This £5k John Cooper Works Is A Mini We've Got Time For

When the Mini Paceman Adventure concept was unveiled, we mentioned that we're really not fans of the endless Mini derivatives. We do like the hatch, though, particularly in hot John Cooper Works form. And with prices for the earliest JCWs now temptingly cheap, we think these make a brilliant used performance buy.

The Cooper S version of the first-generation Mini hatch came with a supercharged 1.6-litre engine packing a respectable 163bhp, but the purchase of the factory-fitted John Cooper Works package upped the power to 200bhp. That gives a 0-62mph time of just 6.5 seconds, and a top speed of 143mph.

It's not just quick in a straight line, either. The Cooper S is a superb car to drive, with chuckable handling and excellent steering. Earlier cars can suffer from electrical issues and there were several recalls relating to engine problems, so be sure to check any potential purchase carefully.

This 2002 example could be worth a look. It's done just 54,000 miles, has a full Mini service history, and a certificate to prove the presence of the JCW pack. It's up for a fiver under £5k