Had a 1st gen 2006 Mini Convertible. Had to replace the supercharger at 155000 miles but that was only major cost. Still running with original clutch. 13 years later I bought a off lease 2015 Cooper. Automatic 3 cylinder with twin scroll turbo. Love it also!
I love Minis. The car's personality takes on a persona, making it a best friend or member of the family. No other car I know does that. I currently own a 2004 R53 with just 26016 miles. I am about to trade it for a 2013 JCW convertible with 30K miles. I'll sell the R53 for $7500 instead, but it would need to happen fast. Today is 8 May 24.
Great review, Joe, thanks. But I gotta say, I've never been a fan of any of the mini's. I too have heard some horror stories concerning mechanical problems. No doubt, my choice would be the reliable Miata.
Most people complaining about the mini haven’t driven one, I’ve had 3 year of ownership and not a single problem, it drives perfect, I just need more little storage spaces
I've owned both, a supercharged mini, and a miata... My opinion the mini was more fun to drive. I do think the supercharger had alot to do with that... The miata was more relaxing in a sporty way... But hands down the miata was much more reliable and less expensive to repair...
Bought a 2006 supercharger type S in 2013. No major issues despite hearing all the mini horror stories, and I don't maintain that well either, just regular oil change. then again, I don't drive more than 8k a year. in 6 years, I do remember having to fix some wear/tear related stuff twice, i believe cost me less than $1500 each time, brakes/belt/tires/plugs.. etc. I even one time was driving in engine overheat, later realizing that there was no antifreeze in car, somehow it vanished, even mechanic was not able to explain how/why, as there was no obvious leak at the time, but I was literally stopping the engine whole week during that time when I see the light on, and was lazy to take to the mechanic or check the water level as the light will disappear after starting engine again after few minutes. The engine did not get damaged at all despite Regularly adding oil ( like every 2k miles ) and anti freeze became a standard in the last two years, but still no major issue. need a new thermostat, but it is not really a must as long as I add antifreeze when it gets low after a while driving like every few months I love driving a mini, it is so much fun but I thought about buying a Miata for a while now. it is just they are not paying me much for a trade, so it is better for now to keep my mini S for now
I owned a 2015 Mini Cooper S and it was one of the most fun driving cars I've owned however they are expensive to maintain. The dealer network ie spread out so if you buy one and dont have a local dealership it sucks. The tires blow all the time because of their profile...beware of potholes and they never have them in stock and they always have to be ordered. A set of 2 tires that are not even of a higher brand still cost over 500 dollars mounted and balanced. The headlights look that people like sucks because if you close the hood to hard accidentally the cheap plastic rings around the hood break easily. Once mine was about to lose its warranty I traded it in for a Mazda. I wanted something more reliable with a better dealer network and no anxiety of ownership.
Love it love it love it Joe absolutely drop dead gorgeous 2019 Mini Cooper S Convertible. Yes Joe I'm on your side I would definitely get the 2019 Mazda Miata Especially the RF. Would love to see some JCW trims on the Coopers. Thanks Joe. Your the best.
Another amazing review Joe!!! I love the channel and it is a big part of my life!! Keep up the INCREDIBLE work!! Have a great weekend! God bless ya brother! 🚙🙏🏻🚘
Mazda Miata all the way between the two. The Mini Cooper base, S, JCW are all way over priced for what you get. I am definitely in the minority on this one but I gotta say that the most fun I have had in a car with less than 300hp was the Fiat 500 Abarth. Now that little rocket was a blast and I still miss it after I sold it for a Camaro.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 You can keep your Mini substance with max issues like Clutch Failure, Transmission Failure, Water Pump and Thermostat Housing Leak, Radiator Support Problems, Electric Power Steering Pump Problems. Yes, the Mini is fun to look at and drive but so is the Miata that you'll be looking at and driving much more because it won't be in the repair shop getting looked at and test-driven by the mechanic.
Nice car but I’d hesitate to call it a direct competitor with the Miata. The Mini is about 600 lbs heavier and makes just 8 more horsepower. I’ll take the FR layout and high revving NA motor with the Miata.
I'm watching those subs go up. Keep up the outstanding work guys. Before you know it we're gonna have a 200K subs party then 300k then 600k then infinity and beyond!
I have family that have a mini and BMW and what I have noticed is that those two cars always start driving rough the engine sounds rough not smooth after a year or two.
Hi Joe, I like the ways you do your car reviews! I was wondering if you could review a 2019 Ford Fusion Sport? I’m still undecided if I should get one or not. It’s a great looking sedan.
Mini and BMW must fully embrace the Mini heritage, just like Mazda did with the Miata. The Mini is in the crossroad about being small, fun and joyful where the small size and weight is key, or have a size big enough for people looking for a daily drive can buy it. This is why the Mini is growing and getting heavy. If they simplify it and accept to place it in a low selling section as a secondary vehicle with a more narrow trim selection, it could move through the path of the Miata on sales and enjoyment. The Mini Cooper S should take that market section, and move the 4-door and JCW to the section for daily drive vehicles.
I use to like the mini from back in the days and has changed. Now mini looks so cute car. I like it better than Miata. I like the hard top better and I like the one u the review back in may. Baby blue 228hp. 👍💯video💯👍
Hey Joe you test drove a different mini that the one you reviewed. The test drive mini had white mirror caps and the one you reviewed has red.Looks like you test drive the F56 next to the convertible...zonk!!!
Sometimes when filming at different dealerships if a customer is on property and is wanting to looking at the car being filmed I must allow that process to happen. We actually took out another convertible Cooper S.
If it had thick-slender rubber side sills on the side doors... the Mini would be a great sell. The rubber side sills add down force to the Mini and add stability on the bends-curves while fast driving the Mini. Sports car look.
The engine sucks ... pour a special concentrated water radiator cooler chemical liquid additive (Dupont Chemicals product) to further stabilize the smoothness of the engine so that the engine of the Mini doesn't go thermal overheating. Believe me ... the Mini can go to or accelerate from 0 miles per hour to 60 miles per hour in 5.8 seconds.
If the Mini can possibly accelerate from 0 miles per hour to 60 miles per hour in 5.6 seconds, even like that ... you have a guaranteed sell. The Mini would be a popular hit or a wonder in its class.
I drove both and the mini has so much better handling even if fwd, and the Miata cannot hold a 6foot male comfortably. Don't understand why most or more people prefer the Miata, the handling is crisp and sharp on the mini and I've driven f12 and 911 turbo s Don't get it at all, just me I guess I feel dumb to be on the minority of this one considering the mini is head and shoulders more roomy and much more fun, even if it's a bit slower.
its 2019 and they're still having cars with a premium price with standard halogen headlights......... WTF! lol but none the less the Mini cooper is awesome!
When I think of mini, I think of my wallet slapping me for even thinking about it. To this day my wallet slaps me for having owned an 09 M5 then an 09 S6 and then a 14 550i...
Dreamed of driving a rocket powered roller skate? Want to be part of a small (and shrinking) community of owners? Willing to take a chance on a brand with a sketchy record of reliability and weak resale? The Mini is for you. In the first 7 months of 2019 Mini reports selling fewer than 2600 convertibles throughout the US. That's an annual rate of about 4400 units for the entire 2019 calendar year, down from an already paltry 5500 in 2018. I've no doubt that Mini dealers are prepared to make great deals on the vehicle just to get them off the lot. The bigger question is just how long BMW will put up with ever shrinking sales and continue to produce the Mini.
I would take a mini all day. Not a fan of the Miata looks. I would go mini hardtop not convertible. The reliability is actually considered above average to good after 2015.
Raiti's Rides no problem. Your channel has really grown on me. Your review are realistic and they be having me dying at times😂. If I need a review I come here
As a previous Mini R56 Owner I loved the car but it was like dating a stripper. Threw a lot of money at it. Main fuel pump failure -twice! Computer failed, cylinder head failure, Poor resale value
Lol I’m not a fan of a Mini Cooper it looks like something a toddler drives with the pacifier in the mouth..... just kidding lol I don’t want mini lovers to hate me 😄
Had a 1st gen 2006 Mini Convertible. Had to replace the supercharger at 155000 miles but that was only major cost. Still running with original clutch. 13 years later I bought a off lease 2015 Cooper. Automatic 3 cylinder with twin scroll turbo. Love it also!
Thanks for sharing that input form your ownership.
Mini every day of the week. Go kart handling and a smile on your face! Superb
I love Minis. The car's personality takes on a persona, making it a best friend or member of the family. No other car I know does that.
I currently own a 2004 R53 with just 26016 miles. I am about to trade it for a 2013 JCW convertible with 30K miles.
I'll sell the R53 for $7500 instead, but it would need to happen fast. Today is 8 May 24.
Perfect little compact car! Seats look nice! I like the round infotainment. It’s unique!
You are so very right!
Thanks for letting us know which car you prefer at the end Raiti.
Sure thing! I have to go with the Mini!
Love your reviews man... thanks for taking the time do such solid reviews.
You are so very welcome! Thank you for being so supportive!
Great review, Joe, thanks. But I gotta say, I've never been a fan of any of the mini's. I too have heard some horror stories concerning mechanical problems. No doubt, my choice would be the reliable Miata.
I would go the same route! Thanks for the compliment!
Beautiful Mini Cooper
Not a fan of minis but those exhausts are crazy it’s like their mufflers are deleted, raiti love your reviews man
Thanks for letting me share it with you!
Most people complaining about the mini haven’t driven one, I’ve had 3 year of ownership and not a single problem, it drives perfect, I just need more little storage spaces
Thanks for sharing that input from your ownership experience Jorge!
I've owned both, a supercharged mini, and a miata... My opinion the mini was more fun to drive. I do think the supercharger had alot to do with that... The miata was more relaxing in a sporty way... But hands down the miata was much more reliable and less expensive to repair...
Thanks for sharing that great input Rick! I really appreciate your support!
Yes! Nice looking car for a small person. But be aware! Reliability issues are going to be a problem.
M Mahtnart not to mention just the brake pads are 3x the cost of my jeeps or my rangers.
The jury is still out, but they have improved alot in the latest Consumer Reports reliability rankings.
Nope. It is very reliable and comes with a better warranty as well.
mac daddy how many miles are you using to call it reliable?
@@bschell1969 You can easily get 100,000 reliable miles out of it.
Bought wife two Miatas ..can't beat um...style performance value......plus resale. Is great
Great calls!
Bought a 2006 supercharger type S in 2013. No major issues despite hearing all the mini horror stories, and I don't maintain that well either, just regular oil change. then again, I don't drive more than 8k a year. in 6 years, I do remember having to fix some wear/tear related stuff twice, i believe cost me less than $1500 each time, brakes/belt/tires/plugs.. etc. I even one time was driving in engine overheat, later realizing that there was no antifreeze in car, somehow it vanished, even mechanic was not able to explain how/why, as there was no obvious leak at the time, but I was literally stopping the engine whole week during that time when I see the light on, and was lazy to take to the mechanic or check the water level as the light will disappear after starting engine again after few minutes. The engine did not get damaged at all despite
Regularly adding oil ( like every 2k miles ) and anti freeze became a standard in the last two years, but still no major issue. need a new thermostat, but it is not really a must as long as I add antifreeze when it gets low after a while driving like every few months
I love driving a mini, it is so much fun but I thought about buying a Miata for a while now. it is just they are not paying me much for a trade, so it is better for now to keep my mini S for now
Thanks for sharing that great ownership experience!
Everything I've been hearing bout Mini Cooper, is "Stay A Way"!
word you're looking for is "away"
Then you heard wrong. The Mini Cooper is a fabulous car.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 it's actually a POS. That engine sucks and breaks down and even the transmissions suck. And they are pricey to fix.
An unreliable car by any standard.
Actually mini coopers are now among the most reliable cars, they just earned themselves a bad band in early 2000s
The red is a great color for the Mini Cooper.
I totally agreed!
I had a 2005 with a supercharger on it it wasn't even a year old and the transmission disintegrated itself they fixed it and I sold it
I appreciate you sharing your input from your ownership experience! What did you get after it?
@@RaitisRides I'm now driving a 2017 Focus RS all wheel drive
I used a calculator, carried the one and yup, Miata was still the answer Joe. ;o)
You are awesome! I would go Miata!
Mini is a much higher quality car and more comfortable. Mini is the answer.
I prefer to go fast and smoke people in races. Mini is the choice for every occasion
I owned a 2015 Mini Cooper S and it was one of the most fun driving cars I've owned however they are expensive to maintain. The dealer network ie spread out so if you buy one and dont have a local dealership it sucks. The tires blow all the time because of their profile...beware of potholes and they never have them in stock and they always have to be ordered. A set of 2 tires that are not even of a higher brand still cost over 500 dollars mounted and balanced. The headlights look that people like sucks because if you close the hood to hard accidentally the cheap plastic rings around the hood break easily. Once mine was about to lose its warranty I traded it in for a Mazda. I wanted something more reliable with a better dealer network and no anxiety of ownership.
Thank you for sharing your ownership experience Stephen.
Sounds like you didnt know how to take carr of your car
@@Otaner142 he doesn’t know a screwdriver from a wrench!
Much better looking then the Miata by a long shot!
Love it love it love it Joe absolutely drop dead gorgeous 2019 Mini Cooper S Convertible. Yes Joe I'm on your side I would definitely get the 2019 Mazda Miata Especially the RF. Would love to see some JCW trims on the Coopers. Thanks Joe. Your the best.
I am so glad that you liked this one!
@@RaitisRides Oh U Bet
Mini Cooper S is a cute looking car and the headlights are spot on and traditional
Another amazing review Joe!!! I love the channel and it is a big part of my life!! Keep up the INCREDIBLE work!! Have a great weekend! God bless ya brother! 🚙🙏🏻🚘
Really appreciate the comparison video! I'm waiting for the 2020 miata news release at tokyo auto show before I make a decision.
Is a 2017/18 Mini Countryman or convertible good for a teen?
Frank Murphy get a non - S model 2018 and it’s perfect
I think if you go non-S model you are golden.
Great advice, I agree Tristan!
Better value ? No Better practicality ? Yes Nice review
Very good points!
Oh yeah, almost forgot, make mine a Miata, and definitely a soft top version, Club Sport too.
I am right there with you Wayne!
Mini Cooper equals "Stay Away"!
There are people who still love them.
Mazda Miata all the way between the two. The Mini Cooper base, S, JCW are all way over priced for what you get. I am definitely in the minority on this one but I gotta say that the most fun I have had in a car with less than 300hp was the Fiat 500 Abarth. Now that little rocket was a blast and I still miss it after I sold it for a Camaro.
Great points!
No doubt, I'll take the Mazda Miata, the Mini is more looks than substance.
Um no. The Mini has the substance and the looks to back it up. You will run out of driving talent long before you run out of car.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 You can keep your Mini substance with max issues like Clutch Failure, Transmission Failure, Water Pump and Thermostat Housing Leak, Radiator Support Problems, Electric Power Steering Pump Problems.
Yes, the Mini is fun to look at and drive but so is the Miata that you'll be looking at and driving much more because it won't be in the repair shop getting looked at and test-driven by the mechanic.
I would go Miata as well!
@@walleyeguy1 I always wonder, I’ve had a mini for 3 years, over 50k miles and Not a single problem
@@walleyeguy1 stereotype. The mini in the video has a b48 engine which is very reliable and even used in the 2.0 Supra and bmw 2,3, and 4 series.
Nice car but I’d hesitate to call it a direct competitor with the Miata. The Mini is about 600 lbs heavier and makes just 8 more horsepower. I’ll take the FR layout and high revving NA motor with the Miata.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and input! I appreciate you watching!
FRONT windshield?
I have you thinking now Hans!
@@RaitisRides Only about why anyone would refer to a windshield as a "front" windshield. All windshields are in the front of the vehicle.
Are all 2019 Mini Cooper spots cars?
The Miata is by far the better choice as far as I’m concerned. Then again I’ve never been a Mini fan.
I totally agree with you!
I'm watching those subs go up. Keep up the outstanding work guys. Before you know it we're gonna have a 200K subs party then 300k then 600k then infinity and beyond!
I have family that have a mini and BMW and what I have noticed is that those two cars always start driving rough the engine sounds rough not smooth after a year or two.
The same engine is in the Supra and 230i, 330i, and 430i. Try again 😂
Not sure why is this car being compared to Miat in the first place?? should be compred to beetle instead or something like that
Not to brag or anything but I’ve popped a few bonnets in my day. 😀 Not that I would ever purchase a Mini Cooper but I like the colors. 👍
Hi Joe,
I like the ways you do your car reviews! I was wondering if you could review a 2019 Ford Fusion Sport? I’m still undecided if I should get one or not. It’s a great looking sedan.
Mini and BMW must fully embrace the Mini heritage, just like Mazda did with the Miata. The Mini is in the crossroad about being small, fun and joyful where the small size and weight is key, or have a size big enough for people looking for a daily drive can buy it. This is why the Mini is growing and getting heavy. If they simplify it and accept to place it in a low selling section as a secondary vehicle with a more narrow trim selection, it could move through the path of the Miata on sales and enjoyment. The Mini Cooper S should take that market section, and move the 4-door and JCW to the section for daily drive vehicles.
I use to like the mini from back in the days and has changed. Now mini looks so cute car. I like it better than Miata. I like the hard top better and I like the one u the review back in may. Baby blue 228hp.
👍💯video💯👍
Thanks for sharing your great thoughts on this one Jin!
Where is this.. the roads look like autocross roads compared to where I live. Only grids
Hey Joe you test drove a different mini that the one you reviewed. The test drive mini had white mirror caps and the one you reviewed has red.Looks like you test drive the F56 next to the convertible...zonk!!!
Sometimes when filming at different dealerships if a customer is on property and is wanting to looking at the car being filmed I must allow that process to happen. We actually took out another convertible Cooper S.
I hear ya , it’s all about sales.
If it had thick-slender rubber side sills on the side doors... the Mini would be a great sell. The rubber side sills add down force to the Mini and add stability on the bends-curves while fast driving the Mini. Sports car look.
The engine sucks ... pour a special concentrated water radiator cooler chemical liquid additive (Dupont Chemicals product) to further stabilize the smoothness of the engine so that the engine of the Mini doesn't go thermal overheating. Believe me ... the Mini can go to or accelerate from 0 miles per hour to 60 miles per hour in 5.8 seconds.
If the Mini can possibly accelerate from 0 miles per hour to 60 miles per hour in 5.6 seconds, even like that ... you have a guaranteed sell. The Mini would be a popular hit or a wonder in its class.
You hit the nail on the head Gerard.
I drove both and the mini has so much better handling even if fwd, and the Miata cannot hold a 6foot male comfortably.
Don't understand why most or more people prefer the Miata, the handling is crisp and sharp on the mini and I've driven f12 and 911 turbo s
Don't get it at all, just me I guess I feel dumb to be on the minority of this one considering the mini is head and shoulders more roomy and much more fun, even if it's a bit slower.
I caught the
You drove the hardtop?
Yes I have Pierre!
Sheets are comfrable. 12:19
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and input! I appreciate you watching!
Good reiti's Rides
I am glad you liked this one!
Mini body style is my favorite. But i dont want to buy one because of its bad reliability record and parts are expensive.
I feel your pain!
Bro is it a 1.2 l engine,I don’t think it’s 2.0
I like how the to looks like a spoiler
Hey, you didn't review the back seat! At least try to seat on them see how much room we'd get. XD
Hear they're still made in Oxford England
Very cool as they should be!
Nice vid mini Cooper is my dream car
I am so glad that you liked this one!
its 2019 and they're still having cars with a premium price with standard halogen headlights......... WTF! lol but none the less the Mini cooper is awesome!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and input! I appreciate you watching!
MX-5 all day brother. Performance and reliability.
When I think of mini, I think of my wallet slapping me for even thinking about it. To this day my wallet slaps me for having owned an 09 M5 then an 09 S6 and then a 14 550i...
Thanks Sam for sharing your input and perspective!
Aren't you a little slow at figuring things out?
Cuanto vale ? Price please
italians: *N O W Y O U S E E T H E P L A N*
Nice bit on history, didn't know Mini was a "need" vehicle
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and input! I appreciate you watching!
Hey u should review the Mclaren P1 it is so cool man
Cool car ❤❤❤👍👍👍
Thanks for Felix for saying that!
16" inch wheels!?!? Damn!
Small car equals small wheels. LOL
JDM MINI FTW
nice car switch
I feel like ripping it off laugh out loud that was great.
Thanks man!
Dreamed of driving a rocket powered roller skate? Want to be part of a small (and shrinking) community of owners? Willing to take a chance on a brand with a sketchy record of reliability and weak resale? The Mini is for you. In the first 7 months of 2019 Mini reports selling fewer than 2600 convertibles throughout the US. That's an annual rate of about 4400 units for the entire 2019 calendar year, down from an already paltry 5500 in 2018. I've no doubt that Mini dealers are prepared to make great deals on the vehicle just to get them off the lot. The bigger question is just how long BMW will put up with ever shrinking sales and continue to produce the Mini.
I love your review, but heard of much mechanical and electronics problems, I’ll pay more and buy a Mazda
Yeah, but its almost impossible to work on and it WILL have problems.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one Bryce!
All the chrome trim should be black .
I would take a mini all day. Not a fan of the Miata looks. I would go mini hardtop not convertible. The reliability is actually considered above average to good after 2015.
It will be a terrible value once it gets some miles on it and it's out of warranty. Keep the butt lube handy.
I think you may be right.
With the maintenance costs on one of these? Hell naw, no such thing as value when going German
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and input! I appreciate you watching!
Mazda miata has a much better engine, will last longer, cheaper to fix, and is much more fun to drive. Miata over the Mini all day.
AGREED!
It’s to slow and way to heavy for the Miata......and I also say reliability plays a big role
Thanks for your input and perspective! I appreciate you watching!
Raiti's Rides no problem. Your channel has really grown on me. Your review are realistic and they be having me dying at times😂. If I need a review I come here
The Miata and the Mini are two totally different markets - no one buys a Mini for power
As a previous Mini R56 Owner I loved the car but it was like dating a stripper. Threw a lot of money at it. Main fuel pump failure -twice! Computer failed, cylinder head failure, Poor resale value
Bad reliability kill a beautiful car
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and input! I appreciate you watching!
Gd,reveiw no comparo fwd rwd mini great car ehen it works!
This is worse than a miata in literally every way.
M.ini
I.s
N.ot
I.ncreidible
Seriously how did a reliable brand with so much heritage go to cars with luxiurious gimmicks and unreliability
You are talking about being an statement and a classic design and you want to ripoff the antena...
I love the Mini performance of the Cooper S manual, but it is getting bigger and fatter, it needs to be back to Gen 1 on size.
The answer is no
AGREED!
👍
Thanks for letting me share it with you!
Where's the comparable Miata? Thumbs down for the clickbait title. And OMG stop saying "zonk".
Dang you stink to what you say , great review!
Always Gabe!
I’d rather get the Miata
Same here!
I thought VW own BMW
Nope, VW owns Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, etc...
A 6ft 200 pound of muscle guy wont fit in this car lol
Actually you will fit perfectly. It has a high roof line and plenty of leg and shoulder room.
Actually I did. LOL
I totally agree with you!
Lol I’m not a fan of a Mini Cooper it looks like something a toddler drives with the pacifier in the mouth..... just kidding lol I don’t want mini lovers to hate me 😄
LMAO ! You crack me up Cody!
You didn’t look happy reviewing this vehicle lol it looks like someone forced you to do it bro lol I’m sorry but the whole vehicle is a joke 😄
Don't drink and drive.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and input! I appreciate you watching!
هوةانتاتولتالانه❤❤
I will take the Mazda instead of the unreliable mini any day
Mini's 2016 + are very reliable. Do you homework before you post.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 I was unlucky to get a 2015 mini, worst car I've had
@@Coffee.Crisp. You should have waited for the gen 3 (2016) version. They fixed all the problems by then.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 yeah i wish I would have known
Mini sucks, Miata is way better