R53 or R56 JCW Cab?
Discussion
Looking at either a late R53 (2006) or early R56 (2009) JCW cabriolet ... Seen a couple with very low miles and the price difference between the two is virtually nothing!
I've had a couple of JCW R53's and loved them (hardtops) but never owned an R56 so what would you recommend?
I don't do many miles and often the miles I do are relatively short trips, circa 15 miles and usually with my 4 year old daughter on board.
What are the pros and cons of each and which do you think would hold its value the best (assuming buying at between £10-12k)?
I've had a couple of JCW R53's and loved them (hardtops) but never owned an R56 so what would you recommend?
I don't do many miles and often the miles I do are relatively short trips, circa 15 miles and usually with my 4 year old daughter on board.
What are the pros and cons of each and which do you think would hold its value the best (assuming buying at between £10-12k)?
Our first R56 was a nightmare reliability wise( chassis No: 00306 so one of the first off the line) , but a complete hoot generally. The second is like a completely different car - solid, no squeaks or rattles and still as much fun - if not more as it's a facelift with a couple more bhp.
I'd say don't bother with a JCW cab, the chassis doesn't suit having the roof off - stick with a Cooper S and get as young as you can, definitely the 184 engine.
I'd say don't bother with a JCW cab, the chassis doesn't suit having the roof off - stick with a Cooper S and get as young as you can, definitely the 184 engine.
For me it has to be a JCW as the noise is just wonderful and the additional oomph appeals. I have driven (albeit in R53 form) the standard S and the JCW and the difference is noticeable.
The roof off thing is purely as I should get to hear that exhaust even more and I just like cabs! Understand its not going to be as tight from a chassis perspective but I'm happy to make that compromise (I think!).
The roof off thing is purely as I should get to hear that exhaust even more and I just like cabs! Understand its not going to be as tight from a chassis perspective but I'm happy to make that compromise (I think!).
Sir_Dave said:
Short journeys + an R56 = carbon build up.
Personally, i wouldnt touch an R56 with a 10 foot barge pole, having spent some time reading on the mini forums. Seems a lot of the R56 buyers have now gone back to the R53 after spending way too much time getting their R56's fixed.
Talking from experience, this. My R56 was nothing but problems, and while it was great fun, didn't handle half as well as my R50 Cooper IMO. Personally, i wouldnt touch an R56 with a 10 foot barge pole, having spent some time reading on the mini forums. Seems a lot of the R56 buyers have now gone back to the R53 after spending way too much time getting their R56's fixed.
In saying that, I have driven an R57 (2nd gen Cabrio) Cooper S, and I found it to be pretty solid, especially with the upper strut brace.
Get a late R52 JCW with Recaros, Harman Kardon & LSD, and you will have a great fun little cabrio.
pdavison said:
For me it has to be a JCW as the noise is just wonderful and the additional oomph appeals. I have driven (albeit in R53 form) the standard S and the JCW and the difference is noticeable.
The roof off thing is purely as I should get to hear that exhaust even more and I just like cabs! Understand its not going to be as tight from a chassis perspective but I'm happy to make that compromise (I think!).
Fair enuff The roof off thing is purely as I should get to hear that exhaust even more and I just like cabs! Understand its not going to be as tight from a chassis perspective but I'm happy to make that compromise (I think!).
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