Question I have is, who put the 500 miles on the GP, and how was it done? I'd be willing to bet it had a really heavy hand during those critical miles. I mean, who would drive such an animal sedately?

With the R56 YOU control all of that.

 

Au contraire - with only 500 miles my impression is that it was bought by someone with a collector's intent and is a pampered well treated garage queen. From what I've seen of posts about some of them I wouldn't be surprised if a fair number of GPs are like that.

I'm not for or against it, it totally a subjective buyer's choice, but as for 'old' technology, sometimes that is a good thing - new is not always better (if you ask me I'd give up drive by wire, steering by wire, etc for the much tactiley better mechanical types, not to mention some of the big brother tech they put in more and more). The last gen is fine whine

 

I own a 2007 Cabrio JCW...no additional hit on the insurance. I drove every model before buying and absolutely fell in love with the gitup and go of the JCW. Admittedly, it was expensive and does affect the gas mileage but boy is it fun to drive!!! Another thing to consider is the rarity factor. I was shocked to see that only 1 JCW Conv was sold in the US this summer and only around 400 total all year so this car has collector potential if kept in good condition.

 

If you want a weekend toy that will be collectible go for the GP. If you want a DD that you can mod the bejeezus out of, go for the R56, take out the back seats and go to town!

 

Done deal....bought the MCS!!! The JCW GP was superb, but for $2K over MSRP I would not be relaxed enough to drive it as it should be, so the MCS won. Dissapointed, NO WAY!!!! I have owned about 8 original MINI's in the UK so this is where my fanatical background came from so I would never be dissapointed, can't wait for the add on list to grow.......

 

Congratulations. Good move. The new engines are marvels of engineering. The guy that ends up with the GP won't be able to keep up with you....

 

both are good

 

The Elise:
Hopefully you are of small build, have good kidneys, and are very nimble and flexable (to get in and out) I autocrossed one and while it handeled well it was nowhere as easy to drive as the Mini and the ride....paint stripes felt like they were 3" thick lol.

 

Check, check, and check.

 

You've made your decision no point in adding opinions now.

Ask Alta for the supersize meal for ~3300 and you'll be stomping any GP that hasn't had MUCH more money put into it.