Discussion
After considering and trying a whole range of different cars to replace my TVR, including Caymans, the F-Type V6S (incredible) and an M3, I decided that due to having to spend long times working overseas there wasn't much point in having an expensive sports car just sitting in my garage and not being used. As much as I have enjoyed having my TVR it was spending more time off the road than on it - and I've found it to be a car that likes to be used regularly and was never happy being sat for extended periods.
So, I decided to look for something more affordable, that wouldn't mind being sat for extended periods, a bit more sensible but also fun. This led me to a car I had always wanted when it was launched - the MINI JCW. I found this car while working away and bought it via email so I could collect it when I got home. I had never bought a car this way so was a bit apprehensive but really liked the look and spec of this one. Thankfully when I actually saw the car at the dealers it was just as described, so payment was made and I began the long journey home in it.
First impressions: I love it. I don't think I've had a car that I've liked as much as this one straight away. I have had a couple of Coopers in the past, but this one with 211bhp is over double what my first two were. It feels really quick for such a small car - I've even struggled to keep up with it on bumpy country roads when I was following in the TVR. I have a great commute to work down the back lanes, which the car is perfect for. It has got a very firm ride but it's worth it when really pushing on. It is a car that encourages you to drive it quickly - usual routine is to jump in, heated seats on (lovely) and sport button pressed (which gives a bit more torque and weights the steering up a bit) and enjoy the drive to work. Once the car is warmed up the exhaust rasps and pops nicely - I've left the rear seats folded down which means you can hear the exhaust that bit better. The other brilliant bit is running costs (so far) - the tax is great value and to insure it fully comp for me was less than £200! My old BMW 3 series was £600 last year so I can't work out why this is so much cheaper!
I can't think of any negatives yet..!
I will be sad to see the TVR go when I put it on the market, but I am looking forward to running the MINI for a good while yet.
Chalk and cheese?
So, I decided to look for something more affordable, that wouldn't mind being sat for extended periods, a bit more sensible but also fun. This led me to a car I had always wanted when it was launched - the MINI JCW. I found this car while working away and bought it via email so I could collect it when I got home. I had never bought a car this way so was a bit apprehensive but really liked the look and spec of this one. Thankfully when I actually saw the car at the dealers it was just as described, so payment was made and I began the long journey home in it.
First impressions: I love it. I don't think I've had a car that I've liked as much as this one straight away. I have had a couple of Coopers in the past, but this one with 211bhp is over double what my first two were. It feels really quick for such a small car - I've even struggled to keep up with it on bumpy country roads when I was following in the TVR. I have a great commute to work down the back lanes, which the car is perfect for. It has got a very firm ride but it's worth it when really pushing on. It is a car that encourages you to drive it quickly - usual routine is to jump in, heated seats on (lovely) and sport button pressed (which gives a bit more torque and weights the steering up a bit) and enjoy the drive to work. Once the car is warmed up the exhaust rasps and pops nicely - I've left the rear seats folded down which means you can hear the exhaust that bit better. The other brilliant bit is running costs (so far) - the tax is great value and to insure it fully comp for me was less than £200! My old BMW 3 series was £600 last year so I can't work out why this is so much cheaper!
I can't think of any negatives yet..!
I will be sad to see the TVR go when I put it on the market, but I am looking forward to running the MINI for a good while yet.
Chalk and cheese?
melvster said:
Lovely Mini, I'm adamant that i will have one of these next or an R53 GP. Always felt the urge to own a Mini at some point, cool looking cars in JCW spec. Enjoy 
I'm happy I went for a JCW over an 'S' although that would have been cheaper. I did try an 'S' Coupe which was fun but this just feels and looks that bit more special.My wife has a '13 JCW Roadster. I ordered a Golf R, which she has 'stolen' off me and given me her MINI
TBH it's taking a while to shrug off the fact I'm driving a convertible MINI, but the popping exhaust and bags of power makes up for it! I don't think in the 2 yrs we've had it, it's ever done a journey without the Sport button pressed!
TBH it's taking a while to shrug off the fact I'm driving a convertible MINI, but the popping exhaust and bags of power makes up for it! I don't think in the 2 yrs we've had it, it's ever done a journey without the Sport button pressed!
Pretty much echos whatever loved about my R56 GP, total fun in a lairy fwd chassis.
Anyone who doesn't think they're fun needs their head reading. Plus I've never known why there is so much waffle written about the 205gti when mini are selling a car that will totally outperform it while doing just as much lift off oversteer.
Anyone who doesn't think they're fun needs their head reading. Plus I've never known why there is so much waffle written about the 205gti when mini are selling a car that will totally outperform it while doing just as much lift off oversteer.
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