Is it possible to configure both of these packages? Sometimes it works in the configurator, sometimes I end up with no seats (just the adjustment bar shows in the interior shot which is pretty funny), sometimes it just refuses. I want cloth seats the same as my R56 has and for $250 to get the nice red stitching it'll be worth it.

Anyone gone from an R56 to R58 and regretted it? I'm on the fence between the R58 and another R56, I like that the R58 is different (I've had an R53 and R56 so far) and the lack of a back seat won't affect me but trying to decide if the R58 is different enough to warrant the $1000 difference.

 

My $.02

I moved from an R55 to an R58. I got the R55 originally because I wanted to make the transition from my Acura MDX to a MINI a little less claustrophobic. I did do some road trips in the Clubman and it was a great car. I modded it up and tried to "make it my own" as best I could.

When I decided I wanted to upgrade, my reasoning wasn't that clear. I knew I wanted another MINI, and I knew I didn't need the extra room the R55 had to offer, I knew I wanted to get back to a manual tranny (R55 was Auto), and I wanted a JCW. That's really the only thing. Options and such weren't on the forefront of my mind. So I started to look for an R56 JCW originally. I test drove one new one and several used ones. I was slightly impatient because, even though options weren't a priority, the ones that were available to buy onsite just weren't to my liking. I almost purchased 3 different R56 JCWs, all out of state, but they either sold before I could make an offer or had issues that arose.

I finally ran across an ad for a 2012 R58 JCW. It was used with 7K miles on it. Apparently the owner got pregnant and needed something with more room. The car was in GA and I am in NV. I called the dealer and had them send me all the info, and also had him send me about 100 photos. I went to my local MINI dealer and test drove an R58 base. It's all they had. I immediately loved it. The one pet peeve, the view out the rear view mirror. I figured I would get over that pretty quick.

To be honest the R58 wasn't on my radar because I thought it was too impractical, but once I saw how much boot space there was, I was impressed, and didn't need that excuse anymore. I bought the R58 JCW for a steal and haven't regretted it since. It have everything I wanted on it and more.

The one thing I would say to you, is that it definitely IS different. On the drive from GA to NV I have never had so many compliments and "thumbs up" from passer by's and random strangers. Even now driving around Las Vegas, I have only seen 2 other R58s, and one of them is in my local club. You will get asked 100 times if the roof comes off, and just tell them "not yet!"

I think it's worth it. But to each their own.

-Z

 

@zcast

i solved the rear view view issue by getting the JCW Spoiler installed and the view is MUCH improved!!

and it looks sweet!!!

i went from a 2006 Civic Si to my 2013 Cooper S Coupe and love it!! main reason i went cooper s vs jcw full on was the total cost and i wanted a ton of options like the tech/premium and other comfort factors. i plan to however upgrade to the JCW Tuning kit prob this summer or next (about a $3700 total upgrade w/labor).

just a note, BE SURE TO GET SPORTS SUSPENSION from the get go if you want it at any point since its only $500 extra when added during customization; if you want to get it afterwards (ie by dealer install) it costs about $3200 w/labor (i didn't get it but wanted to add it later and found out it was not worth the cost, i got the jcw strut bar instead to help w/stability into corners).

good luck, so far i have not regretted my purchase for even a second.

 

i've never had R56 experience until couple of days ago from rental.
my R58 is in shop bc of small accident and it allowed me to experience R56.

only things i don't like about R58 vs R56 is:
1. 5 and 7'o clock view.. or lack thereof (especially trying to pull out of parking space onto the road in reverse)
2. lack of backseats especially when it's my only car.

obviously can't compare JUSTA R56 to JCW R58 but i been very impressed with JUSTA so far.

 

Thanks guys. Having spent a few hours this weekend looking at R58 photos online I'm pretty convinced that's where I want to be The boot space looks good, big enough for 2 large suitcases which is all I'd need (we have a Jeep for anything bigger anyway). My local dealer is having a "Spring Cleaning" event on 4/12 so I'll probably go check that out and see what deals they may be offering.

Jimmyselix I'm curious, how did the JCW spoiler help with the lack of rear visibility? Surely if you are reversing an R58 the regular spoiler would be down, so the JCW spoiler would be more of an obstruction? That being said, it's an awesome look but the movable spoiler is one of things attracting me to the R58.