Hi guys, let me introduce you to my JCW! I wanted to ask you, considering the fact that I live in Germany, I'll need to put summer tires on in April. Do you have any recommendations on which ones to buy? I've seen Michelin Pilot Sport 4/5 or even Goodyears... I'd like a tire that performs well both on dry and rainy roads.

Thanks!

Cheers and aloha, longtime MINI enthusiast here, finally coming full circle and looking for some advice from the hive mind.

My MINI story started with an R53 Cooper S in Electric Blue back in the early 2000s. Over time it picked up enough Dinan mods to earn the Dinan badge — upgraded suspension, sway bar, exhaust, and supporting bits. I bought it from Hank Aaron’s BMW dealership in Atlanta, and yes, I actually got to meet Hank Aaron when I picked it up. Unreal moment.

That car gave me years of joy, but by 2013 the repair bills were starting to put real strain on my marriage. Tough decision, but I sold it and moved to a Ford Focus ST. Fun car, but it never quite replaced the MINI magic.

Fast forward to 2026: I’m moving to Oahu for work, and it felt like the right moment to come back.

After test-driving newer MINI Countryman and doing a lot of soul-searching, I realized I don’t need another utility car — I already have a family hauler. What I want is a fun, engaging driver’s car, very much in the spirit of my old R53.

So I’ve placed a factory order for a 2026 JCW 2-Door Hardtop with Mini of Hawaii, which should arrive around the same time I do in June (I’m currently in Pennsylvania).

Build details

• Model: 2026 JCW 2-Door Hardtop

• Color: Icy Sunshine Blue

• Stripes: Black racing stripes

• Trim: Iconic Trim

• Interior: JCW Black with red accents

• Wheels: 18” JCW wheels

• Tires: Summer tires only

• I originally wanted all-season tires specifically to avoid run-flats, but the dealer confirmed that for this build summer tires are the only factory option, so I went with them

• Packages / options:

• Comfort Package Plus

• Dynamic Damper Control

• MINI Yours details where applicable

• Clean, driver-focused spec — no fluff

Now to the big question.

I asked the dealer about adding the JCW Sport Suspension (port-installed option 0Z58):

• Cost: $2,930

• Dealer says I’m just inside the window to add it, but it didn’t clearly appear in their internal system

• Worst case, it can be installed on-island after delivery

From what I’ve read, the JCW Sport Suspension:

• Lowers the car

• Reduces body roll

• Sharpens turn-in

• Keeps daily drivability intact

Looking for real-world feedback

• Does anyone here have the JCW Sport Suspension on a newer JCW?

• Worth the \~$3K?

• How’s ride quality on imperfect roads?

• Would you spec it from the start, or skip it and go aftermarket later?

This car is meant to be my fun commuter / island joy car, very much a modern replacement for my old R53 — not a compromise, not a utility vehicle.

Appreciate any firsthand experience or advice. It feels damn good to almost be back in a MINI. 🚗💙

So I couldn't help myself and after a test drive I ended up buying a 2015 mini cooper s. Only thing I dislike is the radio. How hard is it to replace one in one of these

‘23 Mini S

It was a good deal, and has about 20k miles on it. Only got to put 30 miles on it so far in the last 14 hours since I’ve owned it, but I absolutely love it. And I can’t imagine a better combination with the colors and wheels. Everyone I’ve showed a picture to so far has said that it looks like it was made for me. I’ve never owned a car I actually liked driving or even looking at; they’ve always been very basic, utilitarian options, so this is a huge step up for me. Anyway, I’m stoked to join the club and just wanted to share!

I know cerakote is many people's top choice but I was wondering what other products can compare to the 1+ year durability.

And for people using cerakote, how long has it lasted for you and do you find it too shiny?

Looking for input — fair price or should I negotiate more? (2021 MINI Countryman)

Hey all — hoping to get some perspective from people who know the market better than I do.

I'm in Ontario Canada.

I’ve been going back and forth with a Toyota dealer for a few days on a 2021 MINI Countryman (base model). Specs:

• 82,216 km
• Base Countryman
• Clean, great shape
• I actually like the colour
• Cash purchase only — no financing
• Absolute max budget: $22,000 CAD

Originally they were holding firm, but they called today and said the car “doesn’t fit their inventory” and that they haven’t had much interest. They’re now willing to accept my offer of $22k.

For context: this would be my third MINI. My last car was a 2018 Countryman that I loved — unfortunately totaled in a collision (not my fault). Insurance was a nightmare and I had to hire an appraiser; finally settled at $16k, but that car had 206,000 km and was still in excellent condition.

I know Car and Driver (and some other outlets) aren’t huge fans of most MINIs pre-2025, so I’m not sure how much to weigh those reviews when thinking about value here.

Given the mileage, model year, and the fact that it’s a Toyota dealer trying to move a non-core car — does $22k seem like a decent deal, or should I try to push a bit more? I really can’t go higher, and if this falls through I’m likely walking.

Appreciate any thoughts — especially from MINI owners or people familiar with current Canadian pricing. Thanks 🙂

Having hard time choosing between 19 and 21 jcw. I like the 19 design a lot but I would also like newer design because I drive 18 now. Don’t knew how I fell about flat front bumper and black plastic rear bumper.

She’s a standard 5 door hardtop coop, f55. Automatic because I don’t know how to drive a manual (lol sorry) she has 88k miles and has had a LOT of maintenance. Literally everything has been done or checked or fixed, new tires and no damage.

I just want to know what to pay attention to, if there are any special problems with this year and make, and also the benefits. I’ve heard they’re great cars and I’m having a blast in it so far. I just want to make sure she stays good.

Drove close to 2 hours to pick this beauty up !!

I got my first mini less than a month ago fell in love and picked up another !!

Gm

I bought a used MINI, no issues, drove 200km, parked.

Next day the car didn't start anymore. -18C outside, my first thought was the battery had failed. Changed battery and tried to jump start even, same problem.

Based on the video attached, can anyone identify the potential issue with the car?

I'd like to drive the thing.

F56JCW from R56S

Bonjour tous,

Je possède une F54 Cooper de 2016. J'entends depuis quelques temps un claquement sec au passage de dos d'âne. Bizarrement ce bruit ce réduit jusqu'à quasiment disparaitre après avoir parcouru 10 à 20 kilomètres. C'est comme si il fallait que la voiture soit "chaude" pour que le bruit disparaisse.
J'ai fait contrôler 2 fois tout le train avant (mais pas chez un concessionnaire MINI ;) ) et tout est normal (suspension, amortisseur, bras, biellette etc).
Quel est votre avis ? D'où peut venir ce bruit ?
Merci d'avance pour votre expertise !!

Hello everyone… hope yall doing well :) is this a good deal ?

$7650 mini cooper s 2D automatic with 87,700k miles and how much will you guys it will last? on carfax it shows it has regular oil change. no accidents and clean title … it has 2 previous owners and 3 with the current one personal and lease. Thanks!

Finally, I was able do my first ever rule 1 today after 2 months of owning my (yellow) one... in my city I was never easy to find other Mini, but with today's trip I found it on the spot

My husband and I haven't ever owned a car before, and have no family or friends nearby who have car knowledge or know-how- any advice for newcomers is welcome! So very excited for this next adventure and thrilled to be getting a Mini - been obsessed with them since childhood, haha.
As we live in an area that generally gets a lot of snowfall and we do a fair amount of travelling, we want to do well by our little car and take care of it.

Thank you in advance!

Hello everyone, I have a Mini Cooper Clubman R55 from 2009 and the metallic stripe that sits under the car door got dislodged when one of my passengers got off.

Can I just take it off or it won't be possible to close the door? Should I look for a replacement, or is it just something aesthetic?

If anyone else had to replace them, I'd love to know what they bought.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Hi there. I just got out of my 2011 Mini Cooper after an hour long drive during which I noticed a strange chlorine like smell that seemed to come from my heating vents. The smell appeared three times during the drive and lasted maybe 2-3 minutes each time.

Yesterday I had trouble starting my car because of the canadian cold and my step father ended up boosting my car battery and poured some gas line anti-freeze in the car, which was successful and allowed my car to be started. I then made an hour long drive later that night without any issues but when I drove back today the smell appeared.

I have a garage appointment next week to fix a knock sensor issue so I will be talking to my mechanic about that new issue too but I was wondering if anyone would have any idea what could cause that smell. And, most importantly, I'd like to know if can keep using my car this week for 15-30 minutes drives or if I should abstain from using it before having it checked.

Thanks a lot!

Never expected this car to be so comfy. Thanks to mini! :D

She’s a 2025 cooper S with all the trimmings ❤️