Hi, our family is most likely to order a 2011 Mini Hardtop from Mini of the Main Line, but we have hit a roadblock.

We are on the fence or either purchasing a JCW or a Cooper S. The JCW looks really great but cost a lot for each monthy payment.
The S looks fun and just topping 180 hp, its not that far from a works.
But, we are still thinking?

So, what do you guys think, a Cooper S, or a JOHN COOPER WORKS?

will add pics when it gets in

 

This is the latest (other than this one) of the dozens of threads on this subject:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...cs-vs-jcw.html

Short answer - if you can afford it get it and you won't be disappointed. If you can't afford it get the S and you still won't be disappointed.

 

what he said

 

If you are getting a 2011 get a S. If you want a JCW get a 2010 you'll get a little cheaper. The new JCWs will not be getting the valvetronic in them.

 

Drive both and then decide.
I decided the added performance of the JCW was not worth the costs, and I could mod it my self to get more. (This is with the R53 which is a little different than the R56 but modding is where I find my most fun.)

 

If you look at the price and think "wow I can't swing that extra $6k" don't even drive the JCW, just go be impressed with the S and enjoy it. I test drove the JCW and noticed the difference between it and the S immediately and it made me want one. But I just couldn't afford to spend the extra cash for a JCW I sort of wish I just drove the S and left the jcw up to my imagination.

 

Thanks a lot guys for the valuable advice. We are most likely to get a 2011 S with the JCW tuning kit.

 

First off - Never buy based on your payment. Negotiate the best price possible first.
Put down a good size cash amount saved and from selling your own trade. Never trade in and take the hit.

Sure look at what your payment will be with many of the on-line calculators before you ever hit the car lot.....to determine the max you want to spend on a car. But never go into adealership buying based on what they say you can afford for a payment.

 

JCW! Nice thing about JCW is that the extra performance is warrantied. If you start making mods, a lot of what's covered goes out the window.

 

I am happy to help you with your dilemma. Buy a JCW.

 

JCDub

 

You wont be dissapointed with the JCW-no comparison to the MCS. We went from an 06 MC to the 2010 JCW!!! Drove both the S and the JCW and as soon as my wife drove the JCW-she had to agree...she could not justify having to "just get by" with only an S.

Granted the 06 MC was no where near as powerful, but it never left us wanting for fun...the JCW is quite simply the most fun lil car I have ever driven...do it do it do it you won't regret it in the least!!

 

There did those comments answer your question? I thought not, good luck the choice is up to you!

 

The S! Valvetronic FTMFW!!!!

 

I was at my dealer today for service for my MCS. A JCW was in the showroom with a $40K sticker. Is that worth 17 hp?

$40K would buy lots of stuff (either new or like new) much quicker than a JCW. It doesn't seem worth it to me.

 

But JCW has RED ROOF AN MIRRORZ ..

If i were buying a '11, It'd be an S, Valvetronic will open up more power in the long run than the JCW kit will. Also, If i were buying an '11, I'd wait for the Coupe. Mmmm Coupe.