If the costs were the same, which would you pick?
(the 2009 JCW has 23k miles)

**FYI: cross post with the JCW forum **

 

Do you need the extra performance of the JCW? Does the JCW have ANY of the JCW-only interior options? If not, or you want the warranty, go with the S.

 

I'd go with the 2011 S. I find the amount of power is plenty for a front wheel drive car. Too much power to the front wheels causes torque steer which can be annoying. And the ride quality on a Cooper S is really good. I would actually recommend the smaller 16in wheels.

 

with that being said, some of the JCW cars on this site look incredible.