MINI noob here.

We are looking to buy a 2011-2013 MINI Cooper S and would like to know what are the best options.

It would be mostly a daily driver, and things like heated seats, a good stereo, stuff like that are desirable.

We would consider a JCW if they are worth the higher cost and one was available.

Thanks for any ideas.

JCW will still have the N14 motor which I would stay away from.

JCW has N18 in the 2013.

Go for the 2013 S or JCW

Both with have the more reliable N18 engine, JCW has more power, different exhaust, aerokit, option of red roof and mirrors, some other unique options too. I had an S and when I sold that, decided to only look at JCW's as a next car because I didn't want to think "what if" if I had gotten another S. 2013 is a good year because it is the last model year for the R56 Hardtop (clubman runs another year or two in that generation). If you buy soon you will still have at most a year left of factory warranty with the option of extending it too. Factory maintenance plan probably will be expired but you might get lucky.

There are quite a few 2013 JCWs on the market, last I checked. Ranging from 20k to 27k depending on options (and the JCW GP falls into that category too). Use BMWVIN.com to check the options based on VIN number, and you can see what options were available at motor trend, under the "Options" tab when looking at a specific model.

Found a 2013 JCW close by (really close), just test drove it. Very twitchy steering. (I race in several club racing series, feels like it has way too much toe out - easy fix). Great brakes, shifter, seats. Fun power. Black on black, with tinted windows and black wheels. Red spider-like X on roof (decal). Is that normal?

Front tires are Michelins, rear are Sentury?

Engine compartment was very clean, surprisingly clean.

Car has 57k miles, asking near $16,000.

Looking at options, it has several, like heated seats, power mirrors, Xenons, auto-climate control, traction control, hands free bluetooth, light package, high def radio, hot climate.

I don't see sport. Does JCW not come with sport suspension?

The radio was tolerable. Is "high def radio" a lower one or a higher end one?

Sorry for the noob questions, but reading the VIN decoder does not say what packages they selected so its not obvious going through this the first few times what this all means.

Interestingly, I don't see (mechanical) LSD even as an option. :(

I love how all MINI steering is really direct and responsive. Spider like...like the british flag style? There's quite a few options for roof decals out there.

JCW comes standard with the S suspension with the option of the sport suspension or JCW sport suspension. Mine had the JCW Strut Bar installed from factory + standard suspension which I think is pretty stiff. Very little body roll especially with the run flats.

The Harmon Kardon upgraded stereo is easily identifiable via A-pillar tweeters with the HK logo on it. If the car didn't have that then you have the standard hi-def radio. The option code is 674 (Hi-Fi system Harmon Kardon). I agree, the VIN decoder won't tell you what packages came with the car. I used the feature list here: http://www.motortrend.com/cars/mini/cooper/2013/, scroll down and click Features tab, and you can match up the options to what comes with the packages to get an idea of what it may have come with.

And I don't think there was an option for mechanical LSD past 2010 or so. MINI thinks the EDLC is good enough.

Sport mode makes the steering a little heavier and reduces the twitchiness.

Agreed. Go with the N18 engine. (Consumer Reports reliability data also confirms this)

Back to your original question, if you do a decent amount of driving at night, the xenons are much, much better than the halogen headlights.


The N18 is the updated/revised engine, and seems to be more reliable than the N14. The N18 is in all of the 2011-13 MCS, but only the 2013 JCW, as stated above.


The JCW has a upgraded engine, turbo, and brakes from the MCS. It is a long-standing debate whether it is worth the premium over a 'regular S'.


I think that you need to look at the car like a 'normal' used car, look at condition, repairs, maintenance history, and options. If you found a 2013 JCW in nice shape with reasonable miles for $16k, that sounds like a solid deal to me.


Have fun,
Mike

I have a 2011 S and its been very reliable. 50k miles on it and only had my HPFP replaced, and a faulty battery. Make sure you get service records if available, these cars need regular maintenance to keep them running a long time. At the very least make sure the oil changes were done timely.

In case anyone is interested, my wife and I have settled for now on these options being the ones we think meet our needs best:

manual transmission
xenon headlights
seat heat
sun roof
HK stereo

This if for R56 and primarily N18 MINIs (which are the only ones we've been looking at). I hope this helps someone.

Things to check:

N18 engine
gurgle and pop in Sport Mode (there is some 2011 MCS without it)

I would prefer the JCW over MCS but miles on it and aesthetic could revert this preference.

First two are (IMHO) required. If you find a great deal on a low miles JCW with the N18 engine go for it, even if it is missing any or all of your last 3. Otherwise get the S for lower $ and turn it into your own custom version of a JCW with suspension, tune, etc.

Our 2012 has xenon lights, sun roof and HK stereo. If I had it to do again, I would skip the sun roof, it's been problematic..

Buying used as I did limits choices based-on availability from private party or retail seller. Mine had low 17k miles plus above options (except xenon) but was authorized MINI dealer, thus cost more plus subject to AZ sales tax. OTOH, it was thus eligible for CPO extended warranty which helped offset in part. Mine had been returned as 3-year lease just the day before. Lease cars tend to have lower total mileage, at least this category. Viewing CarFax reports on dealer 2013 MCS or JCW units will shown whether it was a leased vehicle (although seems due to original high MSRP, not many JCW were leased).

I know you expressed interest in that private party sale advertised here that ultimately went back into the original selling dealer inventory (still shown there today) where I bought mine, which is likewise CPO eligible. That particular dealer also shows several other 2013 cars in stock which were previously leased, although only one being MCS (auto gearbox). Point being, time is fleeting to find such cars since end of 3-year lease term has likely elapsed by now for most end of 2nd gen 2013 MINI cars.

Water to the footwell with the years?

Nope, twice now the window came off the track. First time was under warranty, second time on my dime.

I love my sunroof and use it all the time...even today when it's 30 degrees out. I just put on the heated seats and go. The heated seats in mine came with a winter package that included heated mirrors and heated washer fluid, which is great for our five months of winter. I have standard headlights, which do seem a bit dim at times.

Be sure to check Truecar.com for listings and comparisons for like models to what you are looking for. It definitely helped me when buying my most recent MINI.

http://new.minimania.com/MINI_Cooper...nd_Accessories

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

Forget about the radio. Watch Best Buy for sales and replace the stock radio. You will lose the steering wheel controls. I replaced it for about $150 during a free installation sale. The sound and reception improved. I bought a heated seat cushion as well for about $20. I don't think either should be a major concern when buying a used car.

I have 45 series low profile tires. I would not recommend them. I have to come to a near complete stop for speed bumps that other cars just drive over. It rides like a go kart. Don't get me wrong. I'm okay with that, but my wife HATES it.