Hello,

I've been lurking for a few days and thought I'd ask for some help making a decision. I'm looking a couple different 2005 Mini Cooper S convertibles locally.

One has 50,200 miles and looks immaculate. Great Tires etc.. No flaws that I'm aware of. Mini Cooper 1



The other has 76,000 miles and is also immaculate. Rear tires are new, fronts are close to replacement. Also no flaws that I'm aware of. This one has full John Cooper Works Package installed including intake, brakes, bling etc..
Mini Cooper 2



Price for the JCW model is 1k more than the other. Seller believes the JCW was factory installed, the reading I've done leads me to believe this wasn't an option in 2005 and it had to be dealer installed. Not sure if that is any type of issue.

Obviously no one can tell me exactly which one I should choose, rather I'd be curious, which one would you choose and why?

Thank You

 

Just a little more info. This will be a 3rd car for my wife and I. It is replacing a Jeep Wrangler we just sold which accumulated less than 10k in 4 years. The mini will probably see a few more miles but probably less than 20k in the next 3-4 years.

 

Use the BMW VIN decoder and enter the last 7 digits of the VIN's

In late 2005 JCW kits started to be installed at the factory. If it was a factory JCW, it will show on the VIN sheet.

 

For $1K more I'd jump on the JCW in a heartbeat. Getting those improvements OEM is ~$6K and around $3500 in the aftermarket. You're looking at a 20Hp+ improvement which is noticeable.

It would also be more rare - I also like the blue better IMHO

 

Assuming PPI checks out JCW would be my choice.

 

Thank you everyone for the feedback. Well...I ended up with the Standard cooper S.

When I posted the message yesterday I had seen the blue JCW but not the Red Cooper S. The Blue car was very nice with no outstanding blemishes.

Then I saw the red car. It literally couldn't have looked any better on the day it came off the lot. It is perfect. Considering it has 1/3 less miles, he included the original wheels with tires / lugnuts etc.. The new tires on the car have less than 500 miles. Everything works, it drives and sounds great. Plus when I asked him what is bottom line price was, he gave me a number I couldn't refuse. The deal was too good to pass.

Looking forward to enjoying our new mini!

 

Both are nice, I would chose the Chili Red one... I wonder why?

Red is the fastest color!

Motor on!

 

Enjoy your new ride !!