I've driven one, and I liked it, but, personally, I don't think it's worth the extra cash. Just my $0.02.

 

I repeat...

I said it was a deal!

I just said if one was happy with an R53 MCS one would be happy with an R56 MCS.

Now if you have AGS bonus money that's not being taxed, or if money is no issue, by all means get the JCW

 

The R53 was dripping with character, much of which was sterilized and replaced with a more upscale build level on the R56. I certainly wouldn't say they're the same.

 

You say R53 has character, I say the R56 has refinement, lol.

For me, having looked at an R53 (but never driven one), I'll take my R56. But to each their own.

But getting back to the MCS vs the JCW, my main point (though not explicitly stated) was performance -- if Doug was happy with the performance of the R53 MCS, I thought he would be happy with the performance of the R56 MCS.

But, alas, this still is pure speculation.

Doug, do what you think is best. You asked for opinions, I gave mine, but my thoughts are only my opinion.

P.S. I was born in Freeport IL -- it's a small world! Glad you are doing a great job there as an entrepreneur and a one man machine shop.

 

If I could jump in a for a sec...if you can afford it, get the one you like best, period. I've done it both ways, and clearly regretted the time I went for the "value" instead of the "thrill" Just one old man's opinion.

 

AMEN to that!!!

My wife and I went to our dealer with the expectation of ordering a MCS... and as we were placing the order (like the OP had mentioned earlier) there it was, the JCW sitting right behind us so smug (almost mockingly) as if it was saying yeah, the MCS is nice but, I have what you really want... needless to say I buckled under pressure. Sure it cost more, considerably more with the added options, but it's not like I was buying a Toyota pick up and came out with a Hummer H2. The JCW is still a practical yet sportier big brother to the MCS. The freaking gas milage I get cruising the freeways blows my mind... north of 40 mpg, amazing!

Oh, and stomping on the gas when you're already in 6th gear and getting pushed back into your seat... that's what really gets your heart pumping.

 

I have both in JCW trim and have to agree with you. The R56 lost a lot of soul.

 

My '05 had a couple performance mods installed by the original owner (I was the third).
MTH tuner file, Alta pulley (don't know whether 15% or 17%), and TSW springs.
I was satisfied with the "oomph" it had; but then again, it was my one and only MINI experience.

At the time I bought the MINI, I was also driving an Arctic Silver '99 M Roadster; apples and oranges of course, and the M had tremendous straightline speed, comparatively.
I sold the roadster last June. I can't own two cool cars at once. Just doesn't feel "right"; and the MINI was more fun!

I'm not a huge "car nut", and I don't get into all the performance specs and numbers. I don't race or autocross, and have no intention to do so.
I'm just a guy who likes to treat himself for busting his rear end working day and night, by owning and driving something that makes driving "fun"!

Yep, I would have been happy with the R56 MCS. Just wanted a replacement for my dead car; driving my wife's minivan isn't doing it for me!

BlueMonday's post says it all. With the JCW sitting behind him, whispering in his ear, he was overpowered and couldn't help himself.

I suppose you could equate it to enjoying a slice of white cake without frosting, and then the baker brings out a German Chocolate, dripping with lots of gooey stuff, pecans, and coconut.

I'm going for a JCW; just have to decide on a color now. The Laser Blue was growing on me, but it's tough to beat nice shiny black. The Midnight is real close to the Cosmos Black of my first M Roadster.

P.S. Did you live in Freeport long?