It seems to me that buying used performance cars is a bit risky because it may be hard to get a good handle on whether or not the car was abused. Certainly you can get a much better price on a used car, but you also don't want something that has its useful life considerably shortened.

Oh and DEFINITELY the JCW over the Justa or S...

 

ASSUMING he buys a used 2nd gen. JCW, that means the cars an '09. I'm not saying you can't abuse a car with low miles BUT most likely the original owner was a mini person and took decent care of the car.

Not guaranteed but pretty probable.


Mark

 

You guys must be lucky because Mini's in my neck of the woods only drop 1K per year. Not sure why, maybe because there isn't a lot of them. True JCW are even more rare, only saw one. That is why I bought new. For only few bucks more I can get it my way, with 4 years warranty and 3 on PM's. No brainer for me.

 

I was always a "new" car guy because I would keep my cars for at least 10 years. But my last two car purchases were used and they were both great experiences.

My most recent purchase was 2008 MCS with only 11K on it. I saved at least 7K off a new one and fortunately it came with all the options that I wanted.

If you can bargain and get the price that you want, I would go with the used one.

 

Hey Fellas.

***REDUCED***2005 Mini Cooper S - $14000 (Clermont)

Whatta ya think? http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/1421273938.html

Ya or na?

Blue Book Value: http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/Pric...QuizConditions=

THANKS

 

Great car, great price, great condition.... but god knows (no offense if the owner is a NAM member) that is a butt ugly color interior. IMO.

But if you like it....


Mark

 

Hi Mark -

Question: How does this model compare with a 2009 JCW turbo? Supercharger vs turbo. The Owner says I can spend $300 -/+ on simple engine mods and it will HP over any 09 JCW..... ( he said ).

True or false?

Anyone else care to comment?

THANKS

 

Wouldnt that be the same saying as you can put 300+ into the 09 JCW and make the HP more than and 05?

Its more on preference.... Supercharger/Turbo. Have you driven both? Or at least one or the other? I chose turbo because iv never driven a turbo xD But i have driven my dads car with a supercharger with remap. I wanted to see the difference myself. I love it so far

 

Swiss -

What's the difference between turbo and supercharger Minis? Can you wine it out like a GSXR750 Sportbike, one over the other, farther up to redline? Does turbo accelerate faster super or vice versa? Sound about the same?

Sorry for all the stupid questions, I am a Newbie.

 

 

I think the '09 JCW would be faster as in Chad's video.

Having said that, a pulley on a supercharger will probably more than make up the difference.

Having said that, a tune on an '09 JCW will then kill the supercharged mini with a pulley.

Having said that, who cares? Minis are not for straight line racing...lol.

Supercharged minis seem to pull harder immediately out of the hole. Turbos need to spool up a bit before taking off. The new turbos have very little spool time.

The cars feel different because I feel the turbo has more of a "slingshot" feel as boost picks up with rpms where the supercharger starts off with more of a bang but doesn't keep it at higher rpms. (my opinion)

I think the best thing you can do is drive one of each and you'l know what you like then.


Mark

 

You sacrifice some reliability. The factory JCW has stronger pistons, a stronger head and a stronger gearbox. I can only conclude that BMW thought bringing up the power level on the S was getting too close to their comfort limits. Therefore, they uprated the parts on the factory JCW...

 

Turbo has a deeper sound.
Supercharger has a wineing sound.

Im purdy sure they both redline the same.

Turbos have a lil lag and need to spool.
Superchargers have the power right then and ther.

I think im correct? anyone care to correct me....?

 

Thanks fellas... Well, I am now living in Los Angeles area ( Marina Del Ray), so what's the preferred Dealer out here? But I'm still leaning towards used....

Here's a few...

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv...437008944.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...436237780.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv...435092758.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv...432342504.html

Or a VW GTI: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...437305146.html

More VWs GTI and R2...
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/1412122685.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv...437626533.html

What about a VW GTI or R2?

Mini Cooper vs VW GTI/R2 .... Anyone care to comment?

 

I go to Alexander Mini.

There nice and havent had a problem with them.

its on alameda st. los angeles

# (323)583-1901

For service, ask for Rick he's a nice guy and seems the best over there.

 

Thanks Swiss,.... Here's a sweet used JCW Mini....

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...445507115.html

Wadda ya think?

 

Nice car, love the BRG colors, offer 14k and see if they bite! If not 15 is still a good deal for that car. I have both an R53 and R56 and the big difference is that the R53 supercharger gives you instant power where the R56 turbo has a lag to about 2500 RPM's. They have a VERY similar redline, but the turbo pulls much harder in the upper RPM's and one thing to remember, the turbo model has a much higher torque as well.