Just how good is the latest jcw as a drivers car?

[RichyBoy]

Is the jcw special enough to be a decent weekend drivers car?

I'm in somewhat of a quandary, I need a fun car to drive about in when I'm not using public transport. I've done the usual suspects like lotuses, honda elise, vx220, renaultsport, s2000, m division cars, evos, golfs etc; need something different. I've narrowed it down to a nearly new jcw or a beautifully modified fn2 mugen civic type r. I've always wanted to own a works mini but on the other hand I'm a massive honda fanatic and a civic that is basically an m20 would be a dream. On the other hand my mind is telling me get the mini it will be a way better car for these winter months and cheaper to run. Writing this out has made me even more unsure

[adsvx220]

I have owned a 2008 cooper clubman S for 2 weeks now and love it. It feels special in it's own way with it's chequerd flag a panels and roof. I have spotted people glancing to have a second look back and once you press the sports button the exhaust gives out a nice crack and a pop which also get people looking and wondering. The works version would IMO be brilliant for a weekend drivers car as I could only imagine it being a bit more hardcore than the standard S.

P.S I also own a vx220 which is my weekend toy but as the cold weather is just around the corner I will be choosing the mini everytime for weekend blasts and ph Sunday service as the mini is nearly as much fun to drive.

Adam

[TDLC]

If you're into MINIs, you'll love the JCW. The only shame is that the stock suspension is appalling and the cars come with runflats. After a tyre and suspension upgrade the car does put a big smile on your face though.

I'm driving one as DD, track toy, and family car. Very versatile, although it's got its limitations in terms of practicality.

Power delivery is all about mid range. Loads of torque in low and mid range, but runs out of oomph beyond 5.5k rpm although a remap sorts that.

[p1tse]

both nice car choices

if you're taking public transport during the week, is running cost a real issue though?

[RichyBoy]

p1tse said:

both nice car choices

if you're taking public transport during the week, is running cost a real issue though?

I just like cars that are cheap to run and fun.

[AndyParker]

I've had a 59 JCW for two and a bit years now as a daily driver.

It puts a smile on my face everytime I drive it - press the sport button and the throttle response is sharp and the exhaust pops everytime you accelerate and lift off.

The traction control can cut in a bit too much but you've the option to partially or completely turn this off - completely off can get a bit scarey when wet.

In terms of running costs then they are relatively cheap IMO. If you want to drive like miss daisy then I've had 56mpg out of them on an hours journey. My average since owning the car is 33 and I've got a heavy right foot at times.

I've not driven a type r before but I don't think you'll be disappointed with the JCW.

Good luck!!

[esuuv]

I had a 2008 JCW, one of the first factory built works cars - it was brilliant, had it for three years, 20k - never ever got bored of it.

I liked it so much I didnt have a car at all for a few months after it went (was leased) - as I really couldn't decide what to have and was very very tempted to just get another.

[RichyBoy]

esuuv said:

I had a 2008 JCW, one of the first factory built works cars - it was brilliant, had it for three years, 20k - never ever got bored of it.

I liked it so much I didnt have a car at all for a few months after it went (was leased) - as I really couldn't decide what to have and was very very tempted to just get another.

Exactly same thing happened with me, I sold a good car and the last few months I've been struggling to think what to replace it with.