2008 JCW or 2010 Cooper S ?

[phib]

Looking at a couple options for a bit of fun and have a choice of a 2008 JCW ( works car not tuning kit) or a 2010 cooper s ( later engine)

The JCW has had a timing chain kit done 2 years ago.

New to Mini's so any advice/views would be very helpful

Thanks

Phib

[steve-5snwi]

Go with the Cooper S

[df76]

It's got to depend on what you want to use it for. I bought a 2010 MCS with a N18 engine in it last year. Really enjoy it, and it does plenty of miles. Feels solid and hoping that there shouldn't be any problems (a year before I bought the car it had a complete new engine fitted). If i was looking for a "toy" which could be a project, I would have loved an older JCW.

[doogle83]

I couldn't bring myself to buy the older engine but was able to stretch my budget to an N18 JCW.

...so it'd be the Cooper S for me out of your options

[phib]

Thanks guys really it’s a stop gap and a bit of fun for 6 months.

Thanks

Phib

[Maracus]

Cooper S. Has enough power for the real world (wherever that is )

We've had our 2010 N18 for over 4 years, can't see it ever going.

[mon the fish]

We were looking for a JCW a year ago, and after being persuaded to try an S we bought it. One of the last R56s (Jan 2014 build), and it's more than quick enough as a daily - much more torquey than the R53, and easily gets 45mpg.

Such a good all-rounder I don't know why anyone bought S diesels

[phib]

Thanks guys, I had thought the earlier r56 Jcw might have been a bit more special, it is a little bit cheaper than the later 2010 s.

Most saying the later car so I think I will look at that one first

Thanks

Phib

[phib]

Well I looked at both, the Works was totally knackered, turbo overheating, oil leaks everywhere

The 2010 has a potential head gasket gone !!

Back to square one !

Phib

[doogle83]

Nice thing about Minis... There are loads about to choose from!

[df76]

doogle83 said:

Nice thing about Minis... There are loads about to choose from!

Absolutely, be very choosey. I spent a while finding mine. It's got to be well maintained with full service history. My car had a new engine and clutch recently fitted, and I saw that as a major positive.

[Miglia 888]

Maracus said:

Cooper S. Has enough power for the real world (wherever that is )
We've had our 2010 N18 for over 4 years, can't see it ever going.

This.
Keep looking for a facelifted & bug-fixed N18 Cooper S.

Edited by Miglia 888 on Saturday 24th February 12:34

[Miglia 888]

mon the fish said:

We were looking for a JCW a year ago, and after being persuaded to try an S we bought it. One of the last R56s (Jan 2014 build), and it's more than quick enough as a daily - much more torquey than the R53, and easily gets 45mpg.

Such a good all-rounder I don't know why anyone bought S diesels

More than quick enough as a daily - much more torquey than the R56 MCS, and easily gets 60mpg...

[Chrismawa]

I faced the same decision last month. In the end found an N18 engined 2010 Cooper S with JCW bodykit, so got the best of both. I repeat what the others have said and get a car with the N18 as it'll give you less hassle in the long run.