I just bought a JCW and it MSRP'd at $31k. It's amazing and has lots of toys (bluetooth, comfort access, xenon headlights, ipod interface, sport suspension).

I know you can get to $40k... but guess what... if the economy is so tough, then don't get Nav, get cloth instead of leather. A JCW doesn't have to be $40k out the door.

 

What about if you put the rear seats down? Can't you get a set of clubs in it then?

I completely understand about your indecision about buying a mini. What I didn't understand is why anyone would buy a car with a known reliability history, cool interior or not.

I also understand that if you buy the mini spec'd out the way you'd like, they ARE expensive. (part of the reason why I settled for an "S" instead of a JCW (other than the fact I wanted an auto) and I still paid $31K.

Good luck in your decision.... I'm sure you'll be happy with your choice.

Mark

 

Yeah, my wife's VW New Beetle had a really great interior: the remote mirror **** broke off, the driver's window switch broke, the rubber coating on the door handles began to peel off like sunburned skin, the cloth seats held onto pet hair like it was Gorilla Glued.

Then the water pump plastic impeller disintegrated, the gas cap wouldn't latch closed, the chrome peeled off of the front and rear VW emblems, the emissions sensor went out, a vacuum hose developed a leak.

I'd continue the list, but I need to go take my blood pressure pill...

 

You got me beat with those problems. It is hard to hear about so many problems with a car. Is it one of those mexican german VWs?

Going back to the topic, there are two criteria for buying any car. You like it and can afford it. If you don't have both, skip.

 

Greetings:

After owning a 2005 R50 fully loaded automatic, I understand your concerns about the center stack and radio quality. The current radio configuration does not compare to my old Harmon Kardon system. The overall improvements in the second generation however are worth the sacrifice. For a great perspective on center stack quality, I suggest you read this article.

http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/02/...the-2007-mini/

It is unfortunate that Mini reduced quality in the stereo system and center stack area.

 

I've always liked the appearance of VW's but after sitting in one of my sorority sister's Beetle and another's Jetta in April, I will not own a VW until they get rid of the cheap and revolting glue that is used on the interior of their cars. Have you smelled those things when the temperature gets above 80 degrees? If you are lucky enough to live somewhere where the weather is always cool, then I hope that you have an excellent time with the VW, but if not, please consider the smell for your sake. It's truly awful to have to smell crayons all the time.

 

think dropping 30K on a mini is rediculous how bout 25-30K for a harley! thats Loco!

 

I can't say anything. I just sold my softail end of last summer and am building another. (though I'm doing most of the work, it will cost anyone else 50-60K to build the same bike)

Mark

 

Here is the answer to all your problems http://www.motoringfile.com/2009/05/...d-information/

 

I have a 2009 factory JCW and I can't find anything wrong with anything on this car. The fit & finish and seat material are way better then I had on my 98 Corvette. The paint is flawless and I have no squeaks or rattles at all. It shifts perfect and is a very fast car that handles better then anything I have ever driven. The dash is the exact same material as my friend Jack's Turbo Porsche and the back seats on my Mini actually will hold two adults. I actually like the large speedometer and the dash layout. It did take a learning experience but now that I'm second nature to it I like it. My radio sounds very good and the sterio seperation is great on it. The really great sound is the exhaust note. You gotta want a true Sports car to want a factory JCW. My only option was the "Sports Suspension" and for $29,500 sticker price I think that I got the best value in the sports car world "EVER".
Ronnie948

 

Besides, your adorable daughther looks great in a JCW!

 

Agreed....she is such a cutie!!!!

 

If you are concerned about the 2010 model, I would recommend waiting to at least the new model is unveiled and decide fo yourself if you like the new look if one is coming at all.

 

yep, should be anyday now (Gabe from MotoringFile keeps saying that), some of the facts about 2010 refresh are already officially out - like the radio redesign (part of the Camden and the other one limited models press release). I'm actually looking forward to it, waiting to replace my 2007 (still hate the center stack and the radio) with a 2010 JCW

 

what are the chances of the speedo loosing some size from it's current size to the original? It seems this is a pretty negative issue with the restyling from 07 on to a lot of people.
I personally like the appearance of the center stack design and overall interior of the 1st gen, but i do like some touches of the 2nd, such as the mood lighting is a cool idea, the center stack actually has cup holders that can be used (i dont drink in my car anyway) but is a nice usable feature.
i also find it very confusing that the tuning **** is totally seperate from the rest of the radio and appears to look like an on off ****

 

altho I agree the interior materials are cheaper and lighter in my 09 than in my 05, Id rather have a well put together, solid car with the cheaper materials than a shoddy-built , rattly POS with heavier more expensive materials. See Land Rover and Jaguar.

 

Dunce11r,
If you think that Mini's paint choices are bad, just really take a look at the four choices that VW GTI gives you: White, black, gray and silver (what's the difference) and red. Sorry, that was five not four. What does Mini give you in the JCW: Chili Red, Midnight Black (new) green, pepper white, pure silver, dark silver, sparkle silver,horizon blue, lazer blue, and my gues is that there will be a couple of more offered as we get into the new year. And for paint quality, most all of the car companies are using and administering paint the same way. There aren't any 21 coats of lacquer, hand rubbed anymore. Even the almost hand built cars have had to change their ways in paintig cars. And for the VW GTI, it's a nice car, very nice interior, love the touch screen radio, hate the wheels and VW has this thing about not equiping GTI's the same in the USA as in Europe. If they really wanted to sell cars in the USA, then bring the Scirrocco R here.

 

I agree... I have no issues with interior!

The interior is not perfect but it does not deserve all of the abuse it gets.

 

Back to the original post. Tires and clutch are just wear items, like brakes. That really should never factor into the deal. You drive it and that stuff wears out. Just go buy the new parts and install it.

 

Buy some carbon fiber upgrades, including the center console cover (found on Ebay) and call it a day. I will agree though, the '08 I have does not look as nostalgic as my wifes '05. They are different animals, but I like them both for different reasons. Buy an '09 JCW if you can find one and get some cash off the sticker price! Trust us, if you do not own a MINI now, when you buy one and drive it daily, the interior woe will surely vanish. However, you will not be able to wipe the insatiable smile off your mug. Not sure what it is about MINI's, they just make you smile.......