1st Gen R53 Cooper S Should I buy a JCW????

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by MCS02, May 21, 2016.

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  1. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #1 MCS02, May 21, 2016
    Ok there is a 2004 JCW for sale I am going to go look at. It is a JCW, the owner said it has all the JCW bits on it, brakes, suspension, head..... It has leather interior and a sunroof. It sounds like it is in good shape so I am going to take a look. Here are the only down sides I see so far. It has 203000 miles on it. But he said they have done the CAB, new wheel bearings, and all new mounts. the other thing I don't like is he said the sunroof is slow to close. The guy is a car nut he also owns a BMW 2002 and 928.

    My plan was to take off all my performance parts and put them on the JCW. I know I will put the adjustable camber plats and control arms on but I don't know witch would be better the JCW suspension or my Koni and springs. Also I was going to pit my 17% fully on it, maybe.

    Here is the link. tell me what you think.

    http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/5579641772.html


    Thanks
     
  2. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    #2 mrntd, May 21, 2016
    If the JCW suspension is original. Then it's probably worn out with that many miles on it. I might even want run a compression check before upping the power.
     
  3. CHKMINI

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    #3 CHKMINI, May 21, 2016
    Buy it, yank the motor and replace it with an RMW stroker.
     
  4. Crashton

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    #4 Crashton, May 21, 2016
    I'm in agreement. At that mileage there are going to be loads of worn out parts.
     
  5. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #5 MCS02, May 21, 2016
    I just got back from looking at it. It is a very well maintained car,but.... It has 50k more miles on it than my mini and it just in a little better shape than my car. Someone will get a nice Mini but I believe I will pass.

    Maybe in a year or so I will be in market for a GP that is what I really want.

    Thanks guys!
     
  6. Zillon

    Zillon Well-Known Member

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    #6 Zillon, May 21, 2016
    Yeah, I'd be very hesitant to buy a car with 203k on it.
     
  7. vetsvette

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    #7 vetsvette, May 21, 2016
    I just clicked on the link and when I saw it was gone I thought you'd already bought it. I agree 200+K miles is a lot of wear and tear.
     
  8. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

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    #8 00Mini, May 21, 2016
    I agree with everyone's assessment on the mileage but it was a sharp looking car in the pictures.
     
  9. cct1

    cct1 Well-Known Member
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    #9 cct1, May 22, 2016
    Probably be ok to scoot around town. Not going to be ok to mod without a rebuilt motor and new supercharger. I think you're right in taking a pass.
     

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