JCW Cooper S convertible - thoughts on this one?
Discussion
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
Just after some thoughts on this car - I really like the colour and have made up my mind on a Cooper S or JCW, poss vert if not coupe. Wanted as a fun day to day (hence the soft top) but I would like to do the odd track day (can they be stiffened to sort flex - strut braces etc?)
Just after opinions on both this car and the cars in general - I did start a thread a week or so ago but budget can be a touch higher now for the perfect car.
Just after some thoughts on this car - I really like the colour and have made up my mind on a Cooper S or JCW, poss vert if not coupe. Wanted as a fun day to day (hence the soft top) but I would like to do the odd track day (can they be stiffened to sort flex - strut braces etc?)
Just after opinions on both this car and the cars in general - I did start a thread a week or so ago but budget can be a touch higher now for the perfect car.
Car looks well priced. Not many around in Hot Orange either.
If you're going to track it, an LSD would be a worthy addition, an option when new. The easiest way to find it would be to email MINI customer services and ask for the spec when it was new which will outline everything. Alternatively, call a dealer with the number plate and they may be able to help.
I'd also ditch the runflats. Hopeless on the road, and even more unforgiving on track (providing it still has them fitted).
Strut braces are a must on the Cabrio, even when driving briskly on the road. Many options are available, but I hear that the GTT ones are good (both upper and lower).
It's quite an early convertible, so worth checking for roof wear (they all do it, but earlier ones were more prone to the issue). It has almost certainly been changed, but worth checking anyway.
If you're going to track it, an LSD would be a worthy addition, an option when new. The easiest way to find it would be to email MINI customer services and ask for the spec when it was new which will outline everything. Alternatively, call a dealer with the number plate and they may be able to help.
I'd also ditch the runflats. Hopeless on the road, and even more unforgiving on track (providing it still has them fitted).
Strut braces are a must on the Cabrio, even when driving briskly on the road. Many options are available, but I hear that the GTT ones are good (both upper and lower).
It's quite an early convertible, so worth checking for roof wear (they all do it, but earlier ones were more prone to the issue). It has almost certainly been changed, but worth checking anyway.
Thanks all - it sold anyhow so all a bit academic really 
I'm after a compromise of fun, keeping the wife happy and track hence the Vert is in the frame though I wouldn't overlook the right coupe.
Out of interest how much difference is there really between the JCW and boggo Cooper S? Looking at 54 to 2006 which I believe is the more reliable facelift. Obviously I can get more CS for less money than the JCW.
I'm after a compromise of fun, keeping the wife happy and track hence the Vert is in the frame though I wouldn't overlook the right coupe.
Out of interest how much difference is there really between the JCW and boggo Cooper S? Looking at 54 to 2006 which I believe is the more reliable facelift. Obviously I can get more CS for less money than the JCW.
For me, a 2005-2006 for facelift coupe,
I wouldn't put a ragtop on a track personally, but if you get one, the hoods are over 4.2k and watch for the sides of the hood where the anchors break and cause hideous water ingress into the boot, there is a repair kit but its a compromise.
Lsd is sought after, and the facelift car has 170hp, also a better supercharger some say, and the gearbox has different ratios if I recall
This has lsd, visibility pack, sports chrono pack, sports plus suspension, chilli pack, storage pack, now Autologic remapped, cam'd, and GTT pulley'd, but still the original exhaust and looks original everywhere, and had 27k in March, it's at 30k after testing. Took a long time to find and not the cheapest by far.
Finding the right car will be rewarding i'm sure, just take your time, there's some rough neglected stuff out there
only my2p
I wouldn't put a ragtop on a track personally, but if you get one, the hoods are over 4.2k and watch for the sides of the hood where the anchors break and cause hideous water ingress into the boot, there is a repair kit but its a compromise.
Lsd is sought after, and the facelift car has 170hp, also a better supercharger some say, and the gearbox has different ratios if I recall
This has lsd, visibility pack, sports chrono pack, sports plus suspension, chilli pack, storage pack, now Autologic remapped, cam'd, and GTT pulley'd, but still the original exhaust and looks original everywhere, and had 27k in March, it's at 30k after testing. Took a long time to find and not the cheapest by far.
Finding the right car will be rewarding i'm sure, just take your time, there's some rough neglected stuff out there
only my2p
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