I tried a google search. Anyone want to tell me the first year Mini made the JCW hardtop with an auto?

 

I thought it was with the N18 engine so that would be 2013.

Could be wrong.

 

Thanks. Well a dealer is telling me the same. I thought it was 2015. I never trust a dealer

Any issues with the N18 JCW vs the newer ones specifically in auto. I can get a great deal on a 2013 but I was shopping for a 16 but the 13 is about $10K cheaper with low miles.

 

The newer N18 engines are pretty good. The automatic is great if you have the paddle shifters, warning though...it's not fun at all when driven in full auto mode.

But choosing between 2013 vs 2016 is hard since they are totally different generations.

 

I don't believe you could get a JCW with an automatic transmission before the F56.

 

The R60 JCW was available in auto.

 

Doing a little research it appears the 13 JCW HAS 209 hp and the 2016 has 228 hp. Also looks like the auto trans was changed between the years as well but not sure the performance.

Well I am going to check on the 13 and see what type of deal. Looks like the 16 is tough to get a build spot and the ones on the lot will only get discounted $1k.

 

My question is a little off topic but are the N14 & N18 engines fundamentally the same (eg. N18 is upgraded N14) or are the completely different powerplants? Different engine blocks virtually no common parts, etc?

 

OP, the 2013 JCW you are looking at is a completely different car than the 2015. Pro's and cons for each but you can't compare their drivetrain specifications at all, entirely different engines/chassis/bodies/interiors. You can read up about that generation under the R56 JCW section of this forum.

 

Ok. Thanks for that. Given that it sounds you are knowledgeable what would be your opinion on getting either. Let's just say both are fully loaded and one is new at $38k and the other is used w/8k miles and $30k.

I want a great DD that will also handle monthly AX events.

 

You first need to drive both and see which one you like better from a purely driving point of view.

Not sure if the $30k is that great of a price for the 2013.

 

Yes that is good advice. Just very hard when the cars are no where near me. I am trying to narrow down and do most of my research from a distance. I have owned and driven a 12 S cab but not the same as the JCW's.

 

I have a modified 2013 S auto with quite a bit more hp than a JCW and I love it.

The 2013 JCW will be similar to the 2012 (and it has the same engine) but the JCW will but quicker.

Never driven a 3rd generation. But from what I've read it is more finely appointed with the trade off of it being bigger and possibly less sporty but that is so subjective.

I think that you can easily compare the driving experience of the 2012 S vs the 2016 JCW.

If you intend to modify the 2016 JCW, you can make them pretty darn fast with the JB4 from Burger or the power module from NM.

 

So I have the used certified pre-owned one down to $25k. The new ones are still only at $1k discount. $37 and $38. All are basically loaded, a few options here and there different between them all.

 

KBB list a certified from the dealer at $25,500 priced at 8k miles but I didn't select any options.

Not bad for low low miles.

 

They are right on the auto 2013, just like the JCW engine in N18 version came out.

http://www.motoringfile.com/2012/04/...strengthen-it/


The N14 and N18 are similar powerplants , N18 is just a revision / upgrade of the N14 so to speak.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...14-vs-n18.html


I can tell you the new auto in the gen3 F56 body is much faster and refined, very smooth. Wish they had that back in the Gen1 days instead of a CVT in the 5 speed.

Drive the Gen 3 auto and also in the JCW version.


But looks like you are already have it narrowed down. Good luck.

 

I assume when you say Gen 3 that would be 15+.

The best numbers are as follows.

2013 is at $26K (Listed at $30K) they would not go lower. Most options.(Nav, Prem 1, Tech, Wired, Stripes, Sunroof, heated seats etc)

2016 is at $37,192 (MSRP $39,850) also loaded with (Cold, Prem, Wired, JCW two tone wheels, rear camera, stripes, PDC, LED cornering)

So basically $11 more for new, full warranty, 3 years newer, maintenance etc. The 13 is certified so it does have the extended warranty.

 

Here's the problem....you are comparing apples with oranges here! Two totally different cars and drivetrains...TOTALLY!

I have not owned a pre-F56 JCW but I've done a ton of research and driven other Gen MINI's. One thing I would do if I were in your shoes (and I "was")...is look at the variety of body styles on the Gen 2 JCW's...they vary between the years...so much so that some are just sort of ugly compared to others. I can't knock any JCW really, but I think the 2013 has one of the least desirable body styles....especially when it comes to the rear end. For instance, the 2011 is much cleaner/nicer imo. Take some time and look at different years and you will see what I mean.

Also, the F56 has basically eliminated the "cutsie interior" factor, as it is light years ahead of the prior Generation MINI's...it "really is"! And the quality is better too. You might find a nice clean Gen 2 JCW, but it really depends on the spec of the car.

Next, and this was the deal breaker for me....all previous Gen engines were a conglomeration of parts and suppliers....the JCW engine was probably the most stout, since the internals were BMW, but every drivetrain has had its various issues over the years. The F56 JCW is "all BMW engine/drivetrain"! You might get a solid used pre-Gen 3 JCW, but it can be a crap shoot (and with no warranty or not much of one). So, the desirability of the lower price of buying a used Gen 2 JCW can quickly disappear if you need engine work, etc.

Finally, there's the technology....you like "loaded" and all the goodies (I don't personally...that $ went elsewhere for me!), the F56 is top notch in that area...is it perfect?, no....but it's far superior to prior Gens from everything I've read and experienced first hand.

No CD player in the 2016 F56, but that's old news....there's a reason for me to buy a used one! LOL!

Seriously, I opted for a new F56 after alot of research and looking around....and the deal for me was missing on a relatively low mileage 2011 JCW (all black) with driving lights (and foglights)...50k+ miles, 1 owner car (at a MINI dealer)...the price had just been lowered from over $20k to just under $18k and I thought..."this may be the car!". When I drove 60 some miles to look at it, it had just sold! I did see & sit in the car though! So, I decided the new F56 was for me. That 2011 could have been a really nice driver for me, for less than 1/2 the money...but, it had a new clutch, some dings, no warranty, etc....was very tempting...I probably would have bought it! The Gen 2 is smaller, yes....but, both cars are pure MINI. There's always a trade-off. It's a personal choice...try both!

So, I know where you are in this process....if you really have the patience and have a limit on what you are willing to spend, then keep looking for what you want....but, if the cost difference was only $11,000 between a Gen 2 JCW and a new one, with finance rates where they are these days, your payments over 5 years for that amount might make you think more about "NEW"!

Good luck ,

John

 

John. Thanks for all that. It does help. I think I am sold on the new one for a few of those reasons.

Technology is one and the gadgets and goodies. Very important to me during the week when spending a ton of time in the car.

Second the new chassis, motor and more importantly it sounds as though the new auto trans is light years better (relative). This will be important once a month when I am on the AX track.

I also like the point of starting with a new car so no history.

Last thing now a dealer (that can't get a auto JCW) is trying to sell me on a loaded Cooper S with JCW aero amd this ad on Tuning Kit. He says it will be faster than JCW without the big cost. I dont think so.

 

Nothing wrong with a MCS....better choice in wheels...LOL! But, if you do track time, you'll want those large Brembo brakes for sure!! And the torque of the JCW engine is not to be matched in stock form at least...totally awesome! Maybe you should build what you want online then shop dealers....sounds like your dealer is more focused on selling their inventory than helping you with a new JCW automatic! Check Autotrader.com....you'll find a ton of them, especially the automatic...the manual is what's hard to find (at least it used to be...may be easier now).

Happy Hunting!

John

 

In my opinion, you should go with a new one because you will have the peace of mind and the full warranty. Repairs and maintenance can add up quickly and it is not a win situation to buy a used one.

The new generation is bigger and heavier so it has a larger engine to match. Why do you want to have an automatic to extract the best output of the engine?

I have a manual 13 JCW but I installed the JB chip that give an added 20HP when properly tuned. The chassis cannot handle more and even loose grip from 2nd to 3rd gear at red line.

Do the same with the F56 and buy the chip. You will have added power and far more pleasure to drive once in a while if you are a track fan.

I also believe the new one may have a far better and reliable engine.

 

I drive a 2014 R58 JCW Coupe. The AT is excellent, I can't imagine the new one is any better. The F56 may be faster but I assure you my car is plenty fast, I have no need to boost the power with the BurgerTune unit, although I could for $300. As for opting for the MCS and adding power, you can't underestimate the extra braking you get with the JCW. It's way different than my R56 MCS.

 

Well just checking in. The other car finally sold so we are going back into Mini. Going to buy new so thanks for all the help on here.

You would think this should be easy but we are finding it quite the challenge. There just isn't a lot of JCW inventory around with the stuff we want. Can't order one either, both timing and availability from dealers. Have searched from Sacramento all the way to AZ. Found two we like, neither one will deal at all but $1K off. The dealership I do have connections with will do a deal at $2,800 off but they have to get one of these guys to do a dealer trade.

The other fly in the ointment is the deals I can get on an S. While MSRP vs. MSRP it doesn't make sense to NOT buy the JCW. However when you compare $1K off MSRP for the JCW vs like $5K off an S then the price differential becomes something to consider.

I could find a perfect S with everything I want with zero sacrifices or a JCW in like the 4th color on my wish list. Damn I didn't think this could be so hard.

 

You probably won't get much of a discount on any JCW.....they don't discount them really much if ever, in my experience. Unless, it's a fully loaded example priced at well about $40k...and it's been on the lot for months! Then you might get a discount. Or wait until the next big sale at the dealer (like in the Spring) and you might get a discount when you place an order.

But, here's my question: Why can't you place an order for your personal spec'd new 2016 JCW automatic?

If you can't wait by placing an order, there are JCW's in stock at dealers across the country (see Autotrader)...the hunt is half the fun!

Good luck,

John

 

JCWs are tricky...used ones are rare and go fast and new ones aren't usually stocked by dealers and when they are, they don't last too long. Orders are preferred, but you never know what incentives will be going on when the car comes in and sometimes you have to wait a while for an open order slot.

You may just want to spring for a Cooper S and use the savings for JCW accessories like the tuning kit (which does NOT make it faster than the fJCW, despite what your salesperson said...smh) and brake kit. OR you could go for one of the many tuning modules like the NM Eng or Burger Tuning modules which will boost the Cooper S to JCW levels (or more). A big brake kit will further close the performance parity between the JCW and S and MINI sells one - get them to give you a deal on it!