RE: Mini JCW GP: Spotted

[Aftershox]

One thing I've noticed running this car, on road-trips it actually fits the role quite well considering that the boot is quite massive really.

Only thing you can't do is leave luggage in there overnight!

[2strokejunkie]

As an owner of an 2009 R56 JCW Hatch (I know not as hard core as the GP) I can confirm they are great daily drivers, For the last 3 years I have done 16 k per year , on a daily 80 mile round trip on B and A Roads as well as Motorways. Of course they are a bit noisy on the Motorway, but I would not change it. As an daily driver ownership proposition these R56 are excellent, in terms of enjoyment (power to weight, agility, handling) , durability (no problems with mine as yet and its at 64K now), and running costs (37mpg).

I would totally recommend it . Just make sure it is decoked every 30-40k, runs High octane fuel and is not doing large numbers of stop start short journeys.

She's a keeper ..........

[arkenphel]

Thesse are ridiculously fast cars. I had a R56 Cooper D, then an SD and the SD was too fast for roads in this country, let alone the fastest version. Extremely fun to drive though.

I was tempted by one of these, but the lack of a rear window wiper stopped me (yes, I know! ) The rear window gets very dirty making a rear wiper a must where i live out in the sticks. I didn't fancy getting out every time I wanted to reverse park just to wash/ clean the rear window.

[moffat]

arkenphel said:

Thesse are ridiculously fast cars. I had a R56 Cooper D, then an SD and the SD was too fast for roads in this country, let alone the fastest version. Extremely fun to drive though.
.

Compared to a potato maybe... a diesel to fast for UK roads? C'mon!

[robinandcamera]

I was excited about buying one of these new. It was nominated for the Evo car of the year AND Evo track car of the year. It must be my kind of car, plus big brakes, adjustable suspension etc from the factory.

However I drove one and just couldnt get excited. It wasnt that fast (the dealer in the passenger seat seemed to think the opposite, given the ghostly white she went with my driving), and just didn't have the soul I was after, so I ended up with one of the late S2000s, then an elise (honda converted) very shortly after.

Hated the gear shift, the engine didnt have excitement for me, seating position I didnt like, steering (although rack was quick) felt way too light and no feedback. Brakes massively over servo'd as well.

I really wanted to want it, I was really disappointed as I had already found a supplier of a bolt in half cage and planned on recaro pole position buckets to make my own mini 'gt3'...

Edited by robinandcamera on Wednesday 7th June 18:02

[Alpinestars]

I had great expectations about these, but it turned out to be one of the most disappointing cars ever.

I don't get all the accolades at all. The e steering is terrible. The R53 is a much better steer.

[n3il123]

whythem said:

There are plenty of £2k highly modified Mini's out there if you want to try a hot mini.

Tell me more where I can find them!

[MDifficult]

BenLowden said:

Thanks for rubbing salt in the wound Matt! Regret selling mine, an incredible all rounder and I'd be making money now instead of losing it. But as others have said, now the prices on these are creeping up and a Megane Trophy/Cup S can be had for similar money, I'd take the Megane.

Is this where I rub my hands together and do my evil laugh Ben?

You'll be pleased to know 'your' GP is still going strong and you've still got first refusal if I ever change it

[irish boy]

Superb little things. Really loved being thrown down the road after bigger machinery.

Mine would still be in the garage if not for the baby arrival and need for rear seats.

[BenLowden]

MDifficult said:

Is this where I rub my hands together and do my evil laugh Ben?

You'll be pleased to know 'your' GP is still going strong and you've still got first refusal if I ever change it

I'll hold you to that Tom! Obviously by which time it will have depreciated massively, and I'll pay you significantly less than what I sold it to you for... I probably could have fetched another £2K if I was selling it now! Good to know it's in safe hands though.

[gkw90]

Lovely cars, similar to another poster, I've "only" got the R56 JCW. and have for around 4 years and 50,000 miles. Interesting to see some of the critiques from it. I've found mine a joy to drive, steering, brakes, gearshift, seating, visibility, all excellent. It'll even to 42mpg on the motorway if you stick to 70/80. Engine sounds very good and you need to work it to hear it pop and bang.

Cannot remember if the GP2 uses the same engine as the JCW (I assume so), the R56 can go through tensioners and High Pressure Fuel Pumps. Had to have those done on mine so a bit of a detractor. Mine uses a bit of oil, within BMW's specs, but it needs to be checked regularly. But these are known issues and can be rectified simply, if not cheaply. Servicing you can do yourself as everything is relatively easy to get to and parts aren't that expensive. Fuel filter is in the tank under the seat though. Would love a GP2!

[V8A*ndy]

Alpinestars said:

The R53 is a much better steer.

[MaxA]

The GP2 is a great fun car, almost impossible not to drive like an utter berk. One of the best drives in my life was to take one up Jebal Jais. It responds well to a few mods, and to being driven hard, but it is too much for many people who just want a daily driver with Apple CarPlay to surf up the motorway. They don't want a track ready car that is too loud, too harsh, too pointy. But that's exactly why I love the GP2.

[Alpinestars]

V8A*ndy said:

Alpinestars said:

The R53 is a much better steer.

And much better (for feel) diff.

[MDifficult]

BenLowden said:

I'll hold you to that Tom! Obviously by which time it will have depreciated massively, and I'll pay you significantly less than what I sold it to you for... I probably could have fetched another £2K if I was selling it now! Good to know it's in safe hands though.

I'm choosing to see the price rises as purely seasonal - the benefit of buying niche cars in mid-winter. Certainly not banking it

[whythem]

n3il123 said:

whythem said:

There are plenty of £2k highly modified Mini's out there if you want to try a hot mini.

Tell me more where I can find them!

This sort of thing should be around 230BHP

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-MINI-COOPER-S-1-6-S...