Hi Mr Newt Heres my nickles worth, I have a 12 jcw coupe as for buying one Its been the most rewarding driving machines Ive owned,.As I drive a semi truck daily get out of it and get into the coupe for the ride home. A little different O-YEAH, As for the blind spot in these vehicles they both have them, just makes u pay more attention to your surroundings, Witch to me makes driving more fun!... As for the oil burning issues in the n14 vrs the n18 My fixit to this problem to this has been,oil changes. As my wife and I both drive H-D motorcycles and as there both under 2000ccs car and bike, I am very **** on this at break in, 500 miles on the bikes 1000 on my minis 1000 on bike 3000 on minis and so on. I know to a lot of u that's overkill, But to me oil is the life blood to any motor and so far for me neither burn a drop of oil 21000 plus on the car and 40000 on the bikes. So if u buy a jcw coupe have fun be safe and enjoy the ride!!!