I am brand new to this place and before I hit the search, I just thought an opinion or two would start me out.
Is it better to find:
A. A used MCS with JCW pkg.?
B. A used MCS and then go aftermarket?

Goals: A nice daily driver that has more than the average performance: would be fun for an occasional DE track day ( once or twice a year) : Has a decent ride but can get you from A to B in a relative hurry: will be easy on the gas when taken to the grocery store: Looking to get this done without working over the wallet (If I was unlimited here I would just go order a 07 JCW!)

I do some road racing in a racecar, so the track part is occasional. I can do a little work myself, but usually get a mechanic for anything half way big. (Mechanic is a friend but still needs to eat!) Working on the car is not my goal although I have fun doing it. Driving is the fun part.

So which way do you think?

Thanks for any feedback.
Mac

(I think this is the right area for this as it does include the Mods part.

 

Imo it's really a buyers market right now. Because combined with the fact that you would much rather drive then wrench. I'd persue the lightly used jcw option.

I have seen a few great deals recently on factory and upgraded jcw cars with less then 30k on the clock.

If I were buying all over again it would be a tough choice for me weather to buy new and mod or buy a slightly used jcw... but the jcw would win.

P.S. The jcw suspension and brakes are the deal breaker here for me. It would be nice to get the whole package all in one shot and just get to enjoy the parts instead of dealing with collecting, installing and waiting.

 

Obviously (B) is going to potentially be the cheapest route. However, JCW owners get much compliments about the power delivery being smoother and more refined than a non-JCW with similar mods.

Also, since your on a budget, there are many thrills availible from the standard MC, just visit the racing forum.

 

Why are the JCW brakes a deal breaker? They are included with the factory JCW package. The JCW suspension... OK that's a dealer install job, but it's not a very complicated or time-consuming one for them to do.

 

I meant as far as upgrading an mcs to a jcw kit. You are looking at least 1k in parts to do better then the jcw kit brakes. Imo since the price of a used mcs and a used mcs w/jcw are so close it's a big difference.

Cash wise the biggest differences are:
1) Head
2) Brakes

Those things alone will run you 3k to do in after market mods.

 

Ah OK gotcha. IPRESS didn't say what year he/she was planning on looking for... so unless it's a used 06 with factory JCW, the brakes definitely become a factor.

 

You list priorities that are at odds with each other. For instance, budget v power for a daily but track it but want reliability but... Those are going to be difficult to rationalize and compromise on and are usually left to personal preference. With all that in mind I'd do a used modded MCS. The aftermarket parts rarely carry any value on resale. The JCW carries more resale value. So you're getting more bang for the buck on the used modded MCS.

 

Ok, I am guilty on the wanting budget /performance/ reliability.

Having read a couple of posts about people trying to get premium dollar for the JCW and them being told the pkg has no resale benefit (at least on trade) had me thinking that the prices on these might be on the downward side. The regular MCS seems to be closer than what it would cost to source similar parts.
Now if someone would enlighten me on the brake situation.
I really haven't looked close enough to know the differences in the year models of the JCW pkg. I have never been afraid of used cars so I am not stuck on a 06 or a super low milage car and I assume the 07s will be more than I want to spend.
The car I have owned that was the most fun was a modded miata that would run with 911s, but the ride would kill you on an everyday basis. The used modded miata was far better than the Mazdaspeed miata as far as bucks to performance, but the Mazdaspeed probably was a better midpoint between comfort & performance. I am looking for something a little more comfortable, but with some fun performance. Every car guy I know that gets out of a Mini has a smile on their face. I will spend some time reading on here and hopefully find the best way for me to proceed. thanks

 

Here are some facts:

There are two OEM brake options - standard and JCW. The standard brakes come on ALL MINIs, both MC and MCS, including JCW, unless it is a factory JCW specifically, in which case all factory JCW MINIs get the JCW brakes. Any other JCW brakes found are dealer installed.

The front rotors of JCW brakes require more wheel clearance. Officially all 17" and 18" OEM wheels will fit them, but only one or two very specific 16" OEM wheels will. I have heard of a 15" aftermarket wheel fitting, but I'm not so sure. Regardless, if you want 15" or 16" wheels on JCW brakes, and you manage to make it fit, you need to consider adequate cooling for them.

The factory JCW tuning kit was only available in 2006 models. The exact same kit was available before 2006 for (very expensive) dealer-installation.

The JCW tuning kit went through two iterations - the original 200hp version and the current 210hp version. They did release an "upgrade" kit for the people who bought the original 200hp version who wanted the extras, and many 200hp JCW owners bought it.

Provided that the 210hp version was installed, there is no difference in the tuning kit between different model years from 2002-2006. The only notable difference was the gearing. The 2002-2004 MCS models (ALL of them, not just JCW-upgraded ones) have more conservative, taller gearing. The 2005 & 2006 MCS models have more aggressive, shorter gearing. The difference in acceleration is notable, but the downside is higher RPM when cruising on the highway in 2005s & 2006s.

I hope this info is helpful!Ahh... so you've learned the secret... join us, you won't regret it.

Incidentally, the proper "accepted" terminology is to write it as MINI (all capital letters), not Mini. We use "Mini" when describing the original "classic" Mini Coopers. Just letting ya know.

 

If you are wanting a good daily driver that can also be used occassionally on the track then I would highly recommend the JCW suspension. It provides a better ride over the bumps and ruts and greatly improves performance handling over the stock suspension. This isn't part of the JCW factory kit but it's an easy dealer install. I paid $1,300 installed.

The JCW factory kit will cost more money than aftermarket for the same performance, but the 4 year warrantly is something you really need to consider. As soon as you start making aftermarket mods you will put your warrantly in jeopardy. I also think a the JCW kit will help hold the used price higher than a car with aftermarket add-ons. It is for these reasons that I bought the JCW factory kit and highly recommend it.

 

If the JCW has lightweight wheels and tires, then I say JCW. Other than the engine upgrades, I think the JCW and MCS are really on a par. If you get an essentially OEM JCW, the first thing you should do is get rid of the crappy wheels and tires and get some SSR comps with non-run-flats anyway. THEN you should upgrade the brakes, then you should get a rr sway bar. What's the point of getting all that craptastic stuff if you have to get rid of it anyway. You'll spend less money and get EXACTLY what you want if you mod.

 

Find a good deal on a car with the 05+ JCW kit and, if you really think you need more, mod it. You'll start with a decent intake and exhaust, better flowing head, and big injectors. That's a pretty good foundation.

 

This thread topic comes up so many times, but is always nice to discuss.

The two big JCW package pros are: more power with full factory warranty and higher resale value. Cons: It's pricey.

Of course my opinion is go aftermarket! If you are looking for a nicely balanced MCS, I would buy a bone stock 2005 or 2006 MCS for a good price then buy:

1. 15% or 17% pulley- around $300 professionally installed
2. Alta CAI- $200
3. Aftermarket exhaust- $700-Milltek exhaust is a popular choice on NAM
4. Stiffer rear sway bar - several options, around $200
5. Lighter, better looking wheels and tires- $1000-$1500
6. Change brake pads to light dust pad- $150

All those installed should be around $3000 and put you on par with a JCW and be a lot more personalized.

 

That is not a bad idea as I have a friend with a lift I can use.
Question, any reason to go with the 05/06 rather than earlier? (other than they are newer?)

 

The gearing is a touch shorter and is a little better for the power the car produces. Some people like the older gearing for 230+ hp but it's all hearsay.

 

Gearing preference is definitely subjective. LSD was also available as an option on the later cars.

 

errrr yeah i meant what the stock car produces... but yes it's most definatly subjective.