Hey Guys,

I've had my '12 R56 S for about a year. It has 30K miles and I'm enjoying it. However, for some weird reason I've gotten distracted by the R58. Specifically one in Kite Blue if I can find one.
I've sat in a couple at the two Deals Gap events I've been to but never driven one. That's also when I became enamored with the Kite Blue color.

I've come from twenty years in the Miata world so I know what it's like to drive smaller, quick handling cars. So I'm wondering if the R58 handles even quicker or appreciably different from my R56? I'm also wondering what the overall ride is like? Is it harsher? Does it corner differently? Is it louder inside, ('cuz I enjoy the radio and CDs) What might I be giving up with the R58 vs the 56? Last, is the JCW upgrade worth it or just more bells, whistles and cool labels. Might there be anything else I should know about the R58 before I take the dive?

I really am amazed I've grown to like this car. When I first saw it, I really thought; "this is a very weird and ugly looking car". Now I see it as unique and different....and I don't mind that at all. Apparently based on lack of sales....most people had the same thoughts I had at first.

Thanks so much.
Steve

 

Can't answer most of your questions as I have only had my Coupe and only for 8 months now.

One of the things I really like about it is its uniqueness.

Just did a trip from Northwest Ohio to Stafford, VA to visit my brother and pick up some rims I purchased from a NAM member. I took the two covers in the back out before leaving home so rims and luggage could fit. That definitely increased the in cab noise from the back. Otherwise, I drive once a month from Ohio to Wisconsin and it isn't bad.

 

Had a 2014 JCW Coupe for 6 years. Yes it rides a little harsher and corners like a beast. Easily the best Mini ever on a racetrack, it's not even close. I didn't track mine though. It gets more "looks" than any Mini because of the top (Minis are famous for the long flat top). I had the factory Recaro seats and an AT. It was a great car overall. If you're in it for the cornering it has no equal trust me.

 

I have had two R56 JCWs that were new. and I left the MINI world for about a 8 or nine years. I have the R58 JCW now . I am a Minimalist So I love it. 2 seats, its rare supposable only 5% of MINI's are the Coupe Marketing data I believe said It was a touch quicker then the hatch. But I don't feel it.. The go cart feel I remember might have been with the Sport suspension upgrade. This one is just stock JCW.. I would say if you could find a good price on a 13 or up. Might be worth it getting an N18. One draw back of wanting to be unique is the battery and master cylinder Apron/Cover. It costs double of what it is for the R56's and others.. Good Luck...

 

R58 for the win!

 

Sorry, I forgot to thank everyone for chiming in. Guess I'll keep my R56 for now unless I find a JCW in a color combo I really like. If it's Kite Blue....I'll have no choice.