That's the way I feel. I spent 36k on my MINI, and it didn't even have any of the "big" options for 2006 (JCW, GPS, or the DPSM stereo). But I keep cars for a very long time, and I wanted the car exactly the way I wanted it. If and when I sell it, it's going to be at the bottom of its depreciation curve no matter what, and I wasn't about to commit to a decade-plus relationship with a car that wasn't configured the way I wanted it.

 

I would agree 100%. I too plan to keep mine a long time that's why I loaded it up with everything I wanted. Still though it's fun to think what if?

 

Yeah, awesome idea. Right after you pass that JCW in a drag race (is that what the car is really for?), this happens, and he wins....




... and you lose twice, because you have no warranty.

 

Refer to my later posts for my stance. I am completely aware that there are quite a few members on this forum that are scared of modding anything beyond what can be easily bolted on, or that Alta doesn't make. If you never push to see what you can do, you will always be stuck looking at the backend of Mustangs.

 

If you really are that concerned about looking at the back end of a Mustang in a stoplight grand prix, you bought the wrong car.

Using the MINI for drag racing is like taking a $2000 hooker to the prom. Yes you can, but there are much better intended uses.

 

guess I'll give my newbie opinon, I've wanted a MINI since they first came back out(want an origanal someday also) and finally am doing it. I was dead set on an S and thought a JCW over priced for what it is, but after reading differebt threads I changed my mind and have a JCW on order. Is it expencive? Yes! Can you get "better" cars for the same money? Depending on what you want, yes. I wanted a MINI and I don't want to heavily mod this car(probly will do some little things). I love modded cars, stock is boring but for MY needs I don't need 300 whp car, I never felt I was fully utilizing it.

I also never undrestood why people get so pissed when someone doesn't agree with there point of view. Everyone situation in life is different so calling someone out cause they want to keep a warrenty or insulting what they do to there care is pointless nobody has the perfect car cause everyone likes something different, that's why I love cars and the culture. I say get what you want and do what you want to it some will like it someone will call you a dumba** for ruining the car, in the end all that matters is that you enjoy the drive.

Hopefully years of future motoring to all!!

 

Just so you know, I'm stealing this...

 

Feel free...lol I use that a lot on Bimmerforums when talking about the E36 M3... I can't believe how much people spend to make a m3 an average at best drag racer... Thousands of $ and they get a 12 sec car... When you can build a 1/2 back pony car and be in the 9's or 8's for the same money...

Darn kids...

 

Who said anything about drag racing? That's for mullets and Skoal. I prefer highway speeds.

 

I did not read the total thread but wanted to say, coming from a Tahoe are you sure you can shrink your life into a Mini?
My wife went from a full size suv to a Countryman S all4 and is quite happy. (neither of us care for the Clubman)
I went from a Tiguan to a JCW hatch and am slightly cramped but happy. When/if the Countryman comes available as a JCW I would be all over that thing.
The wife has no need or desire for the extra power, brakes and rougher but better handling suspension...but I do.

Depending upon price and my mood however a pre-owned Countryman All4 with aftermarket or JCW suspension, brakes and power could make me happy as well.

 

I prefer the speed limit......







On the autobahn

 

When I was looking, (Aug-Sept 09) I would have been quite happy with ordering a JCW, but the wife looked at me and said,

"Remember, you have a supercharged M3 in the garage, do you really need two hyper toys? This is going to be the daily driver. If you want to go stupid fast, drive the BMW, or that Italian sportbike in the garage..."

Now after having lived and modded the thing for 2 years, the Mini (any flavor of Mini) will NEVER EVER be a fast car. (without major infusions of turbo $)

The JCW is slightly faster than an S. but I bet a good driver in an S wouldn't have any problems with a JCW driven by an average tool...

The suspension on both the S and JCW are identicle and both pretty much blow. The springs make it look like a overland wagon, and the shock valving will loosen your teeth...


TSW springs, rear bar, and Koni's fixed that.


Anyway, If I only had or could have 1 car. I'd have gotten the JCW. Better IS better... More is More...

 

+1

 

Here is my view on why I decided to take an S over a JCW.

I talked to SEVERAL mini mechanics and all said there is no difference with the internals of the Engine for the 2012 (my model). I would have spent about $6K MORE money for the JCW edition and to boot my insurance premium would be HIGHER.

Thus, in the long run the JCW up front would cost me $6000 more which equates to about another ~$150/mth in payments (I put no money down) and over a 5 year period I have paid an extra $9000 in payments with interest and including my increased insurance rate.

When it comes to warranty you have to remember that they have to PROVE that your modification caused the issue. Otherwise, if you are that scared why not purchase another computer and get that tuned. Mini Madness offers a great kit (IMO) and it is all bolt on parts. I prefer an Akrapovich exhaust only because on my race bikes those are the best built and got the most horsepower per dollar.

So for $2000 I get to keep my cheaper "S" insurance rates, my monthly car payment is less and I get 225 hp gain from the kit with their exhaust and tune and not counting what few little ponies I can get from the akrapovich if it proves to be a superior exhaust system. Now, to stay safe from detection you can purchase a second computer from mini and have them get it on your car and then put your stock one back in and send the new off for tuning. Therefore, if you have an issue and don't want to risk detection (e.g. you over revved the engine and spun a bearing, blew a rod etc etc) you can pop in your original computer and tow that thing in. Let's face it, with just an intake and exhaust if you have no tune on the computer it won't run as smooth but it will not destroy the engine.

In the world of racing anything if you want to play you have to pay. But even a JCW with it's ~19 hp gain on the S (2012 model) if you have a better driver in a S model that 19hp and upgraded clutch won't mean *****.

Like I always said back in my CCS racing days...The fastest bike/car is determined by a stopwatch.

 

According to MINIs website its a 27 HP difference between the S and JCW, 181 vs 208. And you get better brakes. But I also agree it was'nt worth the difference to me. Plus dealers around here tend to order them loaded (we dont need no stinking cold weather package in NC) so the onesi've seen at my dealers have been over $38,000.

 

"What, I like my JCW how it is"

 

lmao EPIC

 

@ciscorob: My JCW insurance is only $10 more per month than my previous justa Cooper. Pretty minor IMO. And don't forget if you tell your insurance company about all the mods you have (if you want them insured), then you pay for the additional coverage. Am I correct in saying that you are 'saving' insurance on your 'S' over a JCW because all your mods are not insured? Also you do realize there are threads on NAM that suggest MINI can tell if you tuned your car and attempted to revert back to original before service? Is 225hp really worth a blown engine and no warranty? I guess not for me!



Anyways, the thread is interesting to read. Such a personal choice buying a car. I've only had my JCW for 3 days, and it is the most fun to drive of any car I have ever driven as a daily driver. I don't care if it's only marginally faster than a non-modified "S" or that it isn't a drag race winner, the noises it makes, the constant compliments, etc. is just insane for a car that came stock from the factory. And because I already have more than 50% of it paid off, my interest premiums over an "S" are marginal.


And with respect to the brakes - the JCW brakes are awesome and totally worth the upgrade (or something similar aftermarket) - even in city driving.

 

Guess what my answer is?

 

I think the answer to the original question is:

YES. Buy an S or a JCW. Or "even" a Justa, that can be the right car for some people. It was for me; that was the choice I made and I do not regret it one little bit.