Said goodbye to my beloved Mini Copper S JCW: Parting observations

If you intend to put the JCW kit on your car I strongly suggest getting the upgraded JCW brake kit from MINI.

BHPian quickdraw recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I got a call one fine day from Bhuvan (Bhuvan_Prasad on TBHP) saying that one of his friends is looking to buy a Mini. Although I was not really seriously thinking of selling the car, I entertained the idea because Bhuvan is awesome and since it was a TBHPian it would be a hassle free deal. Plus there is always an itch to upgrade and I had owned the car and really enjoyed it. Few phone calls with his friend and just 2 days before 2021 starts I bid farewell to one of the most special cars of my life. Shani has been enjoying biryani and life in Hyderabad.

Handing over keys to Bhuvan.

I will keep this thread open and continue to answer any questions people have. I keep getting a lot of private messages but suggest folks who are interested in F56 generation MINI platform to ask here since it can help the community at large and I am always happy to help out.

Some parting remarks from my side:

• The F56 was a robust and bomb proof car, at-least the generation I had with Torque converter never gave me mechanical issues of any kind and will age well if you're considering a used one.
• If you intend to put the JCW kit on your car I strongly suggest getting the upgraded JCW brake kit from MINI. In hindsight its clear to me once you get the JCW remap the stock brakes just aren't good enough.
• The LCI version of the car that came in 2018 had the price increase of 1.5 lakh and had minor changes in form of headlights/tail lights and a DCT gearbox
• Overall maintenance of the car is very manageable and might be one of the best choices to have a sports car in India that can go anywhere.
• I am extremely pleased with the support provided by MINI India, in-fact I am sure I will forever want to have a Mini in the garage due to the excellent ownership experience with the brand. The community is also very tight knit. (I continue to be part of a Mini India whatsapp group.
• Unfortunately the Mini Cooper Hatch has been discontinued in India.

The car was replaced by a F54 Mini Cooper Clubman in April 2021 and I have started writing the detailed thread and my ownership experience and intend to post it soon.

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