I had the factory JCW which included the brakes. Didn't get the aero kit or the suspension, so the true cost of a JCW wasn't necessarily 12K, more around the 6K. Granted the newer versions are more a bargain compared to the R53, but I think it's disingenuous to say that the difference was $12k. I paid under $32K for my factory JCW.

 

Since you get all the items (apples to apples) I listed on the R56 for $6K and it took $12K to get them on the R53 there is no disingenuousness (?). The main point being, as you stated, the R56 JCW is a bargain relative to the R53 JCW.

 

Lot of Mini's in my area (what can I say, we're educated) and people always ask me similar questions, I usually give them one of two answers all tongue and cheek like.

Q - "Is that an "S?" A- "No, "S" stands for slow."

or

Q - "what makes that worth the extra money?" A - "When I see any other Cooper on the road, chances are, I'm faster."

 

Stealing both answers, thanks!

 

I could have had a base JCW or a S with a few options. I choose the S with all the factory OEM options and decided if I wanted more power I could tackle that later on.

 

Unless you plan on drag racing, performance is more than just 0-60 times and top speeds; you also have to worry about handling, stopping, and (for some people) looking sporty. That extra $6k goes toward drivetrain upgrades, bigger brakes, an upgraded suspension, the aero kit, and a few other aesthetic bits and pieces. Plus, there's the warranty and all the time and hassle saved on the parts and labor associated with upgrading the S to a comparable state and the exclusivity of owning the rarest trim level.

For the average car buyer, the extra $6k would be money wasted, but it's a deal for anyone who values performance. Though I went the route of modding an S, I would definitely go JCW , budget permitting.

 

First had and S. Now a JCW, will always have a JCW version. Kind of wish I could have waited and ordered the 2013 GP but last July I was really ready to move up from my 2003 MCS. All the extras are great, but it comes down to being a little more exclusive. My JCW is the only one I know of in my area. The percentage if JCW sales is way less than other models.

 

2013 JCW....... 1. BODY KIT 2. BREMBO BRAKES 3.Electronic limited slip differential 4. 208 hp/208 ft of torque 5. Suspension. 6. Interior design (red stitching over black) 7. Different color shifter (manual) 8. Anthracite head liner. 9. Different ECU software! 10. And the knowledge that you can kit any stock S in the butt rite out the box from the factory. 11. Being a JCW owner and loving it!!!!!!!!! Bazinga!

 

This is an endless argument imo. The biggest thing that interested me in the JCW was the aero kit, and brembo brakes. Brembo brakes alone if you were to buy them yourself are gonna cost you a lot. The aero kit is a lot too surprisingly. I honestly think it's ridiculous how much it is, but hey that's all a matter of opinion.

I'm 31 years old and was doing stuff to Hondas since I was 16 when I had my first CRX Si. I even have a Honda tattoo on my back of a type R logo(yep very dumb, I was 18). I can relate to the JCW vs. the integra type R debate when it was all the hype circa late 90's and early 00's and it's still a very sought after car to this day. The two differences I've noticed between the two communities of MINI and Honda is that the honda folks even in their younger years aren't as afraid of getting their hands dirty and changing the internals to match that of a JCW platform to strengthen it as I've seen a lot of points comparing the internals to the cooper S. I'm not judging anyone saying everyone should do their own work I'm just saying I've noticed more people just opt for the "buying it already done" route.

I personally bought the S. After my warranty is over I might change the internals but I think with several bolt ons and a tune I can match the power of a JCW and be happy. I might not brake as good or have the aero kit but I'll be content with surprising a few other drivers on the road when getting on or off the highway

To each their own, this argument can go in circles as long as this forum exists lol