Most liked posts in thread: WTB- My first MINI! S or JCW

Did you guys just have a bro moment? :lol:

 

PW is a GREAT canvas for mods / vinyl / color / stealth... enjoy!

Next steps if I were you - in this order:

1. Check ALL maintenance items (check R56 threads and address all known issues - I'm an R53 guy so what do I know? )

2. Check the autocross schedule in your geographic area, sign u and go learn more about the car's (and your) handling

3. EBC redstuff or Hawk HPS brake pads up front before the autoX, check rear pads and replace as needed with ceramics (perhaps EBC reds or Hawks there too, don't go semi-met though)

4. Consider a better-than-stock suspension

5. G4 exhaust

6. Performance wheels/tires of choice, save the stockers and use 'em in winter with winter tires. Note that the 4x100 bolt pattern on the Mini makes interesting rims/tires EASY to find on Craigslist.

7. Tune it only once you've got the handing and braking down, as it's got enough power. Yes, really. ;-)

 

You should take a trip up to Peabody Mass or Bedford NH

 

My 12 Justa came from Mini of Bedford and I've had service done on the 09 Cooper S at both MoP and MoB.

 

Do you want to go out to the garage and do karate?

 

You could find a really awesome r53 (supercharged) or a decent r56 (turbo) in that price range. Not sure if you know this but there are threads and threads of arguments about which is better, R53 vs. R56.

For now there are more modification options for an R53 than an R56 but that should change in the future. If you are doing a lot of mods to your car I think the S is the way to go vs. the JCW unless you want a tuned car right away.

Now, the JCW option is a little harder find. Just so you don't get snookered if you are looking at a JCW, there are some differences between dealer installed and factory installed, I'm sure someone will correct me if I am wrong but most R53 JCWs are dealer installed up till I think 05-06 whereas R56 JCWs are typically factory. However it is installed just be wary b/c if it has a JCW badge it doesn't mean that it is. Number one thing is that every JCW should have a paper that says it has the tune on it. I would do more research on JCWs if that is your direction....

 

I got my '05 R53 from Texas on ebay for $12500 with only 24500mi. Shipping was $550 to Ohio. I got a great deal on a really great car.

Mine is a dealer installed JCW but the certificate got lost somewhere along the way. The '05-'06 JCW should have a one piece exhaust. Also most of them had the JCW brakes and an LSD. The dealer ones for '05-'06 are usually air box, head, injectors, 2 piece exhaust and badges.

If you go for the '08-'09 run the vin number by a MINI service department before you buy. Make sure the N14 engine issues have been taken care of. A dealer may not want to give you the info over the phone (MAG) but if your standing in front of them it's harder to ignore you. One car I had ran had a salvage title.

 

rudeboyevan, there are a LOT of us former VW guys here. Mine was, let's see, a
1976 Rabbit (swallowtail!)
1985 Jetta D
1992 GTI (SCCA SSB spec, cage, techtonics motor, and all the goodies, we're getting serious now)
2000 1.8T chipped Passat (thought I'd grown up)
1990 small-bumper 2.0 GLI (guess not!)

then the Cooper S in 2006 - and actually haven't looked back. VW;s are great, the Mini is like all the good stuff from the early, powerful/light VW's, rolled up into a fun yet grown-up package. There are many debates on the early supercharged S's (raw, firm) vs. the later turbo (slightly softer, better fuel econ, turbo power) cars, all I can say is drive 'em and choose a good one.

Welcome!

 

Dont know what that blue one has, but in this order:

- Take care of all Maintenance items: Change oil, check fliuds, brakes, bearings, replace serpentine (supercharger drive) belt, bring 'er up to spec. Tons of threads on that.
- Strut Towers Check for mushrooming (do a search), correct, add strut tower defenders or a strut bar with them molded in.
- Handling: Get the car corner-weighted or make damn sure the coilovers are adjusted properly, seen too many coilover'd cars that are 1/2 turn "off" that look great but handle like poop.
- Also check alignment, most Minis came from the factory with rear toe outta whack, there are adjustments available at the trailing arm mounting points.

Then... Safety items first: Best to be able to handle the power before adding power:

- Brakes: EBC RedStuff pads (greens or Hawk HPS if it's a grocery getter). Better stopping, less fade.

- Handling: Slightly stiffer rear swaybar (though the PO may have that covered with the suspension upgrades)

- Handling:Lighter wheels and tires, DEFINITELY. Put snows on the S-heavies shown on that car, those things are stones (if you'll drive in winter weather, snows are a must). If you insist on all-seasons, ContiDWS, 215/45/17 are outstanding.

- Power: 15% pulley, more is overkill and less is either JCW or unavailable

Then you get to the "compromise" mods, where comfort begins to get sacrificed for performance:
- Exhaust (many threads, determine your cost/noise/power ratio and purchase smartly
- Camber plates, fixed or adjustable: add some camber, but wear out the inside edges of the tires slightly faster, depending on your driving style
- Stiffen: Stiffer PS engine mount and lower dogbone

Oh yeah, add some Motoring Alliance vinyl, good for an additional 5hp!

 

Here is a nice one. http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/minis-sale/16380-2009-cooper-s.html

http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/member-garages/12784-kate-2009-mini-cooper-s.html

 

He's the parts guy there... :wink:

Welcome, thanks for joining Motoring Alliance, the FUN and Friendly MINI Community.

Good Luck in your search. Your patience to wait for the right one for you will be rewarded.

 

Because he works at that dealer so a helping hand from the forum is a plus.

 

I work and have worked for both Dealers....In Bedford now...Same owner group.

 

Just think of the road trip home from Bedford NH to Rhode island...You will be smiling the whole way home...you will find yourself making excuses to drive the MINI anyways...Just Sayin

 

No...even better Im a parts advisor....When you get your MINI come see me for accessories.

 

Along the lines of what to get, 2007 was the first year of the turbo verses the super charged engine. In 2007 & 2008 there were two engines installed in the MC-S; L4 W11B16A or L4 N14B16A. In 2009 & 2010 only one engine in the MC-S: L4 N14B16A. In 2011 in the MC-S the L4 N18B16A. I don't know what the differences are; you'll need to ask a mechanic. I had a 2007 MC-S and it was a superb driving and handling vehicle. I traded it for a 2011 Countryman S nearly 2 yrs ago and am extremely happy with that too.
If you need slightly more room than the MC coupe, consider the Clubman S. Minis have a way of growing on you; they're a big little car. Kinda of like the Chihuahua who barks at and tries to attack the pit bull; but is well aware he's on his leash!