3 Years with a MINI JCW (F56) | Long Term Ownership Review

[@FootToPedal]

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[@troytempest290]

Best car I’ve ever owned. I also own a Porsche 911 4S, but that little JCW is pure driving Heaven.

[@RisitasKEKW]

Love hearing this and totally agree! Just installed my pro exhaust and love the popcorn 🍿

[@Lukecarey-sd2ik]

What a brilliant honest review. Im just beginning my journey with a 2020 JCW.. i get it back on mo day fully wrapped in gold/red/green/blue flip. ive watched a few of your videos.. I'm now a subscriber. All the best from York

[@Oplix]

I've owned my F56 for two days and I'm already in love.

[@FootToPedal]

Glad to hear it!

[@davidc.7838]

Do you love it after one year of ownership? How about reliability ?

[@yankeeuk1]

Just bought 2018 mini cooper convertible jcw! Had it 2 weeks now, absolutely love it! First time mini owner

[@FootToPedal]

Glad you're enjoying it, great cars!

[@peterrosscochrane]

Just discovered the channel - I’m a fellow JCW owner - good informative video with a great delivery, production on point too - it’s nice to see a video not having these ridiculous soundtracks accompanying them! Keep up the good work 👏🏻

[@FootToPedal]

Thanks very much Peter, appreciate it! We put a lot of thought into soundtracks, location and shots so glad you liked it 👍

[@soda5730]

Really good and balanced review. Addresses some things that are never even touched on in the big review channels. Well done.

[@FootToPedal]

Thanks appreciate it!

[@robertaldridge5898]

I have a 69 plate JCW I ordered from New! I bought it a year and 2 months ago and ordered it with all the bells and whistles added Harmon kardon BMW music system (you feel like your in a night club), heated jcw sport bucket suede seats, sat nav etc etc everything! 19 inch two tone cup jcw alloys and I wanted a strong rigid car so no convertible or sunroof! Proper solid hardtop! Perfect with spoiler. All black including roof everything as to make it look aggressive sporty and manly! Otherwise they look like toys. Best thing Ever on my Jcw which is pure luxury and so much fun to drive is I opted for the 8 Speed Automatic Sports Transimission!!! So fast cool and engaging! Drove manuals for years then discovered there's more to life than changing gears and I have a life! Heaven in stop start! AUTO is Life!

[@FootToPedal]

Sounds great, that will be a very cool spec indeed. I'm sure its great to drive and yes absolutely fair enough on the transmission choice! Thanks for watching 👍

[@Earlysport]

🤦🏻‍♂️

[@RisitasKEKW]

I love my 2019 jcw 6 speed manual w pro exhaust. It is a rocket powered go kart. It’s my weekend car and it’s just outstanding. Love the way it handles and sounds. The exhaust is just unlike anything else

[@miguelferreira4795]

Sorry to ask, but how is the fuel economy on this little beast? I’m thinking of buying one but it will have to be daily driven, so the economy is a factor

[@RisitasKEKW]

@@miguelferreira4795 30 mpg

[@jasonhearn987]

Great video. We are 4 years in as my wife’s car from new. Light grey, red roof and mirrors, pan roof, manual box, standard suspension. She drives like miss daisy and i clear its lungs when i can. Totally with your review. My thoughts to help anyone considering is totally agree with your point you have made about tyres. Immediately remove the run flats when worn, they are shocking, and should not be on this great car. Having to to put sport mode on to hear the exhaust pop each time i drive is a pain. Buy with pan roof if you can. I haven’t got adjustable damping so cant comment. I think Sa tuning do a truetune mapping upgrade but in truth i think there would be too much torque steer. Oh and as you said. The looks are amazing in the right colours. We get so many comments. We normally change her car every 3 years, but there is only going to be the same again on our drive. That is a endorsement alone. Keep up the good work on your posts. Regards Jason

[@FootToPedal]

Thanks a lot Jason! Glad to hear you enjoyed the video. Yeah I'm sick of manufacturers putting crappy tyres on good cars, totally undoes any work done on suspension and handling etc. Yeah people are always interested in them thats for sure, had plenty of comments on mine. I've seen a few people run 300hp in these but in all honesty I don't think it needs that much power. Thanks again 👍👍

[@RawGreySun]

How do you handle flat tires without run flats?

[@FootToPedal]

@@RawGreySun I just carry a bottle of tyre weld so that as long as the tyre isn't catastrophically damaged, it'll be enough to get you to a tyre shop.

[@nicoscoolvids]

I bought the almost twin 2021 model year JCW. I like how you kept the stock chrome bits, which I’m planning to do as well, as it gives it a more classic mini touch IMHO. The latest model year allows you to customize sport mode to keep the regular lighter steering feel. It seems the newer ones are much more quiet as you point out, but an aftermarket option might fix that. I enjoyed your video very much. Cheers.

[@FootToPedal]

Great stuff, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I agree on the chrome, plus everyone else removes chrome these days so makes it a bit different. Very good that you can customise the sport mode, is something that earlier models could definitely have benefitted from. As you say I'm sure an aftermarket exhaust would make a nice difference for you. Thanks a lot for watching!

[@karlbratby4349]

Great review... your biggest gripe the throttle mapping, have you tried the auto, throttle in that is great, no issues what so ever, so presuming its a manual only issue. we have the same colour as you on a 15 plate.

[@FootToPedal]

Thanks! Yeah I've driven the Clubman JCW with essentially the same engine, but it had the 8 speed Aisin transmission. The mapping on that felt much better, and well paired with the auto box

[@Bluemoon_19]

I bought a pre lci JCW (2017) with over £11k of additional extras. It has a pro exhaust. I wanna keep this thing forever, despite the high maintenance of a JCW.

[@ACSferrari]

I’m picking one of these up soon so it’s great to see a review on one 👌🏻

[@FootToPedal]

Great to hear, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

[@leeandjancruise]

I've had my 2019 JCW for about 7 months now, I traded my BMW M235i for it which had 100 bhp more but I find the JCW more exciting to drive and as it's in white/silver with a red roof and panoramic glass it really is a piece of eye candy. No I also can't see the rev counter properly and also agree it has the wrong tyres, my BMW had the Pilot Sports which were brilliant and I had full confidence in them but with the standard run flat MINI tyres not so. I was shocked at the price for a new MINI JCW as my intention was to buy a new one with my selection of extras, I ended up buying a 3k mile 10 month old one with all the toys, list for that was £38k WOW! I paid £27k and got a good p/x price for my BMW. I think with today's competition of hot hatches the bhp could be higher at say 270 or thereabouts but apart from that and the ridiculous price for servicing I honestly can't fault the car.

[@FootToPedal]

Thats very interesting to hear actually, I've heard a couple of people say they've owned both M Lites and the F56 JCW and a surprising amount say they prefer the JCW! Yeah the list price of the Mini's have gone through the roof in recent years, as I said in the video when these cars came out they were the low 20s, and since then I've seen plenty north of £30K. Yeah I agree, I think 270hp would suit this car pretty well, very easy with a simple remap from everything I've heard. Thanks for watching!

[@effa114]

Reviving your comment, but very interesting. I’m actively cross shopping a JCW and the M235i. It seems sacrilege to be leaning towards the Fwd choice, but I confess I am…

[@Thefonnnzzzz]

I'm actually currently switching my 2021 M235 for a JCW. I'm happy to hear I wasn't the only one!

[@theposerhoser]

I ran the same tires on my wrx, they were great in the snow

[@ianbooth1983]

@foottopedal - how many miles did you do in a year? What was the best mpg on a run?

[@FootToPedal]

Probably 5k to 6k a year, if I recall correctly 40mpg+ was pretty doable!

[@ianbooth1983]

@@FootToPedal - thanks. When you said you used your JCW for commuting, I thought great! Something I’d like to use mine for. I do 22,000 miles a year - so not sure this is the right choice for longevity / reliability over those miles?

[@FootToPedal]

I'm sure it can handle it to be honest, but just keep on top of servicing!

[@ENGBriseB]

Love to see what you make of the 2021 JWC MINI as thinking about buying one. Or do save some money and get a 2019 JWC. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@FootToPedal]

I honestly don't think there'll be a huge difference between them, I can't recall for sure but I'm not sure there were many changes between the 2019 and 2021 models. So you might be able to save a bit of money buying an older one!

[@davidblackwell7958]

Really good review, perfectly summed up my experience with the JCW.

[@FootToPedal]

Thank you very much David!

[@mry82]

Good to see you back! 7:52 is a cool looking spot. Maybe you said... Is it electric steering?

[@FootToPedal]

Thanks a lot! Great to be able to film something again, and yeah we really liked this location actually. And yes electric steering in this, nothing compared to the old hydraulic racks!

[@joshchilds6358]

The throttle response issues are partly due to the JCWs turbo lag. You only get the torque boost from the turbo around 1800 rpm, when the turbo has got to speed

[@austrianbua5378]

im gonna get a 5 door mini s with great kits swapping my 120d in for it. so pumped for it

[@doriangray2347]

Opinion on your seats vs Mini yours lounge leather?

[@FootToPedal]

All depends what you want, those leather seats are really nice, just slightly less supportive than the bucket seats. For most people I'm sure the leather ones will be fine, and probably more comfortable over longer journeys too!

[@hawkrider88]

Hello from Atlanta. Thanks enjoyed this review and summary!

[@FootToPedal]

Thanks a lot for watching man! 👍

[@justinobrien5594]

Very helpful thank you... just ordered one!...

[@FootToPedal]

Thanks for watching! Hope you enjoy the car

[@roykenyon886]

good review, won't be lettting go of mine even after 5 years

[@FootToPedal]

Glad to hear you still enjoy it!

[@paullockwood7219]

I love do love these. It seems weird but for a bloke in my 50's I'd still like one. It's the B48 unit from BMW so I'm sure it's reliable which is making me look at these and Cooper S's. Thanks for posting. Well done too by the way, you present really well. Good luck with the channel. 👍😊

[@FootToPedal]

I'd say don't worry about what other people think, if you like the car then go ahead and get one, you won't regret it! Yeah the B48 motor is strong and very reliable, probably one of the best 4 cylinders around today. Thanks, appreciate the support! 👍

[@paulduffy697]

I’m 53 and have a f56 cooper s with a stage 1 mapping, it makes me smile when I get it on country roads.

[@JB-nf7pi]

Great vid! , what year f56 you think I should get I’ve owned an r53 for years now but now I am looking for an f56. Which year you think is best to buy 2014- present. Thx!

[@FootToPedal]

Thanks man! It depends on your budget but I'd say something around late 2017 to 2018 is a good buy at the minute as they are facelifted over the earlier ones and feel a bit more up to date. Hope that helps!

[@carcreationsyt]

Really enjoyed the video and videography! Really trying to incorporate that type of stuff on my own channel and was really impressed. You got my sub!

[@FootToPedal]

Thanks a lot, much appreciated! Yeah it certainly takes a large amount of time to do them this way but the end result is satisfying thats for sure! 👍

[@carcreationsyt]

@@FootToPedal Agreed! I was editing a "special" that comes out tomorrow and it took an entire week! haha

[@FootToPedal]

@@carcreationsyt Ahaha yeah I know whats it like man! Sounds good though, I've subbed back to you so will check it out once its out!

[@xmarcika]

Very nice filming location! Do you remember where was that please? Thanks a lot😊

[@FootToPedal]

Thanks! This was filmed on sections of the B6270 near Kirkby Stephen, close to the lake district.

[@pamilyadance3550]

Wow I have recently been thinking about/eyeing up Mini Cooper! I have never owned one but always had them at the back of my mind. Would be Just for zipping around/personal use/shopping. I love the look of the Mini Cooper D very classic design. Any tips? What would be ideal for using short trips out and about?

[@FootToPedal]

Yeah they are great cars, you can't go wrong with the newer ones really, they're all generally very good cars. Cooper D is probably best suited to longer journeys and I'd recommend the regular petrol Cooper for short trips. Thanks for watching!

[@pamilyadance3550]

@@FootToPedal thank you! Dream is to own a mini JCW one day! 😊

[@FootToPedal]

I'd highly recommend one!

[@jak1osw]

Great video! I've had my F56 JCW for 6 months and found your comments really interesting. I agree about the size of the Rev Counter! Some stunning photography and I am very interested where you shot it?

[@FootToPedal]

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed the video! This was shot near Nine Standards Rigg on Hartley Fell, North Yorkshire. Some stunning scenery round there!

[@jak1osw]

@@FootToPedal Thanks for that, not too far from where I am in the North East! Definitely a trip out next year!

[@FootToPedal]

No problem at all! Yeah its well worth a visit, easily accessible from the A66 too.

[@Kevin-ir7hi]

Great video, I don't have a JCW, my mini is a 2018 f55, remapped to 265bhp and 450nm, I chose this set up as I prefer a more subtle looking car, its very much a wolf in sheep's clothing. In fact, it's an absolute animal, next stage is a big brake conversion, then next year, a lohen stage 2. Can't wait.

[@FootToPedal]

Yeah thats fair enough man, it's amazing how much potential those engines have! Sounds like it's great though, and will be even better once you have the big brake kit. Thanks for watching!

[@LMAO2510]

Next year it will have blown up 😂

[@gord6695]

@@LMAO2510the b48 comes in 328i with 260 stock already. the jcw version can take from stage 1 310 reliable power..

[@drewhender3999]

@@LMAO2510 This engine makes a lot more in other models, you can safely take them up to 260 or so, only the GP and Clubman JCW models have different compression ratios and turbos

[@Kiieerrann_xx]

Get it mapped, goes all the way to the limiter with you pinned into your seat - 2016 JCW here

[@FootToPedal]

Ahaha love it 👌

[@Kiieerrann_xx]

@griltig 🥱😴

[@FootToPedal]

@griltig Yeah that's interesting, from what I've heard I think these cars need supporting mods once you start adding power. I mean you'd probably want atleast an LSD, the front end feels a little overwhelmed by even the 231hp as standard at times. Can't say I've ever really wanted more power from mine though, it always feels like a perfect amount for the road. Golf R is a great car though!

[@me-gb2wp]

where and what map

[@LMAO2510]

@griltig financing*

[@egusiseed]

Would you mind telling me where is the road that you’re driving on? Great review btw

[@FootToPedal]

Thanks a lot! Yeah no worries, this is the B6270 near Nine Standards Rigg in Richmondshire.

[@benjeffrey8845]

Great content! I've just ordered a JCW and taking delivery in April. Does it still have a relatively throaty exhaust sound? Do you still get the pops etc?

[@FootToPedal]

Thanks! Mine is the 2017 model year and that sounds great, I believe on anything post 2018 there are less pops and crackles but the exhaust noise is still decent enough. Definitely better than some manufacturers thats for sure!

[@ekimandersom4478]

Yes only now it comes from the speakers

[@FootToPedal]

@@ekimandersom4478 Yeah this is the issue with the newer models, the exhaust is loud enough on mine to still hear that rather than purely speaker noise

[@bokiNYC]

@@ekimandersom4478 Yea, I disabled my asd the first day I got it, you can disable it with a obd2 bt adapter and bimmercode app very easily and change other options too.

[@me-gb2wp]

What did you do if you replaced your run flats with out run flats. what's your back up with a puncture

[@FootToPedal]

I bought a bottle of tyre weld which should in theory fix the tyre enough to get it to a garage as long as its not catastrophic damage

[@qvisionstudios]

An excellent user's point of view review along with some fantastic scenery.

[@FootToPedal]

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed 👍

[@Saavvvv]

If you put the traction control in sport mode the torque reduction goes away

[@ChefCam]

I've just purchased a 2016 JCW Auto, trading it in for a 330e hope I've made the right choice 😅!

[@FootToPedal]

Sounds like a good choice to me!

[@prodigy227]

Great video, and nice Mini! Michelin PS4 or PS4S? I guess 205/40R18?

[@FootToPedal]

Thanks man! Yeah sorry not sure what I was thinking, I have regular PS4's on this not PS4S's! Great tyres though!

[@sallyhacking5805]

I’m thinking of buying a 5door cooper s sport 2019 are these reliable? Can you tell me how they drive in wet/ice/snow? Do older kids actually fit in back ? Any help greatly appreciated .

[@FootToPedal]

They drive fine in the wet/ice/snow, its front wheel drive so very easy to control. The back seats might not work great for older kids but depends on the length of the journey, I've sat in the rear seats of F56 MINIs before and it's not too bad, just wouldn't want to be there for hours. Hope that helps!

[@Coolcowvalley]

Hey! Best ownership video out there! What do u think about the road noise in this car? Greetings from Norway :)

[@FootToPedal]

Thank you very much Fredrik! Road noise is a little on the loud side in this car, but I've got used to it now. Really depends on the road surface you are driving on, over here in the UK they're generally not great 😂 Awesome to have international viewers 👍👌

[@Coolcowvalley]

@@FootToPedal I think the road quality here in Norway are pretty similar to what you have in Britain. Pretty shit really 😅 I guess when having that great of an exhaust, the road noise really doesn't matter does it? 👌 Awesome design on those mini's and such a great heritige!

[@FootToPedal]

@@Coolcowvalley Ahh yes we're in the same boat then! You're right about the sound, it makes road noise matter much less! 👍 I love the design too!

[@edhjjyang]

JCW comes with a stiffer suspension than Mini Cooper S. Is it still comfortable enough for practical daily use?

[@FootToPedal]

Was comfortable enough for me, dont think I'd want it any softer really

[@edhjjyang]

@@FootToPedal Thanks for your reply

[@chetanunindracusin664]

Great car I had it for4 yrs.80000km. Always get me every time ps.I just trade for 2021 jcw clubman a little more space good luck

[@FootToPedal]

Awesome, glad you enjoyed your time with it! Yeah the Clubman JCW is a fantastic car too 👌

[@djdad2482]

What does a full tank give up? 400 miles? Love your review!

[@FootToPedal]

Probably more like 300 miles I'd say if driving conservatively. Thanks for watching!

[@ChinhLe-og3rd]

Thinking of getting a 3rd generation if the car is well maintenances. Used cars are all luck ?

[@FootToPedal]

Just do your research and make sure to look at a few different examples, and ensure they've been serviced. None of these cars are too old so if you get one with average miles on it you should be fine really

[@RawGreySun]

Difference between R56 & F56?

[@FootToPedal]

Very different, I would say the F56 is an altogether more sorted car. Engine is better in my opinion, reliability is also better along with interior quality. R56 is a great car though and probably handles better than a stock F56. I'd be putting my money in an F56 personally though

[@RawGreySun]

@@FootToPedal how do i figure out what i have? Getting a used 2019 JCW on tuesday.

[@FootToPedal]

That will be an F56! Basically they are just different generations of Mini, I think the R56 ran from around 2007 to 2014, at which point the 3rd gen BMW Mini was introduced (F56)

[@carlibostic487]

This very interesting I was told by a mechanic not to get a mini as they are unreliable, but I really want a jcw so the f56 is a better pick Also it seems like you haven’t had any trouble with yours. Great video 👍🏼

[@FootToPedal]

@@carlibostic487 Yeah I would disagree that Minis are unreliable, however a lot of people who buy them don't service them or maintain them properly, so some of the older examples can be problematic. The F56 is a more reliable platform though and a great car! Thanks for watching 👍

[@pamilyadance3550]

P.S. fantastic quality review very professional! Great picture quality on the video and I love the location to showcase full driving experience and the soundtrack! What soundtrack is that?

[@FootToPedal]

Thanks very much, appreciate it! The soundtrack is Soldier by Particle House.

[@topgearmad12]

I’ve had mine for just over a year and I’m loving it. Did the res delete on it too so the pops and bangs are like gunshots 😻 Only quarms, you’re right about the throttle and steering being a bit odd some days. In the cold when you set off the gears are a bit notchy, and every now and then the active cruise control doesn’t want to work. Apart from that it’s a great car. Pair that with a great spec I.e. the seats, the pro nav and the HK system, you’ve got an exceptional little daily

[@FootToPedal]

Ahaha I'm sure that's very loud indeed! You're right about the gears, I remember when mine was newer it was pretty horrible on those cold mornings, had to take it really easy until things got upto temp. Its much better now though. I agree though yes, they really are very good dailys!

[@nigelpstreet]

Assume you mean Pilot Sport 4 tyres (not 4S), as Michelin don’t do Pilot Sport 4S in MINI size.

[@FootToPedal]

Yes sorry, I meant PS4 not PS4S, no idea what I was thinking when I said that! Although I believe they do now make the PS4S in an 18"

[@nigelpstreet]

@@FootToPedal Not MINI size, unfortunately

[@FootToPedal]

Damn, maybe some day

[@lollol-xp4mc]

You think england has bad roads? Try new england

[@FootToPedal]

I've heard they're bad there too 😂

[@daandaniels9689]

🔥🔥🔥 Instagram @miniclubbenelux ✌🏼 very good review mate

[@FootToPedal]

Thanks :)

[@eastwoodcars1014]

228 bhp NOT 231 bhp. Do your homework !

[@FootToPedal]

I always quote metric figures so I'm quoting 231hp, not brake horsepower. Maybe you should do your homework too

[@thematty2303]

Pipe Down Taxi boy

[@eastwoodcars1014]

@@FootToPedal you are quoting hp because you mean bhp. If you’re quoting metric then quote ps, not hp. You’re mixing hp with ps. Do your homework !

[@eastwoodcars1014]

@@thematty2303 you pipe down. Wasn’t talking to you !

[@FootToPedal]

😂 please find something better to do with your time. You clearly do not understand the difference