Mini Cooper S JCW (R56): Spotted
Everyone knows supercharged Minis cheap, but don't forget the turbo ones are getting there as well...
While the automotive world is still trying to wrap its collective head around the idea that the original 'new Mini' is now swiftly approaching its 18th birthday, the second generation version - or R56, if you know Minis - has rather passed unnoticed. It was first introduced in 2006, and given how rapidly the automotive landscape has move since then, there's probably something quite endearing about the Mini generation that seems somewhat forgotten about.
Think of it this way: it's going to be more grown up and liveable than an original R53 Mini, while also way better looking, lighter and sharper to drive than the current car. A JCW like this car has more power (211hp) than a new Fiesta ST, Polo GTI or Renaultsport Clio, with reviews from a few years back describing it as having "eager, tenacious, rough-and-tumble, scruff-of-the-neck charm." How often are new cars criticised, even the supposedly feisty hot hatches, for being a bit meek and forgettable? Here is a car built less than a decade ago that's brimming with up-and-at-'em energy that any small car, current Minis included, will struggle to match.
Ah yes, you're going to say: "but that's the Mini with the Prince engine and its dodgy timing chain tensioners". And you'd be absolutely right, because it is. However, this particular R56 JCW is special for having its timing chain and tensioner replaced - sadly there isn't any more information on where this was done or when, but addressing probably this generation's most significant flaw must be a plus point.
But then you might also say: "Eight grand for a 2009 Mini? That's madness; I could have a Fiesta ST for that money!" Again, you'd be right, because £8,180 buys this 2014 Fiesta ST with 45,000 miles on it. That said, Minis are renowned for their tough residuals, retaining money when many less prestigious cars might not. The very cheapest JCW of any kind on PH currently is £6.5k, for example. The hope therefore being that their rarity and desirability will mean you get more of that £8k back when you come to sell. The Fiesta ST, great car though it is, will surely only continue to get cheaper.
This particular car appeals too because, in the myriad of Mini options, it's come out looking quite good. Oh sure, the lemon cheesecake interior inserts won't be to all tastes, but the Challenge wheels, black stripes on off-white paint and red calipers look pretty smart from here. Certainly it's very easy to imagine worse specifications out there.
Don't forget, either, that if this isn't for you as standard, then there are going to be all manner of modifying options out there too. It could be made into a track car, a show car or whatever else you desire given the scope of new Mini modifying. This engine once held a record for the highest specific output in a production motor, too, before the Peugeot RCZ R made 270hp from just 1,598cc - so if you're feeling brave...
Bear in mind, finally, that there are half a dozen Mini GP2s for sale on PH - with which this car shares a decent amount - at twice the price and its case looks a lot stronger. The fast Mini is never going to be for everyone, but then neither should it be dismissed out of hand by enthusiasts either. As the brand appears to cater more and more for the lifestyle side of things, don't be surprised to find these impish hot hatches become ever more in demand.
SPECIFICATION - MINI COOPER S JCW (R56)
Engine: 1,598cc, 4-cyl turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 211@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 206@1,950rpm
MPG: 40.9
CO2: 164g/km
First registered: 2009
Recorded mileage: 68,000
Price new: £20,995 (2008)
Yours for: £7,999
See the original advert here.
Its fast enough, makes all the right noises with the sport button pressed and is really fun to drive. Its feels like it wants to be driven for a laugh and actually handles quite well. My VX220 is a great car but its very serious and demands your full concentration, the mini feels like its eager and egging you on to enjoy it all the time.
You need to find one with the right service history because of the issues mentioned (mine came from a Mini dealer so has a good warranty and mini assist for a year) but other than that my only issue is playing music from your phone through the stereo is a pain.
- Tensioner (of course)
- Complete replacement of the sunroof
- "Lost" engine mount
- Gearbox issues
I was lucky though: didn't need to replace the HP pump (but my father had to, in his R56).
In one word: wonderful to drive, crappy to own.
Helpfully there's a USB port right next to the aux port so you can leave it permanently plugged in (I use the 12V socket if I need to plug a phone in as well).
I remember taking it in to MINI to report the rattling top end at start up and they just dismissed it with "oh, it's something you read on the internet"
I think that's what made me sell it..
I really like them, but the engine is never praised for reliability!
I'll make sure I remember I've posted this if it ever s
ts itself 
If you're that worried about the tensioners, you can pick one of these up at a main dealer and therefore get an extendable factory warranty with it.
This one is near me, for example, and i reckon can be bought for £9750. Yes, that's more money given the r56 I owned has both the tensioners replaced and a full clutch/flywheel as well as an aircon unit during my ownership, it's got to be worth it for the piece of mind. Extending the warranty is about £600 a year after the first year.
https://approvedusedminis.co.uk/vehicle/2018102417...
That's what I'd be doing. Buying from a small used dealership is not where to go with one of these little rockets.
I'm on my 5th Mini now, bought the first one in 2002, first of the Cooper S. It was rubbish. Bought another in 2004 and it was much better.
Now on an F56 Works Challenge 210 which is far better than all the ones that went before. All this chitter about the earlier ones handling better is dubious too IMHO. The Challenge is fantastic and much better than the R56 that went before it. More compliant ride doesn't necessarily equate to less good handling.
Regardless, maybe a bit better as a daily than the R53 - yes it's better looking and has a supercharger, but fuel consumption is dreadful, tax is huge and a lot of them are rusting away/suffering from bad oil leaks now.
We got rid of my wife's one around this time last year and I couldn't wait to see the back of it. Ours was on optional 18" wheels, all of which cracked in the few years we had the car and required replacing. Various interior speakers failed. Engine oil consumption was high and needed frequent checking and topping up. Rattles from everywhere in the interior. Eventually the oil pump failed and it was nothing but luck that the engine wasn't lunched as it failed literally as my wife got home one day.
I've just bought an N18 engine'd Cooper S and I absolutely love the thing, great fun to drive. Feels like a premium product on the inside too with the nav, Harman Kardon etc.
It replaced a 5.0 XKR as a temporary little toy whilst I buy a new house etc... Not sure I can see the Mini going anywhere though even when the time comes for another 'proper' car.
Just look out for one with a full service history.
It does drink oil but that is common across the full R56 range. Compared to its competition the premium build quality makes it a class leader for that time. Just enough power, good steering feedback once I had the geometry looked at, random pops on the over run and strong brakes make it a nice hot hatch for the money it commands today.
The standard run flats do make the ride annoyingly hard but again that's common across the full R56 range. Will look to a non run flat in the future.
Electronic steering rack went
Cam chain tensioner developed death rattle
Drank oil at a rate of 1l per 1k miles
Wish i'd done more research before buying but at the time I needed a car quickly and I really fancied one, shame as despite the above it was a nice car.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff