Raiti's not lying here folks, everyone who drove my 2dr coupe 2017 Cooper S said it was the most fun they had in a car, I've driven almost every sports car on the market and this is up there in driving fun along side Cayman's and M2's, I currently have an M240i convertible and I still really miss my mini, definitely will get another one in the future!
I’ve had 3 Minis including the roadster, now discontinued, sadly. Now drive an MX-5 aka Miata and I must say, it looks like a sports car, drives like a sports car and is a sports car while being multi-thousands cheaper than this JCW. No stick shift is just sinful.
Props to Joe man! This guy can review every segment of any car in one take. It takes a lot of natural talent my friend! (I’m wondering, how long does filming these vehicles usually take you?)
I’ve got to say, this Mini looks hot but the Miata is better. Miata is more reliable and has better quality than this John Cooper Works. Miata comes with a better gearbox that is more fun to drive. It also has higher quality leather and a standard transmission (manual) and it’s at a lower price! You can’t beat Japanese quality!
Yes actually German,American,Australian and British cars are much more reliable Japanese cars are made as cheap as possible and also they breakdown more than any type of other car manufacturers that make/produce cars so yeah sorry to disappoint you.
I love the mini so much. I think it’s perfect for more millennial/younger buyers especially with all the little toggle switches and that circular center display. I think the Miata is more geared towards enthusiast/older gens that don’t care for too much visual or flashy tech in the cars. Both look nice tho but as a millennial myself I definitely see myself in a Mini more
They have a manual in the 2021 minis :) what happened with the manual is that they got delayed in the calibration testing so that's why they went away.
A fair review Joe. I thought that you covered both the positives and negatives well. This is a hard sell new due to the price. It really is a fun car to drive. I didn't fit in the coupe. It looks like I should have considered the convertible.
Look at this thing!!! It sure is a looker, Joe. Personally, I'd take the Miata over this Mini JCW, but I love that Mini keeps making these...no manual, withstanding. 😩😩😭😭😭😭 Thanks for the review though man!!! Ain't nobody working hard out in these streets like you and #CrownVic and Lori!!! #RaitisRides #OnThrottle #ToTheDoorPanel #TwinkiesGoWhere #CrownVic #OnThrottleAgain #Zonkmeister #Mini #JCW
I have a Miata ND2 RF-GT and I am a little biased, but after driving a Cooper S manual, I can say the Cooper is really fun to drive with 2 more seat. Compare the 2-door Cooper S with a ND2 is more similar, especially on price, but JCW on price is more than $10k over the Miata GT or the Club trim even the RF. The Cooper S manual has a good punch of torque on 2nd gear, at different than the Miata that is more progressive and even from 1st gear, but the miata feel more responsive with good steering feedback and the body roll is better controlled and the weight is also noticeable. If you want a city car, with space for 4 or to a beach trip, get the Mini convertible, tbe Cooper S is a good option, if you are looking for a more sport feeling and performance, the Miata
Great review Joe! Would love to see you review one of the limited production 2021 Mini JCW GP models. I think there are only three-thousand being made for the world.
Any Mini convertible is better than a Miata. The Mini has a much better build quality, fit and finish and interior space. The Miata feels claustrophobic and the windshield is too close to your head.
J-MAN ~ so glad they brought the door speakers up into the arm rest region as opposed to the downward corner like on my MINI COOPER S because a person tends to push the door open with their foot right on the freaking speaker cover, mine is cracked due that poor placement. Twinkie for MINI for evolving. dude, trust me - sport mode on a MINI is no gimmick or joke, you punch sports mode & ZOWWY ZOW ZOW you're hitting 90mph in the blink of an eye. no joke folks. I kinda dig the trunk zone - different than mine which is a baby hatch. lol. my high school MG & my current MINI gets more thumbs up & more babe attention than when I drove my BMW M - no joke. thanks Joe, you're one of the good guys. - tony
Tell manufacturers to get rid of the engine covers because we love to see those wonderful Twin Cam covers. We want to see the engine. Its a beautiful car and of course its severely detuned. This car can be boosted up to 300 HP without doing anything else. The BMW Mini has had a very bad reputation for bad reliability and I hope this one will be better. However they are quick and fun. So leasing may be the right thing to do. Its not good value for money, so one has to really love this car to buy it. The Miata is ultra reliable but since the Mini is turbocharged, I think my preference would be for the Mini. The Manual would be better, but BMWs transmission matched with the turbo is done properly.
I own a 124 Spider and I would neverrrrrr consider a mini but this one is cool!!! I think I have watched all of your reviews, lol!!! This one made me think twice about a mini thou, great job as always!
If you must have this type of car, buy the miata or lease the mini. never the other way around. Without even discussing about the reliability of the mini, just look at how cramp the engine bay is compare to the miata. When it comes to repairs, that design is gonna drain your wallet.
Remember the 2-seat Mini Roadster? That would be the ideal competitor for the MX-5. Too bad they stopped production in 2015, the same year as the final 3rd generation MX-5.
Joe nice overview. I am in a doubt.Wich one would you pick,Mx5 2.0 soft top,or Mini JCW Cabrio? I really like both.In you opinión wich one worth it more?
Reminds me of some cartoon cars. Everything taste better with blue bonnet on it. Imagine showing up to prison in this car. You’ll be the bell 🛎 of the ball. Thank you for bringing this to us Joe. You are the best!!!
I wish I could have bought the convertible but I got the regular Mini Cooper 2021 , I live in a very humid area and I won’t have much fun with it , thats the main reason I didn’t go for the convertible one 💔
Does the 2021 JCW convertible come with the JCW Pro Exhaust option? Local dealer in MA. says no but does the exhaust provide that fun experience as per your review? Thx.
I feel like I get it because my wife had a blue one with white racing stripes. Everything about the car constantly reminds you it’s a Mini. Gave her north of 200k miles before selling too. @ $46k for this I’m still going Miata.
I owned the first generation Miata also mr2 best cars ever to drive test drove the new Miata and Mini Cooper s manual convertible bought the mini it was a better ride for me of course I traded it in for a m240i convertible not manual but I’m loving it
It's more refined than a Miata. Whether that's worth the $10K depends on the buyer. Having driven both, I would spring for the difference because the Miata is too uncomfortable for me.
I have 3 things to say about this. First... it looks like a freaking hearse with the top on. Second, when those read headrests are up like they were in this video, it looks absolutely ridiculous. Third, the price is just ridiculous; I don’t think anyone would disagree with that. *this is not hate to the TH-camr... just the car 😜*
This isn't an apples to apples comparison. Why do people always want to compare stuff to the Miata. The Miata is just always the best answer. The base mini is more comparable than the mini s or jcw.
LOL? Is this a trick question. The obvious answer is Miata. This BMW has more horror stories than Vincent Price. Customers literally walking away from these cars and refusing to pick them up from dealer service depts! And lets face it....this new version has nothing to do with the original Mini.....
Not for me but can appreciate the history. Way to expensive for what it is. Original Mini’s were meant to be economic, fun and affordable. Unlike these ones.
I love my mini!!! But, the key is buying it used. I bought a used 2017 mini copper S 4 door limited edition (one of 150 in the USA) Carbon Edition, with a JCW tuning kit, carbon fiber & JCW bits, 208 hp, for $23,000 ($36,000 MSRP). Wouldn’t trade it for the world...so to speak! Handles amazing on the best drivers roads on the planet (IMO):)
That half roll back of the conv. top would be great if Ms. Lori were taking newborn Joe Jr. with her. Joe Jr. would be shaded from the sun while Ms. Lori enjoys it. Something to think about Joe (-;
I have been your fan, but seems like you don't value your non-American fans. I had posted a comment at three different times requesting you to do a review of the 2021 RAM Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition, but you didn't even bother to respond! It's perfectly fine with me if you can't do it for any reasons, however, you should give some respect to your fans by atleast replying to their message if you can't entertain their request. Just a thought!
cute money pit. a car has to have 2 out of 3 of these; reliable, fast, inexpensive. this car isnt reliable, its not fast and its not inexpensive lol its just cute thats it
The Convertible starts at 38k?? Yeah, ok, I think saving ~10k and going for the Miata is the answer. Like it always is.
I totally agree with you!
What up Joe? I would take the Miata, as we know. Miata Is Always The Answer.
The Miata needs to be turbocharged. Nothing works well without turbo
Raiti's not lying here folks, everyone who drove my 2dr coupe 2017 Cooper S said it was the most fun they had in a car, I've driven almost every sports car on the market and this is up there in driving fun along side Cayman's and M2's, I currently have an M240i convertible and I still really miss my mini, definitely will get another one in the future!
Mini convertibles are amazing!!! Thank you so much Joe for the great videos. The best on the website.
I really, really think Joe was looking for every opportunity available to say bonnet”, haha 🤔🤣
$46k! Way too much. Top of the line Touring Miata for $33k
AGREED
Maybe but so worth it ❤️ Love my Mini 😍
to answer your question, NO!
Agreed
Never knew this exists, but I’m glad it does.
I’ve had 3 Minis including the roadster, now discontinued, sadly. Now drive an MX-5 aka Miata and I must say, it looks like a sports car, drives like a sports car and is a sports car while being multi-thousands cheaper than this JCW. No stick shift is just sinful.
Agree with many having owned 2 minis and now having an MX-5 RF you can't beat the driving dynamics of the Miata.
I came here because I was dreaming driving it. With the roof off and the perfect weather in the afternoon time.
Props to Joe man! This guy can review every segment of any car in one take. It takes a lot of natural talent my friend! (I’m wondering, how long does filming these vehicles usually take you?)
Hey Alex! That’s so awesome of you to say. I usually get it done in an hour. That’s including taking photos for Instagram and what not.
Raiti's Rides that’s crazy fast. It takes me like 2 days to memorize presentations for school
I’ve got to say, this Mini looks hot but the Miata is better. Miata is more reliable and has better quality than this John Cooper Works. Miata comes with a better gearbox that is more fun to drive. It also has higher quality leather and a standard transmission (manual) and it’s at a lower price! You can’t beat Japanese quality!
#savethemanuals
You hit the nails on the heads!
Charles Hillis AGREED 💯
:)
Yes actually German,American,Australian and British cars are much more reliable Japanese cars are made as cheap as possible and also they breakdown more than any type of other car manufacturers that make/produce cars so yeah sorry to disappoint you.
This John Cooper Works is my favorite John Cooper Works out of all the John Cooper Works... John Cooper Works.
I am so glad that I could share this one with you1
Joe: Glad to see your having too much fun again...this car does make you smile..Thanks again for presenting a fun ride. Zonk the price though!
I love the mini so much. I think it’s perfect for more millennial/younger buyers especially with all the little toggle switches and that circular center display. I think the Miata is more geared towards enthusiast/older gens that don’t care for too much visual or flashy tech in the cars. Both look nice tho but as a millennial myself I definitely see myself in a Mini more
And the auto makes sense since I never learned to drive manual 🤣
I am so glad that I can share it with you!
That is a great point!
Raiti's reviews are the best! But, 46K? Way too much money. I would much rather have a manual Mazda MX-5 RF GT for a lot less money.
These are fun to drive! I have a coworker who has a 2006 with a six speed manual and it's got enough room even for me! And I'm 6'4"!
They have a manual in the 2021 minis :) what happened with the manual is that they got delayed in the calibration testing so that's why they went away.
Sheesh. Your reviews are amazing. Your review made me an even prouder mini owner.
Just watched one of Joe’s old GTR review video where he said” thanks god I started Raiti’s Ride”, me too buddy
A fair review Joe. I thought that you covered both the positives and negatives well. This is a hard sell new due to the price. It really is a fun car to drive. I didn't fit in the coupe. It looks like I should have considered the convertible.
Having lived in Dunedin (580 & CR 70) & Clearwater (Nursery Rd & 19), it's nice to see the old neighborhood again. Thanks!
Jcw mini is the first video I ever watched of yours
That is so awesome Ricky!😎👍🏻
Next Review will be a 2021 Mini Cooper JCW GP ??
Fingers crossed
Not a fan of minis (maybe coz I’m 6’4), but this one is really nice. Colour combination is 👍🏼
JOE ~ we are brothers, so you already know how I feel & what I'm thinking . . . . simply put = thank you. you are THE man. - tony
I appreciate that!
Sup Joe. Don't like convertibles but hey I do love the JCW trim ❤
I guess it’s a half thumbs up for you:
Whoa!!! Dude, that Mini Cooper fits your image so perfect Raiti !! sell that GT350R and just get Mini Cooper bro!
Miata always answered your question.
AGREED
I like the mini fun to drive and I can still throw stuff in the backseat or take my small dogs with us for a ride along with another passenger
Look at this thing!!! It sure is a looker, Joe. Personally, I'd take the Miata over this Mini JCW, but I love that Mini keeps making these...no manual, withstanding. 😩😩😭😭😭😭 Thanks for the review though man!!! Ain't nobody working hard out in these streets like you and #CrownVic and Lori!!! #RaitisRides #OnThrottle #ToTheDoorPanel #TwinkiesGoWhere #CrownVic #OnThrottleAgain #Zonkmeister #Mini #JCW
I have a Miata ND2 RF-GT and I am a little biased, but after driving a Cooper S manual, I can say the Cooper is really fun to drive with 2 more seat. Compare the 2-door Cooper S with a ND2 is more similar, especially on price, but JCW on price is more than $10k over the Miata GT or the Club trim even the RF. The Cooper S manual has a good punch of torque on 2nd gear, at different than the Miata that is more progressive and even from 1st gear, but the miata feel more responsive with good steering feedback and the body roll is better controlled and the weight is also noticeable. If you want a city car, with space for 4 or to a beach trip, get the Mini convertible, tbe Cooper S is a good option, if you are looking for a more sport feeling and performance, the Miata
Great review Joe! Would love to see you review one of the limited production 2021 Mini JCW GP models. I think there are only three-thousand being made for the world.
Thanks man! I would love to as well!
Any Mini convertible is better than a Miata. The Mini has a much better build quality, fit and finish and interior space. The Miata feels claustrophobic and the windshield is too close to your head.
Very unique video Joe! Keep it up man!
Thanks for letting me share it with you!
J-MAN ~ so glad they brought the door speakers up into the arm rest region as opposed to the downward corner like on my MINI COOPER S because a person tends to push the door open with their foot right on the freaking speaker cover, mine is cracked due that poor placement. Twinkie for MINI for evolving. dude, trust me - sport mode on a MINI is no gimmick or joke, you punch sports mode & ZOWWY ZOW ZOW you're hitting 90mph in the blink of an eye. no joke folks. I kinda dig the trunk zone - different than mine which is a baby hatch. lol. my high school MG & my current MINI gets more thumbs up & more babe attention than when I drove my BMW M - no joke. thanks Joe, you're one of the good guys. - tony
GTI for me man!
I’ll go Veloster N!
Hardly a convertible
Tell manufacturers to get rid of the engine covers because we love to see those wonderful Twin Cam covers. We want to see the engine. Its a beautiful car and of course its severely detuned. This car can be boosted up to 300 HP without doing anything else. The BMW Mini has had a very bad reputation for bad reliability and I hope this one will be better. However they are quick and fun. So leasing may be the right thing to do. Its not good value for money, so one has to really love this car to buy it. The Miata is ultra reliable but since the Mini is turbocharged, I think my preference would be for the Mini. The Manual would be better, but BMWs transmission matched with the turbo is done properly.
All Mini's from 2014 and up are much better in reliability than previous models. I have a 2019 and it's rock solid.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 Your car is barely 1 year old, how do you know it's reliable?
@@caribbeangtr8077 My wife's Mini is 2015 and hasn't had a single issue.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 You must be the one. Glad I found you.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 is that a car of that age still has no problems, wait 5 or 10 more years
I own a 124 Spider and I would neverrrrrr consider a mini but this one is cool!!! I think I have watched all of your reviews, lol!!! This one made me think twice about a mini thou, great job as always!
That's a car that Ms. Lori would drive to the fitness center and make sure all the guy's, in their muscle shirts, see her get out of it (-;
LMAO! LOL
Great enthusiasm and, once the top went down, I felt like I was in the car!
If the Miata and Grindr don’t work for ya that mini will sure do the trick.
If you must have this type of car, buy the miata or lease the mini. never the other way around.
Without even discussing about the reliability of the mini, just look at how cramp the engine bay is compare to the miata. When it comes to repairs, that design is gonna drain your wallet.
Nice car! The Mazda seems COOLER. I know a NICE LADY with a car like this Nice job Joe.
Remember the 2-seat Mini Roadster? That would be the ideal competitor for the MX-5. Too bad they stopped production in 2015, the same year as the final 3rd generation MX-5.
Joe nice overview.
I am in a doubt.Wich one would you pick,Mx5 2.0 soft top,or Mini JCW Cabrio?
I really like both.In you opinión wich one worth it more?
Reminds me of some cartoon cars. Everything taste better with blue bonnet on it. Imagine showing up to prison in this car. You’ll be the bell 🛎 of the ball. Thank you for bringing this to us Joe. You are the best!!!
Two tone interiors are popular these days but I don't like one of those tones being white.
I wish I could have bought the convertible but I got the regular Mini Cooper 2021 , I live in a very humid area and I won’t have much fun with it , thats the main reason I didn’t go for the convertible one 💔
Is the Mini more reliable than a Yugo? 🤔
Mazda is about fun factor, and being super reliable you can’t beat that with a stick, team Mazda all the way, no repair shop for me Mr.
46k? when you can get a Miata and sure is more reliable and cost less too
Does the 2021 JCW convertible come with the JCW Pro Exhaust option? Local dealer in MA. says no but does the exhaust provide that fun experience as per your review? Thx.
Yes it does.
I feel like I get it because my wife had a blue one with white racing stripes. Everything about the car constantly reminds you it’s a Mini. Gave her north of 200k miles before selling too. @ $46k for this I’m still going Miata.
Hey Joe, can you review the hard top JCW 2022/2023 Automatic if you can.
I owned the first generation Miata also mr2 best cars ever to drive test drove the new Miata and Mini Cooper s manual convertible bought the mini it was a better ride for me of course I traded it in for a m240i convertible not manual but I’m loving it
What’s the body color called of this mini in the video ?
this is my dream car
For $46k it had better be super hyper amazingly fun. Especially once the warranty runs out. They’re great fun to drive but way too expensive
Beautiful blue. Nice review.
It's more refined than a Miata. Whether that's worth the $10K depends on the buyer. Having driven both, I would spring for the difference because the Miata is too uncomfortable for me.
I have 3 things to say about this. First... it looks like a freaking hearse with the top on. Second, when those read headrests are up like they were in this video, it looks absolutely ridiculous. Third, the price is just ridiculous; I don’t think anyone would disagree with that. *this is not hate to the TH-camr... just the car 😜*
What is your weight and height for a frame of reference
Don't tell anyone, a mini cooper mechanic said that their car has a TRRRIBLE transmission. So for $10,000 more you get a bad trans.
Hey MINI tech here, never seen any trouble manual or automatic on any JCW yet
Aren't they discontinuing the Mini convertible?
More of these!!
Always hilarious to watch a dog eat peanut butter.
This isn't an apples to apples comparison. Why do people always want to compare stuff to the Miata. The Miata is just always the best answer. The base mini is more comparable than the mini s or jcw.
How do you figure it is not?
Joe I'm the biggest fan of your chanle
Please do a detailed review of the 2021 RAM Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition.
no six-speed manual!! Then it's not even a competition. Miata Is Always the answer. (I have a ND miata in the garage so i'mslightly biased)
i really wanna see you doing a hands on review of the new ford bronco when it drops. i love the bronco
Alternative answer: no
lol 😂
LOL? Is this a trick question. The obvious answer is Miata. This BMW has more horror stories than Vincent Price. Customers literally walking away from these cars and refusing to pick them up from dealer service depts! And lets face it....this new version has nothing to do with the original Mini.....
Sounded like you said “ let’s fire up this JUNK cooper work
I'd take it :) Even if it is a "girls car".
😂
Cute mini cooper 👍👌
You should do a cooper base convertible the one with a 1.5 3 cylinder
Not for me but can appreciate the history. Way to expensive for what it is. Original Mini’s were meant to be economic, fun and affordable. Unlike these ones.
At 6:25 in, I lost interest. I can get a Miata *AND* a 124 spider for that price.
Nice!
Great overview of this vehicle!
I love my mini!!! But, the key is buying it used. I bought a used 2017 mini copper S 4 door limited edition (one of 150 in the USA) Carbon Edition, with a JCW tuning kit, carbon fiber & JCW bits, 208 hp, for $23,000 ($36,000 MSRP). Wouldn’t trade it for the world...so to speak! Handles amazing on the best drivers roads on the planet (IMO):)
Pricey for what you get, but another great vid!
I agree! Thanks for saying that!
I think the Fiat Spyder is the best looking of the lot
With reliable Miata underpinnings
I like this waay more than the miata cuz it has 4 seats
How about comparing it to the S Convertible? robert
You got it Robert.
No
Nice!!
No manual available, that is quite shocking for this car since it's a JCW.
I totally agree with you!
None of them had manual i believe
The manual is back. I sat in a 2021 JCW 2-door hard top with a 6 speed stick last month.
No power seats? Hell no, that's a HUGE ZONK!
It’s not a convertible but if I’m looking for a sporty & fun compact vehicle i’m going with a civic type R 100% at around the same price point
No stick? Bad decision.
2021 bmw 530i review
So I heard Mini was hurting as a brand.
46K JCW vert. Sub 230hp. NO 6MT. Dafuq?
Guess that explains it...
I feel your pain!
That half roll back of the conv. top would be great if Ms. Lori were taking newborn Joe Jr. with her. Joe Jr. would be shaded from the sun while Ms. Lori enjoys it. Something to think about Joe (-;
Automatic only? Hahaha. And I am a target buyer. Currently driving a 19 Bullitt and a 17 GTI. Either manual or electric for me.
tis is niccc but Miata bettaaa lov the vidd
I have been your fan, but seems like you don't value your non-American fans. I had posted a comment at three different times requesting you to do a review of the 2021 RAM Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition, but you didn't even bother to respond! It's perfectly fine with me if you can't do it for any reasons, however, you should give some respect to your fans by atleast replying to their message if you can't entertain their request. Just a thought!
cute money pit. a car has to have 2 out of 3 of these; reliable, fast, inexpensive. this car isnt reliable, its not fast and its not inexpensive lol its just cute thats it
Nice