Greetings!

Several years ago, I had a 06 R53 base as my daily driver. After the birth of our daughter, I had to sell the mini to find something with 4 doors. I am now looking to get back into an R53, but as a car that would be used for the weekends.

I have my search focused on an 05/06 Cooper S, and i debating whether I should focus exclusively on JCW models. I figure that since it will be purely a fair weather "fun" car, the JCW may be more rewarding, and may have more residual value in the future.

Having never driven a JCW R53, is my thinking correct? Should I find the cleanest, lowest mileage cooper S that I can afford, or would I be better off finding a well maintained, likely higher mileage JCW?

I realize that preferences are subjective, but would be interested in hearing the thoughts of those with more experience.

Thanks!

 

Don't waste your time of money trying to search out a JCW model. Take a regular Mini S R53 and put a supercharger pulley on it, and intake, and an exhaust...and you basically have a JCW (as far as power goes).

 

I would go with the lowest mileage you could find, regardless of whether it's an S or JCW. Only difference that makes a difference is the JCW has more HP from the factory but the S can be brought up to the same performance level relatively cheaply.

 

Thanks for the feedback!

 

If your leaving it stock FOR SURE get the jcw..if you'd planning on modding it for fun get a S as the basic simple mods will surpass the ones on the JCW..

 

Thanks for the feedback.

Should i limit the search to just 05/06 cars, or should I consider an 04. I know that there were some mechanical changes between 04 and 05 that resulted in a better driving experience.

 

Which cars came with the LSD? I would try to find one of those. Big performance improvement from being able to put power down to both front tires. My 03' JCW R53 is horrible in the traction department...wish it had an LSD.

 

I have an 04 with 200k miles running alot of mods and I'm the 2nd owner . This car has had routine maintenance and has never broke down or had any major mechanical failures..I've owned it 8 months now with absolutely 0 issues..
Stick to 6spd supercharged and you will be just fine..no na engines no auto and no 5spds and you will avoid all the crap

 

I think the LSD was only available on the 05/06 cars.

Thanks All!

 

I like my 04, I've pretty much changed everything, including aluminum trailing arms. The only thing I don't like about my 04, which really isn't that big of a deal, is the two spoke steering wheel and the 4 piece dash. I've often wondered if I could swap the air bag configuration and 3 piece dash into my R53. It was an enjoyable task to tear down and rebuild this R53 so much that I have my eye open for an 06 manual with no rust and good headlights, I don't care about the condition of anything else because I'll replace it all.

 

I would focus on finding a solid 05-06 car with the options you want. A JCW would be nice, but would cost you a premium and you can honestly make more power for less with aftermarket parts.
If you find a car optioned the way you want it may be worth getting it and putting money into rebuilding it even if it isn't the nicest car as it will be better longterm to have what you want.

We do restorations on R53s so we are always happy to do a rebuild if you want to go that route.

 

Last year I was in your position and set out to find "what I want" but ended up getting what I needed. I wanted a 05-06 BRG MCS. Was not going to look at anything else...budget $6k. Found and could not pass up the 03 Dark Silver MCS with 92k miles and tons of upgrades for $4k. It had some oil leaks and needed a clutch but the paint and interior for a 16 year old car was immaculate. I've taken time to add/update and maintain how I want it. Clutch replacement cost me just under $2k but the other things I'm doing myself (exhaust, window regulator, pulley, axles, and in future S/C service) and it runs very well for my daily driving commute 26 miles each way. It is fun to drive, more so than when I owned an MCS in 2011. I would not limit myself if I were you; find something solid to start with and you'll enjoy where it takes you.