With 50k miles. What would be a good price? They are asking 19k. Originally looking for roadster or coupe but may go just regular JCW mini because the others don't seem to hold their resale value as well?

any issues with 2013 Mini Cooper JCW? Manual transmission. Better year to shop for?

 

"Good" is extremely subjective.

Since you're asking, a factory built 2006 R53 is the best Works car in my opinion.

 

2013 and later JCWs in 2nd gen have the revised N18 engine which is better in reliability and regarding the 2nd gen platform as a whole MINI worked out many of the kinks by then. Link to the car? Options, condition, service history all factor into the price. I got my 2013 JCW for 27k last June with 9,000 miles, but it was in perfect condition absolutely fully loaded plus clear bra, extended maintenance warranty and JCW port installed options like the strut bar and 2 extra gauges.

 

I am with Dereck86,
The 06 S JCW took me 8 months to find. I like the instant power with the supercharged models and the first gen 2006 is the only factory installed JCW.
And they look so darned good!

Rainy, Dirty , but still a champion handler with 210 easy HP

 

Just remember that you still got the Gen1 body and engine on both the 07 and 08 R52. Yes you don't get the stiffness of the R53 in the R52 and the R52 is heavier but if you are not a real serious autocrosser, the R52 JCW is a nice car. I for one like the two position top where the first phase is the sunroof that is open all the way from the left side to the right side. You look straight up on a R53 with a sunroof and all you see is the headliner.

As with most used cars, it is generally suggested that you buy the newest model your budget will allow. The turbo cars have more torque but I prefer the body on the Gen1.

I do wish my steering wheel telescoped, but I also like the exhaust note on the newest JCW.