Hello all. A newbie here trying to buy my first Mini. Sorry I had to post here as I know the question I'm about to ask is greatly affected by location and since I'm located in San Jose, thought I'd ask in this forum.

Anyway, I've been searching around and finally found what seems to be "the one". It's a 2004 MCS w/ MC40 and JCW package asking for $25k. It has 15k miles and from the pics, looks like well taken care of. Might even be someone from this forum. Anyway, is this a good deal? Is this a rare package to be had? How does the JCW package affect the future value/collectibility of this car?

Any input/opinion on this would be greatly appreciated as I would like to get one soon and do not want to pass it up if it's a good deal. Thanks in advance.

 

IMO (of course) MC40* doesn't seem to add much (but may in the future), JCW also doesn't seem to add much (but nice for warranty purpose), again, it may mean something in the future.
It's definitely a low mileage '04 (I bought my '04 with 22K in Jan '05) so with the JCW it doesn't seem like a bad price (depending on how much you value 'lightness' vs. features.)
Good luck with the purchase!

*MC40 was essentially a base level MCS with carbon fiber and some other pretty bits.

 

Its a bit more than that. The anthracite R90s are the most expensive OEM wheels MINI sells and the red leather is totally unique OEM unobtainable from MINI. Adding JCW adds to the value (albeit questionable as to how much on resale). If you want it to be "collectable" you cannot, for example, change wheels. Aftermarket is not collectable.

$25K w/JCW, IMHO, is a very good price, with that kind of mileage. I think I saw one recently sold for $28K. I have substantially more JCW bits sunk in than just the TC and there is no way I would sell for $25K.

As to collectible ... forget about it. Collectible cars have VERY few numbers ... numbers you can count on two hands and totally OEM ... no aftermarket parts (similary, despite the current hype, the JCW GP will never be collectible since they made 2000 of them). The best you can do say in 20 years, if perfectly maintained, including the paint, is to sell as a "unique" used car but still a used car, not a collectible. IMO.

 

Thank you for the info. I will be looking at the car this weekend and hopefully everything checks out clean. I'm hoping to be a Mini owner real soon. Wish me luck!