MINI Cooper S JCW kit to A3/1 Series...Downgrade?

[jantonio16]

Hello!

To keep this short, I currently own a 2012 Automatic Cooper S with all JCW upgrades and some aftermarket bits such as: springs, sway bars, rear seat delete, downpipe.

I bought the car in 2015 because I wanted something small, sporty, and with black wheels. Tick, tick, and tick! lol. I tracked it in 2016 for the first time and it was loads of fun, but its also my daily...and I put 13k miles annually and it already has 35k miles. It doesn't sound like a lot but depreciation hits hard over here in Chile, which is why I'm thinking of changing it.

I know that to replace this level I'd be looking at RS/M/AMG territory, but I can't afford those at the moment and trying to keep it 2014+ to help with the resale every 2 years or so.

Sticking to small models and MINI interior/exterior quality. I know an A3 S line won't give me that Go-kart feel, but I'm not looking for a direct replacement. Can't have two cars either at the moment.

To downgrade or not to downgrade!?

P.S. Diesels such as popular models here in PH 120d, 330d are more expensive than petrol, especially 2014+. And having gone to the UK, I envy your diesels that come with M/AMG/RS trims. BMW/Audi diesels are basic as hell over here interior/exterior wise.

Thanks!!!

[HJMS123]

jantonio16 said:

Hello!
P.S. Diesels such as popular models here in PH 120d, 330d are more expensive than petrol, especially 2014+. And having gone to the UK, I envy your diesels that come with M/AMG/RS trims. BMW/Audi diesels are basic as hell over here interior/exterior wise.

You wouldn't envy them when they're constantly glued to your rear bumper on a daily basis

[corozin]

I woudln't regard the BMW as a downgrade at all. I have a friend who has a M235i on lease and TBH your MINI wouldn't see which way it went unless it was parking.

[jantonio16]

HJMS123 said:

You wouldn't envy them when they're constantly glued to your rear bumper on a daily basis

lol touché

[jantonio16]

corozin said:

I woudln't regard the BMW as a downgrade at all. I have a friend who has a M235i on lease and TBH your MINI wouldn't see which way it went unless it was parking.

haha I bet but I can't afford the higher end trims at the moment, but I AM considering a lease like your friend though.

Most hate leases but hey, maybe there's a good deal going on. If that's the case maybe I can stretch to a S3 or M135i. A M235i is too "new" to find used ones and also really expensive.

S3 or M135i, not a downgrade at all am I right?

[SWoll]

jantonio16 said:

haha I bet but I can't afford the higher end trims at the moment, but I AM considering a lease like your friend though.

Most hate leases but hey, maybe there's a good deal going on. If that's the case maybe I can stretch to a S3 or M135i. A M235i is too "new" to find used ones and also really expensive.

S3 or M135i, not a downgrade at all am I right?

I think you'll find most like leasing, it's just the naysayers are louder on the forums.

There have been a number of very good Golf R, S3 , M140i and M240i lease deals doing the rounds so worth a look. All of which would be a huge upgrade from the Mini IMHO.

[jantonio16]

SWoll said:

I think you'll find most like leasing, it's just the naysayers are louder on the forums.

There have been a number of very good Golf R, S3 , M140i and M240i lease deals doing the rounds so worth a look. All of which would be a huge upgrade from the Mini IMHO.

Without a doubt, thanks SWoll!