I'm looking at a couple different mini's. The first is a 2011 R56 JCW with 96k miles. The second is a 2011 Cooper S with a little over 100k.
My question is the N18 a better more reliable engine than the N14 that it would be worth going with the N18 equipped non JCW mini?

Any and all advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

The N18 is indeed more reliable. I'll probably take the N18 S over the N14 JCW especially if its optioned well.

 

Thanks I’m going to look at a couple tomorrow and hope to come home with one.

 

^ this..

 

2013 N18 R56 JCW (Not an S). Reason why I say this is because I see too many with S versions turn around and mod their cars with JCW parts when they should have gotten a JCW in the first place. Everything about it is better, not saying that just because I have one, but I have 2 friends both with mini S and both are finding out that the modifying costs to obtain JCW upgrades ends up exceeding the price they would've paid had they got the right year JCW from the beginning (one has a 09 and the other has an 11). Seems like both of their minis are always in the shop for something small and that has become irritating to them. However after driving my car and seeing the feeling the difference along with listening to what my mechanic has been telling them over the course of their numerous visits, they both are now looking for a 2013 (N18) JCW.

 

Thanks for all the advice,but today was a bust. All the minis I looked were not for me.One was sold before I got there and the others were in worse shape mechanically than advertised. I’ll keep what all of you said in mind as I continue my search. Hopefully I’ll post a new to me mini soon.
Thanks

 

That's really pretty typical. It took my months because I mainly found only two kinds of sale 99% of the time..
1. Those over-priced. Easy things are fixed on it and its priced like it won't have a new problem within 2000 miles. [wrong!]
2. Those already half-way in the box. I found myself always saying the same thing after seeing those. "That car was rode hard....and put away wet"

Any car that doesn't fit #1 or #2 will be gone in hours.