I live in Detroit, but I'd like to buy my MINI from a dealer out West and drive it back to Michigan. Right now I'm thinking about using Rasmussen because of their rating, and, more importantly, because their lead time will allow me to pick up the car in August 2004 (important qualifier). I intend to buy a JCW S, and I'd like to hear from anyone else who has bought their JCW S from this dealer. Please let me know if you're happy with the service and quality of workmanship they provided to you. In fact, even if you purchased a JCW S from a dealer OTHER than Rasmussen, I'd like to hear about any unanticipated issues that might come up with this mod. I'm not looking for any "The JCW option is overpriced" comments on this thread; I've read all of those on the other threads, so please be kind enough to refrain on this one.

 

Have you checked with Rasmussen on how many they've done? I talked to Crevier MINI in Santa Ana, CA and they've done 5 JCWs. If I get it I'll probably go there.

 

JWC: I can't see that you would have any concerns other than carefully following the break-in guidelines. Be advised that you may use a bit of oil during the first 1500 miles (bring oil & a funnel) and vary the speed as you drive home.
-In my experience w/ the Works kit(after 2500 miles of driving) there have been no problems or "special"concerns" other than the temptation to drive very fast!
-If you can locate a new Cooper w/ the JWC kit go for it!
Good luck

 

I was in Rasmussen a few weeks ago and they were busy installing a JCW kit when I dropped my car off for service, so they have been through the experience at least once recently. They are good folks to deal with.



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Yes, the temptation to drive very fast is a "problem" I am anticipating! It will be a test of my will to break the engine in properly before having any real fun with it. Thanks for the tip concerning the oil, Mark. When you had yours Worked, was it new, or had you owned it for awhile and subsequently modified? I'm not sure it matters either way, but one question/concern I have on my mind is the dealer allowing other customers to test drive it before I pick it up. I do plan to talk to the dealer about this directly, to request that it not be test-driven (the exception being a run by the shop to validate the mod). Is that a reasonable / normal request? Should I expect it to have less than, say, 10 miles on the odometer when I pick it up? I'd hate to think anyone is abusing it before I get a chance to!