Dilemma Do I sell my Cooper Works?

[chum racing]

I've had my Cooper Works conversion (Cooper not S), since they first came out back in 2002. It was converted by John Cooper Garages and was their original demonstrator (JCW 5). The bodywork is still in good nick, but the mileage is over 85000.

As well as the conversion I have also had the JCW brakes, JCW Suspension, John Cooper Sports Exhaust, Pipercross Viper Air Induction Air Filter and competition clutch. Its also on a private plate WxORKS, which really makes it stand out.

So the car has a lot of extras and a bit of history. Its still bags of fun to drive and handles really well.

Now the dilemma is should I change it for a newer MINI, most likely an S Works, that may not have all the extra?
Especially as I will still be piling on the miles to and from work.

Suggestions Please!

[hobzy]

If you want to upgrade to an S, buy a second hand one and put your works stuff (most of it will cross over AFAIK) and flog your cooper standard - you'll probably not lose a great deal more... Get the right year and the suspension should fit.

[james f]

if its an early build cooper ie y reg or 51 or 02 i think there could be some cross over issues (brakes will be fine) but i know the earlys coopers suspension is diff to the S and they changed some of it again in 2003 (AFAIK) youll get some back for the viper too and also since the early proper works coopers are rare as after august 04 they only did the sound pack and not the full cooper works

[Loui]

Id kepp it buy a cheap run about as a daily driver an use that mini weekends as it will be a bit of history, wasnt many proper cooper works made

[chum racing]

Thanks for your comments,

It is the history of the car that makes it so special to me. Did find an S works with JCW brakes and suspension, but still not sure.

[rsossi]

i'd be interested in buying your old mini if you decided to upgrade send me a pm

thanks

[jacko lah]

Loui said:

Id kepp it buy a cheap run about as a daily driver an use that mini weekends as it will be a bit of history, wasnt many proper cooper works made

or just take it around the clock. IMVHO I think cars are for driving and not storing for dry use only. When it gets to really high miles an opportunity to upgrade the knackered engine will present itself.

[chum racing]

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions, I've made the decision to keep the car.

After looking at several Cooper S Works, I found that I couldn't leave my Cooper Works. The sound and drive is completely different from an S Works even if not as quick.

So the car is currently having an engine and gearbox refresh through MiniMotorSportCentre.Com. Tony Franks is the ex chief engineer at John Cooper Garages where all the previous work was carried out.

The plan now is to keep using the car on a daily basis.

[vixta]

chum racing said:

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions, I've made the decision to keep the car.

After looking at several Cooper S Works, I found that I couldn't leave my Cooper Works. The sound and drive is completely different from an S Works even if not as quick.

So the car is currently having an engine and gearbox refresh through MiniMotorSportCentre.Com. Tony Franks is the ex chief engineer at John Cooper Garages where all the previous work was carried out.

The plan now is to keep using the car on a daily basis.

good decision !