Hi, I've got a decision to make.

First, the cars:
2011 Justa Clubman 6 speed manual, 32k miles, no service contract (mine)
2012 JCW tuned Hardtop 6 speed manual, 28k miles, MaxCare Carmax service contract good for I think 3 more years (his)

Husband and I are going to have to downsize the car stable in terms of $$. We've each got a MINI, & the plan is to keep one and sell the other to buy a much cheaper car for him, paid in cash. Car payments on both are almost the same within $10 or so due to different term lengths. The Clubman would be paid off 2 years sooner.

Ok, so, obviously the JCW is more fun to drive, has the service contract, and at face value seems (to me) the obvious one to keep. However I was planning to keep my Clubman till it died and chose to get a Justa for that very reason - because it seems they are more reliable. Even with the service contract I worry that we'll run into problems with the JCW. I don't drive a ton, maybe 10-12k a year so theoretically this could be my car for a very long time.

So my basic question is, fun aside which one should be the more reliable, all things considered? I'm not hard on my cars & to be honest the JCW tuning is kind of lost on me. My average speed on the Clubman is around 34mph if the computer is to be believed. My commute is an easy 11 mile 1 way drive on a 2 lane highway with moderate traffic. Occasional highway, occasional bumper to bumper city traffic. Sure, I like the quick acceleration on the JCW but it's not like I'd really use it to its full advantage ever. (Hubby would when he "borrows" it though)

Any advice is much appreciated!

 

I guessing you already have your mind made up, but if you're trying to save money, keep the less expensive of the two cars (Clubman). Either car is more fun than most of the cars on the road, so you really can't go wrong!

 

2011 Justa Clubman - It should be easy to find a buyer...it would sell quickly. Especially since that model has been discontinued and is no longer in production. The barn doors are popular with people that have dogs, or just like the convenience of loading their groceries through doors, rather than a hatchback.

2012 JCW Hardtop - Has an N14 Engine. There could be some expensive repairs down the road. However, you've got 3-years of a MaxCare warranty remaining (you think).

Sorry, I don't know what advice to give you.

 

I think it comes down to reliability. The "Justa" has the N-16 non-turbo engine, while the JCW has the N-14 engine that is known to have problems with intake valve carbon, and timing chain issues, ect. Without getting technical the N-16 has advanced valve train technology, that the JCW didn't have until 2013. I know the "barn doors" are a big plus for the gals. My 4' 11" wife has a 2011 Clubman S and you couldn't pry her loose from that. I have a 2013 JCW hardtop. Same story.

I can't decide for you, as it's your money. So, good luck with your decision.

 

Thanks y'all. I have to say the answers so far are NOT what I was expecting! It sounds like it's fair to say keeping the JCW/Justa situation is sort of the same decision between keeping a Porsche vs a VW? (As examples - we've had one of each). They're both relatively expensive but because the Porsche is a performance car it's got more to go wrong and will cost a lot more when it does?

 

Some random thoughts.

A 2012 still has some free MINI maintenance, I would take advantage of that over CarMax, and parhaps 2 years on the MINI warranty, depending upon the build date.

Cars at CarMax are hit and miss, and I would not expect their repair shop would do a good job on the JCW.

Judging overall reliability from the comments on NAM does not consider the thousands of MINI owners who do not bother with the forum. We had an impromptu gathering of MINI owners where I work, over 10 average owners who do not participate in clubs and the like, and everyone was happy with the reliability of their MINI. This includes everything from 100k+ mileage R51/53s to a brand new F56.

Sounds like the new car will be an econobox. If you enjoy driving, as opposed to just driving to get from A to B, keep the MINI that's is the most fun. If you drive to get from A to B keep the Clubman.

It's nice not having a car payment.

I know that may not help much.

I am in the same position, but I have to decide between a 2006 R53 Checkmate and a 2012 Roadster S with the N18 engine. Keep the roadster and give the Checkmate to my adult daughter, or sell the roadster and keep the Checkmate I am emotionally attached to. Decisions, decisions.

 

If you're going to keep it forever, the Clubman is the way to go. The turbocharged cars, even at their best, cannot match the non-turbo for reliability. That will become more apparent as the cars get older - when any warranty is long gone. The non-turbo car is also likely to give you slightly better fuel economy, although that does depend largely on driver technique. Another thought is that the Justa is probably a bit cheaper to insure than the JCW. As a bonus, you mentioned that the Clubman will be paid off sooner - which will be a pleasant thought since you're working on your budget.

I'll admit that I'm biased, as I'm on my second Clubman, but I think that the Clubbie is a bit more practical and more comfortable than the standard hardtop. It handles nearly as well, and has a better ride too. The only thing the Justa gives up to the S and JCW models is acceleration; other than that, the non-turbo cars can be every bit as much fun!

 

I'd keep the Clubbie..

lower running costs
less temperamental when it comes to reliability
slightly more practical

will still make you smile in the bends, even a justa :D

 

If you guys plan on having children keep the clubman. If not than keep the JCW.

The clubbie will last longer and will have more room for if/when you guys have a little one and you'll still be able to enjoy the characteristics of the mini's handling instead of trading the JCW because of the lack of space.

 

good point!

 

I would not own a MINI without a warranty...

 

If it helps with your decision ponder this. Prior to getting my car, my son had leased a Mini Coupe with an automatic, maybe an '11 Demo. That car was a gas to drive or even be a passenger in. Fast forward to my purchase. I looked around and found myself in an '05 Convertible S with a 6 speed. The same thing? In a sense yes, but in reality NO WAY! To choose one over the other? Pick the cheaper of the two for potential repairs. I agree with those who have said they wouldn't own a Mini without a warranty, but I also can sympathize with keeping the any model if it tickles your fancy.

The smart thing here? Get rid of both of them and get a Honda or a Toyota. It'll probably run forever with little if any trouble. YOU however may die from boredom.

 

From the sounds of it, you should be putting the financial aspect first if the whole point of downsizing is to save money. Two years of car payments adds up to a pretty penny, and the Clubbie is still a fun car, more practical and more reliable to boot. I'd sell the JCW if I were in your shoes.

I've got a finally paid for Justa, and as much as I want to trade it in for a 400HP RWD muscle car, I'm going to hold out and bank that car payment for a few years.

 

Something to keep in mind about "not owning a MINI without a warranty" is that warranties are like casinos, the house always wins.

Unless you are in that small percentage that actually makes a warranty claim all you end up doing is paying for someone else's repairs.

However for some you can't put a price on "piece of mind."

 

Well I do have to admit that I've never heard of anyone charging for giving one a piece of their mind.

 

If you are considering getting rid of a car because of the money being needed somewhere else; I would get rid of both. Here is why:
1. Getting rid if both means both individuals are heading towards the same goal of less financial stress and both have a reason to work at handling money better so Minis can be repurchased.
2. You can get cheaper cars that are more reliable for 4-5 years while you free up cash by paying off debts. The lower auto expenses will make the process happen quicker.
3. From a fun perspective and a car attachment perspective it is hard to imagine getting rid of either. Now picture one of you out of a job and not being able to make payments on the cars and for your rent/mortgage.

My wife and I have 2 Minis and I make payments on them every month. It is my goal to get rid of the debt ASAP so I have more expendable cash. If it came down to a hard decision like yours for financial reasons, the cars would be the first to go. The credit card debt is gone and we are working hard towards more financial freedom. It would be a hard choice but I would get rid of both - then buy Minis later when finances are more stable.

 

I don't mean to thread jack but what is a Justa?

Oh and to answer your question, between a Clubman and a JCW Hatch, it's a very obvious decision to sell the Clubman.

 

Thanks again for all the replies.

I'm not emotionally any closer to a decision. :/ I think it does make more sense to keep the Clubman but it's hard to let go of the JCW. The bottom line is 3 years of payments on the Clubman amounts to nearly having it paid off, while 3 years of payments on the JCW amounts to having no more warranty and being exposed to more expensive repairs than the Clubman, and not being anywhere near paying it off.

Sigh, I think practicality is going to have to take precedence over fun.

Oh edit: justa means just a cooper or clubman or whatever. As in not an S

 

Insurance, tire, and fuel costs will be lower on the justa too - over three years that could amount to quite some money (even with US fuel prices).

If you were in the UK with $9/gallon fuel prices (currently the lowest for about 3 years btw) it would be an easier decision

 

Keep the Clubbie, pay it off in two and the buy a JCW or S if want. My Wife's is fun to drive and has extended warranty(Mini) and Service Contract(Mini) this way I don't have mess with it at my age (72) We still have my 02 Toyota Tacoma and the 04 Expedition, both serve their purpose and have been trouble free A year ago I spent $1500 on each them get things up to snuff other than that it has been normal maintenance. So the Clubbie is my wife's sports car, mine is my 66 mustang that I modded when I was young. Would I buy a Mini for my self sure probably a JCW Roadster.