Mini Dealer Dallas

Based on the total cost to own the Mini JCW, is the extra horsepower really worth it?

Being a Mini fan I would say definitely! But this would be a biased opinion since I do own a JCW. Seriously, considering the Total Cost to Own or the TCO, this would be a very relative question. This would really all depend on how much you like/love the Mini. But from a practical, logical point of view I would choose the Clubman S for several reasons which I will lay out in a future post.

Concentrating on the TCO, the S is cheaper by $7000; depreciation is lower by $2500 as well as all the rest of the taxes, fees and insurance costs. You mentioned horsepower. The JCW and The S are powered by 16 valve 4cyl engines but the S has an inline and the JCW a transverse aluminum block. The JCW has 208hp and the S 172 hp for a difference 36 horses. The S can accelerate from 0-60 in a decent 6.7 seconds while the JCW can do it in 6.5 seconds. So again is the extra 36 hp and .2 seconds worth the extra clams? Again, this is a relative question only you can answer. Personally my Mini JCW is a fun ride and I love it.

There really is a lot of talk and speculation around the Mini Crossman. Few details are being released by either Mini or its parent company, BMW. We’re not even sure if it’s going to be released in the US. Having said this, it would be extremely foolish if they don’t especially the way the auto industry is going.

All we can really go by are the few concept and spy photos that come out. The Crossman appears to have a higher ride height as compared to a Clubman. Overall length is 4 meters or just about. If the other photos are to be believed, and I hope it’s true, the Crossman will have a rather unique or odd (depends on who sees it I guess) door configuration. The right rear passenger door has the “standard” setup i.e. opens outward and forward. The left rear door is the unique one. Instead of opening outward, it has a slide mechanism similar to what you’d see on a van but naturally on a smaller door. Another photo shows the rear of the Crossman sporting a 2 wiper configuration and roof rails are clearly visible on top. Engine wise, we’re all still guessing. I’ll snoop around and see if I can get more info.

The other day a friend of mine asks my opinion of the Mini as she has plans on buying one-a Mini S JCW in fact.

So I went through the usual stuff: 1.6-liter (DOHC), 208 hp, 16-valve, in-line 4-cylinder aluminum-alloy engine, 6-speed Aisin Agitronic Automatic transmission (she wants an automatic), 0-100kph in 6.5 seconds (they’re used to metric here), either 16” or 17″ alloy wheels with run-flat all-season or performance tires and so on.

Ride wise I told her it’s a fun car to drive.

Safety wise, it’s got CBC (Cornering Brake Control), ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) among other things. Side impact protection and six airbags.

Handling is superb. Knowing she’s single, I said that this would be a good buy.

I wouldn’t have it she had a family knowing that the legroom at the back isn’t that great not to mention the pains for a rear seat passenger in a 2 door. Plus if she had kids it’s rather hard finding a car seat.

Overall she’ll have a blast in this car.

The Mini Cooper and in particular the Mini Cooper S is probably one of the better/practical designed cars to arrive on American shores. From the UK. Just ask anyone who has to drive home during rush hour in either L.A. or New York. Its 1.6 L I-4 SOHC 172 hp engine with intercooled turbo has more than enough horses under the bonnet (as the brits would say) to whiz you in and out of traffic snarls.

At an MSRP of $23,700, the Mini Cooper S beats its closest competitors not only in price but also in other departments. After taking one out for a test drive I have to say it was a fun ride. Two years ago, I took out a Mini Cooper S that had a stick shift. This one had a 6 speed automatic and the steering mounted paddles were a total joy. The bigger tires resulted in sharper turn and you can really feel the grip on the road.

My verdict? It’s a great car for single people or couples with no kids. I heard finding a child seat will be a challenge. Mini Cooper has increased its fun to drive factor yet keeping maintenance and running costs at bay. 26mpg city and 34mpg highway isn’t too bad is it?

Find out for yourself by test driving one at your local Mini Dealer.

Mini Cooper

Visions of Stella, the beautiful nerves of steel safecracker played by Charlize Theron in the movie Italian Job comes into mind when one sees a mini.

Born out of necessity in the UK due to fuel shortages brought about by then worsening crisis in the Gulf of Suez,the British Motor Company took on the challenge of creating an “orderly saloon that could still compete with the onslaught of fuel-efficient microcars on the market.”

The first mini came out in August 1956. Since then 5.3 million have been sold worldwide.

The mini S is the racing version created by British race driver John Cooper of the classic mini.

It has a turbocharged 16-valve inline alloy engine, electronic assisted steering, Aisin 6 speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters (optional) among other things.

With 172 horses under the bonnet, the mini S has a top speed of 139 mph and 0-60 in a decent 6.7 seconds.

The classic on the other hand has a top speed of 126 mph and 0-60 in 8.5 seconds.

Nowadays they may not break any speed or acceleration records but they will get you from point A to point B in style.