I made a post this last week about it being official that a JCW Stage I kit was not going to be released for the automatics.

Since there are very limited choices, I really wanted to stay with the JCW.

So it leaves me in a quandry.... what to do?

Today, I happened to stop at the mini dealer and they are getting in Wednesday a Laser Blue JCW just like the one I have.

Here are the differences.

JCW engine kit from factory. (bigger turbo, pistons than Stage I kit)

JCW Brembo brakes. (I have JCW brakes but they're 2 pistons instead of 4)

Xenon headlights.

Black roof (I have white)

JCW Challenge wheels (I have crown wheels)

The car will be selling for 35K. I think I paid 30K for mine (or there about). I can pull my JCW ground effect kit (already laser blue) and JCW coil springs and install on the new one.

My ONLY dilemma is because it's a JCW, it will be manual instead of automatic.

Though I enjoy driving stick, I REALLY enjoy driving my automatic. It's fun, still can shift and it's great when I'm stuck in stop and go traffic.

So, I guess I have to spend the rest of the weekend deciding if I should settle for a stick and what I can get out of my '08 when I sell it.

I hate moments like this....


Mark

 

What will they give you for a trade or is your current one a lease?

 

I won't know until Monday when the preowned manager comes back from vacation. I am actually contemplating a trade-in because my last mini was an '06 cabrio with 10K miles.

I bought it in mint condition for 22K and when I traded it in, they gave me 24.5K for it.

At first they added the 2.5K onto the msrp price of the one I own now but after a little bit of haggling, I got the 24.5K without me paying anything more on my present '08.

Mark

 

Mark - get the stick. Although my Porsche is a stick, and nothing I've driven matches that feeling, the Mini 6sp is DAMN nice, very easy, and not bad around town. Stop by next week if you have questions. Go for it!

 

Echoing Plug Guy's sentiments about MINI's 6sp shifter... it's awesome. I just got my Factory JCW with manual and I keep marveling over how smooth it is. And yes, the other car I was in serious contention of buying was a Porsche Cayman S. The MINI's shifter is badassed.

 

I agree, the mini definitely has a smooooth shifting feel. My first two cabrios were sticks.

Two things made me switch to an automatic.

I got stuck in traffic at Myrtle Beach for 2.5 hours.

I drove an automatic.

I don't think it would have been as bad had it been a 5 speed but around Charlotte, that extra gear makes me feel like I'm shifting every 10 seconds....

I've got to make my decision before Wed., I really need to take a stick for a test drive.

Thanks,

Mark

 

Over the years, I plan on adding a few JCW parts (have the JCW Aero Kit like yours (awaiting delivery)). I loved the pictures that you added with the JCW Springs, the wheel gap is a minor concern of mine. May I ask how much you paid for the springs, with installation?

P.S. This car is my first manual and I can't wait! I have been wanting one since I was a kid pretending to drive my Uncle's TR6

 

Good luck. Go for that long test drive and see how you feel. Be sure to drive it in a congested area, too, so you can really experience lots of shifting.

 

I switched to an automatic for the same reasons, traffic in Honolulu sucks! I love my auto and won't be going back to a stick until I move to a less congested part of the country. I hate to say it but I'm sure they'll give you nothing close to what your car is worth, you're better off selling on the outside if you decide to get the new car.

 

Plutch, I posted earlier my cost on the springs. Installation was free since I'm so damn good looking.

Seriously, I did the installation at my shop. It took us about an hour and a half to get it done from start to finish. (actually a little less, it's really easy)


I agree, the better idea is obviously to sell it yourself (which shouldn't be much of a problem) but with these cars pulling a premium, if there is a time to do it as a trade-in... now is the time.

Ben,

Out of curiousity, how do you like the black roof? I really like the white roof and mirrors on mine but the JCW coming in has a black roof.

Would you choose the black roof again?

Since I own two bodyshops, I suppose I could paint it white should it really drive me nuts but so far, what I've seen, I like.

 

Since I don't own a shop, my question is how much would it cost (roughly) after the $300 or so to have these springs installed?

Even though a little gap is still there, the JCW springs are enticing since they are a Mini part and therefore would still be covered under the warranty.

 

It varies a lot depending on who does it, but figure $200-250.

 

I'd stick with the AT from what you describe your situation of driving. Why not just go with a CAI/Catback mod for your 08 and call it done? It's a new car after all, and you've already done stuff to it. The additional few HP can't be worth shifting all day long can it?

 

I use to have a manual 07 MCS Chili Red/White and I can honestly say this car is not hotter and the a/c doesn't struggle to cool off the car. The only thing I've noticed as with any black car, the top doesn't look clean for very long. I think Minis with black tops look more aggressive than the white top ones though. And to answer your question, yes I would get black again, I do like the look.

 

Mark I would also suggest taking the JCW for a long drive in a congested area and see how it feels driving in stop and go traffic.As you stated the waiting in and driving in stop in go traffic caused you to get the automatic in the first place.

Also keep in mind should you get the JCW and driving it all over you might regret getting a manual trans once again.

If everything does go well I am sure you will be extremely happy with the JCW.

 

I agree with JCR1960, if the reasons you got the auto in the first place still exist, you may end up getting the look on the car you want but hating to drive the car. I love my automatic even after first owning a 6 speed in my 07 MCS. I won't go back anytime soon, but that's just me...