Really excited! Went to the dealer over the weekend and decided to pull the trigger on a JCW HT to replace my 2006 MCS. I didn't want to buy the first year of the new MINI and was able to find basically the exact car I would have configured... even the rear fog! So we decided to get it. It is coming in from another dealer but I should have it by Thursday/Friday.

Specs are:
2013 JCW HT
Black
Chili red roof and mirrors
Black challenge wheels
Red dash
Black color line
Cold weather package
Premium package
Black headlight housings
Xenon lights
Rear fog
Harmon Kardon sound system

I am so excited to get the new car. Feel a little like I am cheating on my 06 MCS though... LOVE that car. It's funny I was thinking of other cars to get including Subaru WRX, GTI, Mercedes CLA,Acura, Infiniti, etc. and just decided I was forcing myself to look at those... Other cars might be better in some areas and worse in others but for me this is my DD (and occasional AutoX like my 06) and my 06 put a smile on my face almost every day. The MINIs really ended up being the only car i cared to own. Loved my last MINI and hope this one is just as great too.

 

Congrats ! You are going to love your JCW even more than you think.

 

I am with you!! I'm on my second Mini, and I was considering a huge range of cars before pulling the trigger on my Roadster (BMW 1 and 3, Merc. C250, Infinit, Jeep Wrangler...), in the end, nothing else measures up to the Mini in overall terms - fun, cool and style.

CONGRATS on your JCW!

 

congrats

 

congrats...

 

Well I picked up the car on Saturday! Wow the car looked fantastic! I will post some pics once I get them online, but first impressions the car is very very nice. I cant get enough of it.

I was surprised at how the ride is so much more compliant/refined than my 2006MCS (My 2006 had Koni FSD's and nonrunflat Michelin Pilots) over highway bumps and such, but the grip is still there which is nice. The car is a lot quieter with the windows up on the highway. Overall the car reminds me a lot my Dad's BMW 3 series... until you hit sport and open the windows and roof. I LOVE the JCW exhaust!

However, not sure how I feel about the brakes. I thought the pedal would feel a lot harder but I am in the break in period so I haven't taxed them at all so how to say. I thought they would feel different but they don't to me. We shall see.

Also, not sure if other JCW owners have had this happen to them, but WOW the car attracts a lot of attention. Waves, thumbs up, smiles, young boys run to it as it passes. People say "nice car", "cool wheels", etc. My old MINI used to get some notice but nothing like this car. In fact, a BMW convertible at a stop light on cross street beeped, waved, and smile like a child as we drove past. It was kind of funny... I thought something was wrong with the car... LOL

Anyway, awesome car and I am sooooo glad I went with the JCW over the S. It is just that much more special. My wife is pleased too... I have been running the store constantly all weekend just to have a chance to drive it again...

 

congrats! I've had a lot of cool cars and trucks....the mini is quickly becoming my fav ever....its just plain fun to drive

 

Same here ! I know it's an old cliche but I really do think driving a JCW is the most fun one can have with one's clothes on.

 

Living in LA nice cars are a dime a dozen so I took it as a true compliment when the parking attendant at my local Trader Joe's finally said (after many visits) "every time you come through your car makes me smile and happy". That gave me a good laugh. Good to know just driving around can make a person smile

 

Lol, yup!!

 

where da pics?