

 

I like it a lot. It does stick in the morning(11 am) when I go to work because it has been sitting in the sun for the morning. Many people on here say that is a major problem but my moms ford fusion does the same thing. And my friends jeep grand cherokee does it as well so it's not just MINIs that have that problem.

 

It's a personal value judgement.....

How important is the JCW perfomance and performance equipment to you ???? Some feel it's very valuable. If it is, you have two choices, looking for an 2009 JCW at a dealer (some still sitting around and deals can be had) or waiting for 2010. If you can find the car you like at a discount, then go for the 09, if not order the 2010 at MSRP. If the JCW features just aren't that important to you....buy the 09 MCS that's got you stoked!!

 

I bought the JCW and couldnt be happier. I personally like as much power as I can get from a car so if I would have just gotten the S then I would always have wondered about the JCW.
You could always look for a used JCW. There is actually one in the LA area on CarMax right now. That is where I found mine. I saved almost $10k versus buying new and got all the options I wanted. I feel I got pretty lucky but if you keep your eyes open you may find what you are looking for.
Good luck!!!

 

not that you asked, but I don't like having my moonroof/sunroof or whatever you call it. I thought it would be a nice addition. But it just makes the interior hotter (even with a limo tint) and the screens slide open all the time by themselves (even after a so-called "fix" at the dealer), and mine sticks..all the time...even after another trip to the dealer.

Plus I just really don't use it that much. I can see getting it still if you were really really into it, and used it all the time, but the cons just don't outweight that for me at least.

jmho

 

nothing like driving in the backroads with a starry landscape above you...I'd never buy a convertible though. Moonroof or bust!

I was concerned about only having a mesh screen protecting the interior from the sun, but I could get over that relatively easily by tinting the glass

 

thanks for the tip spyder, ill check the info on the used one

to minigrm, honestly I would be modding the MCS regardless...the mod bug bit me about 10 years ago, and it never fully healed so having that extra power under warranty is kind of awesome! I think the moral of the story here is for me not to rush any sort of deal until I find exactly what I want.

thanks all for the input!

 

Have you had much of a problem with Torque Steer? That's my biggest concern with going for a lightly specced JCW over a MCS with more options.

 

The JCW will give you a heavier duty clutch and transmission, a bigger turbo, and different pistons to handle the extra boost pressure. Those would be extremely expensive mods to do on an MCS. If I wanted to mod a MINI, I'd want to start with a JCW because it has a stronger foundation, so to speak.

 

Last year I bought an '08 MCSa. I LOVED the car. I installed a JCW Stage I kit and was thrilled with it. In the back of my mind, I always wished I had sprung for a JCW but nonetheless, I was still happy.

Last year, I did a few trackdays. The car ran great but it became apparent that an automatic simply wouldn't cut the mustard against a stick on the track.

About 4 months ago, I traded in my '08 and bought an '09 JCW. I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER.

It was a no brainer for me since with 2.9% interest, I saved 15 bucks a month and dropped my payments from 66 months to 60.

Regardless of the money, there is NO WAY I'll ever go back to an MCS. They are fantastic cars, run great but I'm here to tell you that for me, it was the BEST decision I've made since this is my 4th cooper in a year and a half.

If you can't wait, find one on a lot somewhere... that was me, too impatient to wait 2-3 months.

In either case, you'll be happy....

Mark

 

There is torque steer and I do notice it every once and a while. From what I have read around here the TSW X-Brace really helps. That will be my next purchase. After that I am getting rid of the run flats. Then suspension mods then... then...

For me torque steer is not a deal breaker. It is a front wheel drive car after all. I would rather try to correct torque steer than get a regular S, mod it for more power and have to correct torque steer anyway...

But you have to find the car that works best for you. If you dont plan on modding for more power you may be better off with an S with more options.

Good luck in your decision!!