Wife wants a Mini.
Have an opportunity to either go with an 07 JCW or a 2011 S.
Interestingly enough, both cars have about the same mileage, about 40k.
The big difference is that the 07 is nearly $7k less.
I can afford to go with the newer model but $7k is $7k and would prefer to have it in my pocket!
Anyone have any advice or thoughts on this?
Thanks

 

Welcome aboard and good luck with whatever you decide.
2011 all the way IMO. You will have less issues IMO again. With either one, just make sure that you verify that all the recalls and TSB's have been done like the water pump, timing chain issues, etc... Also see if and when they did a walnut blasting to clean the carbon build up on the valves that can be catastrophic.
Also get the longest extended warranty you can afford, because unfortunately you will need it. I don't mean to scare you. I just want you to know what can happen.

 

2011

If it were a factory JCW it would be a different story but they didn't start those till 2009.

 

2011 - although more $$, it has factory warranty and lots of updated stuffs

 

2011 S and then do what I did... KILL an 2007 JCW!



not that they should be killed... Our brothers...


Hondas, 350z's... KILLED!

 

Finally got a chance to take a look at the 07 JCW.
A few issues came up:
1. Uses about a qt of oil every month. I'm guessing about 5k/month.
2. The JCW exhaust tail pipes tilt somewhat to the left. Is this normal?
3. Clutch pedal is somewhat soft 1/3 of the way down then feel more resistance.
Is this all typical?

 

Don't waste your time on that '07. Go to the '11 MCS asap.

 

HA!
Thanks for the advice but the '11 is at a dealer and they pissed me off when I went down to check it out.
Plus, it's a significant amount more than 07.
The interesting thing about the JCW is that the previous owner paid extra for the JCW package but then went bare bones as far as options were concerned.

 

Yes but think about the first two years 07-08 MINI came out with the turbos, just issues arose from the first two years, mostly. I just don't trust a 07-10 MCS, not the owners faults but the company, MINI. Timing chain is the biggest issue to me. I've only replaced my thermostat and had recall work done on my '11 MCS. Good luck with what you choose.

 

JCW would be the better deal ONLY if all major known issues were addressed by MINI service. If there is no proof of service then pass! However, the N18 engine really is not that much better than the N18. It's like the N14 but just a tad better. Still has timing chain issues and whatnot.

 

If it was a 09-10 JCW, I'd tell him to go for it. But I just hear all these horror stories with 07-08 MCS/JCW(not factory). I have still yet to see or hear any N18 timing chain replaced, hopefully no such thing will arise. I've had my timing chain tensioner replaced when I got a letter in the mail for the recall. But agreed, never did I think the N18 was invincible, just slightly better like you said Shane.

 

I know it's not the same kind of car but a BMW 335i is sounding better and better! LOL!

 

Probably just needs to go away. I have 25,000 miles and have just had a rear upper break light die... odd. The Dread Pirate is a BEAST and continues to slay. Buy the 2011 MCS. Or... a Honda.

 

N18 ftw