Is the 2024 Mini Cooper S a BETTER hatchback than a VW GTI?

[@17cmmittlererminenwerfer81]

You know, at first I didn't know what to make of Joe's style. But now, I've become convinced that this is actually the most interesting automotive overview channel on KZbin. He offers fun, informative, and surprisingly in-depth content. Definitely subbed.

[@jackdaniels2905]

I can tell he is a former teacher, definitely got those teacher jokes.

[@RaitisRides]

Oh wow! That is so wonderful of you to say! Thank you for being a part of the Raiti's Rides family!

[@RaitisRides]

I am glad that I can share it all with you! Jack!

[@mattjingles5758]

He's the leader right now imo. I go to him for every car review.

[@xaviillas615]

Two years of ownership and still smiling every single day. Thank you MINI. Thank you Joe. 🙌

[@brentengstrom5406]

Love your ride. Stinger owner.

[@njad3]

Should’ve got the JCW countryman model

[@islanddon865]

Leased a 2006 Mini Cooper S in the mountains near Pismo Beach. Ate up those roads with wolverine tenacity. The Mini is an experience EVERYONE should have!❤

[@RaitisRides]

That is so fantastic! I totally get it!

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

Over priced tiny car…..

[@islanddon865]

@@Audiodreamer192-24 Sorry you couldn't afford one. 🤭

[@MrMegatron85]

So you saw Deadpool and wolverine

[@islanddon865]

@@MrMegatron85 An uncapitalized "wolverine" signifies a generic one.

[@DF-lg1tm]

A traditional head up display is not possible due the windshield inclination.....love this car...much more than the newer generation...

[@doggedlydetermined7022]

Overlooked fun little cars!

[@RaitisRides]

You hit the nail on the head!

[@tonyn3227]

You mean overpriced

[@doggedlydetermined7022]

@@tonyn3227 $10,000 less than the average new car in the US. Not sure how you figure it’s overpriced.

[@darksideemt]

We have had our 22 S for a year now and absolutely love it! Also the Mini community is the the best car family I have ever been a part of and Joe you know the cars I've had in the past. We just took delivery of my wife's new 25 Countryman S and that thing is awesome in our opinion too though I know a lot don't like the bigger size. One thing I will note as you mention the hp number compared to the GTI a few times, you can get the JCW which would be more comparable to the GTI in my opinion when it comes to performance matching.

[@jims98z28]

The JCW gets the 8 speed auto, the S get the 7 speed DCT. The S does not get a limited slip. Like others said the HUD has to be that way because of the windshield shape. Mine has it and I rather like it. Used Bimmercode to unlock the tach in it and the HUD is awesome now. You can go into the settings and turn off the HUD and it will just stay down in the dash if you want, you dont have to use it. I have a '23 S and I love it. It's a blast to drive. I think the reliability issues with the 1st and 2nd gen really killed the market for these to enthusiasts. It's unfortunate because the 3rd gen has been very reliable.

[@John-wp9ex]

I owned a 2016 Mini Cooper S. Very similar car to the 2024 model you tested. The Mini is the best car for urban environments or roads with really tight turns. You can fit it into about any parking place and you can pack a lot of groceries in the car too. However, I recommend that anyone buying the car to think of it as a 2-seater. Think of the rear seat as a really convenient storage area. Hopefully they have improved the front seats. In the 2016 model, the side bolstering on bottom cushion was hard and fixed (metal covered by a thin layer of foam) in place. It would dig into my hip bones and force my knees inward. In addition, the rear suspension is really stiff and the car beats the hell out of you on a rough road. My limit was about a 30 minute max ride in the Mini. I once took it on an 1.5 hour trip and was exhausted and sore afterward. I really suggest that a person considering a Mini take a long test drive. Be careful because your first impression of the Mini will be wonderful. Overall, it is a good car.

[@jeremyg2245]

The GTI has so much more horsepower for around the same price!! But I can't lie, I love the look of the Mini Cooper.

[@ra65c83]

MINI all day. So much character.

[@darniusterix5774]

Great video on the 2024! Your review of the 2021 F57 manual solidified my decision to get one!

[@naciomay8582]

thank you for being super productive with new videos everyday!! I like watching this channel✌ to me cooper beats golf in quality..I feel like wv group is cheaping up in materials , they put amazing screens whatever but going low quality in interiors

[@Irishmanbikes]

Joe and Lori, can you do more Q&A's in the future? I really love them!!

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Yes, please!

[@RaitisRides]

I will have more coming for sure! So please stay tuned!

[@marklearner3299]

Hey Joe, the heads up display is like that due the upright windscreen and also due to the distance. They can’t use a conventional heads up display in the Mini. The buttons on the wheel got me at first, however you do get used to and stop turning on the sounds system. As far as the fake vents goes, I think it breaks up the design and honestly don’t mind them, especially since they help the Mini to look as cool as it does. I also think it might be slightly quicker that the GTI. Oh one more thing, the 3 door is fun, but we own a 5 door and it’s great. Just that bit more practical, we love it and I’m frustrated that Mini has such a focus on the three door. Owning it, one feature we wood like is the automatic hatch opening and closing…and maybe the foot swipe under the rear bumper. It’s my wife’s car but I’m in it or driving regularly and I often think about how I could improve it and the automatic hatch is about the only gripe…

[@maoinc13]

I love the mini Cooper S 🎉🎉 the only thing I dislike is the price 😢 38K ? I would buy an Elantra N with this money 🤑🤑🤑🤑

[@ISR403]

I have '14 S maunal. SOLID car, I love it

[@mattjingles5758]

Same with our 2013 s

[@RickMentore]

"More things change, the more thy stay the same," that cool iconic style has change very little! This is a uniquely fantastic ride however, at 38,000 it may b a bit overpriced?

[@RaitisRides]

I think the issue is everything today is overpriced!

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

Amazing review Joe.

[@briantakacs8511]

miss my mini had a 2013s was so much fun

[@WN427]

I love how unique a Mini is compared to nearly everything on the road today. They seem to be such a fun car to drive and comes with a sort of care free attitude about them. This really makes me want to pick one up as a second car

[@TommyPickIes]

You had me cracking up Joe, great vid

[@antonilavin2488]

That’s the old one mate. My wife has had that model for 2 years. Looked at the new one yesterday in Brisbane Australia. Very impressive. Completely different interior and more power.

[@PeterSothern]

The union jack 🇬🇧 lights look brilliant

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you Peter!

[@davcuts2897]

Great review as always Joe, but I'm going to have to give you a zonk. That is a 7-speed dual clutch transmission in the S, only the JCW has an 8-speed.

[@doriangray2347]

I have a 2025 JCW hardtop. Roof window delete, loaded to the max with iconic options, and a manual gearbox. JCW begins to elevate it into a fast vehicle. The 40-110 mph of my mini is intense.

[@mikeolson7557]

2025 MINIs no longer have manual transmissions

[@doriangray2347]

@@mikeolson7557 my car was delivered in November and is a 2025 JCW according to Mini.

[@thromeas1]

Mini Cooper S in British Racing Green. Lord have mercy!

[@mattjingles5758]

My wife has a 2013 mini cooper s 2 door, and I've done some minor bolt ons along with ceramic brakes, wheels, tires, and coilovers. That car handles and brakes phenomally.

[@RaitisRides]

That is so awesome to hear Matt! I can just imagine how much it is to drive!

[@darleneelvidge6380]

Awesome “Joe” and “Lori “ at the amazing job you both do. I also love how you tell your subscribers or non-subscribers about each brand new vehicle outside and inside everytime with your many zonks and Twinkies. Joe don’t review the brand new “2025” Mini Countryman because it only has the heads up display to see how fast you’re going. Absolutely no instrument cluster at all with that huge big brand new Mini Countryman suv. And they’re very different inside looking very cheap looking with to much material and very weird back lights, most of there loyal customers aren’t happy at all. And they’re very expensive to buy in Canada starting at around $50,588.00 to over $62,888.00 before are 13% taxes in Ontario, Canada. Have a wonderful day.

[@LuisUrbieta]

I really love this mini Cooper I think this is the Apostle to the hatchbacks.

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad to hear that Luis!

[@christiankarganilla3396]

Awesome video guys

[@jenan9016]

This is actually an older model. The New Mini Cooper's rear end is weird and the interior got a significant downgrade imo. Older model, reviewed here, is much better.

[@quaizers]

Both are new models, the one that you mention is the SE electric, the back is different and the whole interior.

[@jenan9016]

@@quaizers No. Electric or not, the one Joe reviews here is the "2024" model. There has already been a 2025 one. In other words the 2024 model is, well, outdated. But I would rather much pick the 2024 model.

[@althor5550]

The 1st gen BMW MINI S (2002) had the one and only functional hood scoop Joe. To launch the new car a supercharger is easier to engineer than a turbo in the S model.

[@Joverine]

If the front of a car is the face then this thing has a goatee 😂

[@RaitisRides]

I see what you did there!

[@taelee347]

Bought our convertible cooper S last year with manual transmission as it was last model year to still have the 3rd pedal option. Put 5,000 miles since, averaging just around 30 mpg and kids love it riding in the back seats with the top down!

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 👍

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for having our backs man!

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Austin Powers quotes are playing in my head, so is "Beautiful Stranger" by Madonna, as I watch this. Seems to be a neat car, but I have to zonk the automatic transmission. Needs a 6 speed manual.

[@Dylan-rs4yx]

RIGHT! I have a manual one .. a 2014. I love her 😊 and abuse her 😈

[@alexandreromanov8552]

I drive a 2024 Cooper 2 door JCW, absolutely love this precise, fast, sofisticated, and intelligent machine. You really should review it, especially do your "on throttle" on "twisty bits". It's worth it. On the sad side, I'm horrified with the 2025 model looking more like belonging in a dollar store rather than in evolution of John Cooper's heritage... Cheap cloth glued to the dash, cloth stripes to open cheap plastic boxes, cloth stripe in the steering wheel cheap plastic buttons instead of signature tumblers... oh, well...

[@RaitisRides]

That is so awesome Alex! I will track on down to review! I am not digging the 2025 model either!

[@rickjames6867]

A warm hatch really. (Mini)mal heat and not too hot to touch. Probably a good car to learn or teach spirited driving. My decieced father loved these cars. He Owned an old one back in the 70s. True story. 😊✌️

[@RaitisRides]

That is so awesome! I love how you put that!

[@loki_wolff]

Super sad what they did to the new 2025 Cooper S

[@RaitisRides]

I know it is not everyone's favorite!

[@ArthurBenetton]

Nice review, Joe - though a brand new Mini just came out for 2025! Funny to see the review of an old model right with the brand new redesign. No joke, the first couple minutes of this video I actually thought to myself "oh I like this new model better than I remember" - only to realize it's the old model! Ha! :-)

[@bryanwashington9511]

Minis are like fun go carts you can take out and have a blast in!

[@RaitisRides]

This is so very true Bryan!

[@Jack.Smith80]

Joe, when is see Mini Cooper, it reminds me the Italian job movie (2003) 😁 ❤Joe❤Lori❤Steven🙏

[@gissegura2497]

Mini is my dream car 💗

[@Tiagovw]

mini has the head up display like that because of the angle of the windshield

[@av-ru-mi]

One man’s “fake vent” is another man’s design element. Leave it alone.

[@RaitisRides]

I like what you did there!

[@av-ru-mi]

@@RaitisRides In some cases I can agree with you even though I vehemently disagreed with you at the time. Case in point The Genesis vehicles with tiny bits of “fake vent” at some of the corners. This Mini is different. They fit very well. Although the hood scoop would’ve been wonderful if it was functional, it’s still necessary for the “Little Engine that Could” vibes

[@dsny121]

Please review the JCW version!

[@RaitisRides]

You got it!

[@michaelzero5144]

Hard call but I like the older I ones. Hard for me as I have the JCW Clubman that’s tweaked a bit at 325hp so it moves a bit 😊

[@RaitisRides]

Oh man the ON THROTTLE in yours must be amazing!

[@michaelzero5144]

@@RaitisRides going to try for 400 or as close as I can get in the future. It’s a bit of a sleeper as most think minis are slow. Great review. When are you going to do the new ones?

[@locutz]

Queen of England bro she dead , there's a king now 😂

[@xaviillas615]

🤣🤣🤣

[@chileshemubanga3594]

I've always ❤ed Minis

[@steved7085]

Overall there's nothing about the car I find bad, I really like it. Great review, as usual. Btw, the Queen won't be calling anyone, she's dead, perhaps the King will call, though.

[@theWynn3]

I miss my mini cooper s. Easily the most fun car I’ve owned.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that past ownership insight!

[@jeromegriffiths4462]

That’s A nice Car

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Well, Joe, I think I like the Mini Cooper with the upscale napa leather and New Jersey plates as my elite weekend vehicle. I like the reliable VW hot hatch GTI as my dailey driver.

[@sopwithsnoopy8779]

Always liked the look of the 2-door Mini. Not sure I care for those wheels, however. The older wheels looked better.

[@RaitisRides]

I actually like the previous gen a ton better!

[@dustinberg1134]

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.

[@JustinShaw89]

Great review. I have this car. Agree on most points. But the visibility out the windshield is not good. The A pillar creates a huge blind spot for taller drivers (me) unless you are shorter and can move the seat all the way up. It is very hard to see traffic lights up high and pedestrians walking out. The buttons on the steering wheel are fine, no smudging after 2 yrs. But I do often tap the cruise control button on accident a lot, which is annoying. If you want Android Auto, get the brand new Mini. This one doesn't have it. And the Mini Nav map is often not good. Takes you in the most roundabout inefficient direction to your destination. That alone might be a deal breaker for me. Harsh ride but you know what you are getting yourself into with that. Otherwise, it is a damn fun zippy car that is unexpectedly practical and spacious. I always get compliments.

[@bodom06051]

We love your videos Joe and all the innuendos and jokes! Hey can you do a review for the 2024 mini countryman cooper S all4 in white with gold accents lol??? You rock by the way :)

[@RaitisRides]

You got it! Thanks for being so very supportive!

[@bodom06051]

@@RaitisRidesthanks Joe! Hope you and your team have an amazing day!

[@BrunoSilva-ut5fr]

Why Brazil has got such a beautiful version of it?

[@rosstudisco8650]

38k? I had a S in 07 paid 26k. First year of the turbo replacing the super charger, thing was in the shop constantly

[@dustinberg1134]

Handling is comparable with a 911. Not the power but the finess of handling glued to the road, its amazing, really surprising.

[@RaitisRides]

It is like a big go-kart in a very good way.

[@dustinberg1134]

@@RaitisRides I've driven 911 turbo s,ferrari f12, and I own a x3m comp. And I just bought my wife the limited edition roadster, I flew and drove it home for 15 hours.its a blast. The steering feel is better than the f12 and 911, really, I'm not crazy, not talking track times, but steering feel and laser precision. If this had 400hp and awd then it would be supercar territory.

[@DominionAnako-bb7ry]

Love your car video

[@davcuts2897]

I love my F56 2024 Mini Cooper, but the 2025 all new model is out now. When will you review the new 2025 Mini F66?

[@dha588]

I can't wait to see the JCW ❤

[@djak19reaper]

Joe, you need to review the new 2025 JCW countryman

[@TheSpeedDemon64]

An amazing little car!

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right about that!

[@khronin]

neighbor had one--always in the shop

[@da_great_mogul]

They're very reliable. Wtf you talking about?

[@khronin]

@@da_great_mogul According to RepairPal, the Mini Cooper has a reliability rating of 3.0 out of 5.0 and ranks 25th out of 32 car brands. However, the Mini Cooper did rank 21st out of 21 cars in the subcompact segment. The high cost of repair and maintenance for Mini Cooper has significantly hurt its reliability. On average, you can expect to pay around $854 per year to repair and maintain a Mini Cooper. The cost is considerably more than $652, which is the average for all models.Pound sand soi boi its got the worst reliability rating--21 out of 21 for subcompacts--go upstairs and wave to mommy for me.

[@da_great_mogul]

@khronin MINI Cooper Reliability Ratings from J.D. Power MINI Cooper has consistently earned impressive scores in J.D. Power’s Consumer Ratings, assessed on a 100-point Score system. Recent MINI Cooper models have secured overall scores ranging from 82 to 85, with satisfied MINI owners consistently praising the Quality and Reliability as “Great.” I'll say hi to your mummy from you. She'll be back with you in the morning.

[@jims98z28]

The first gen wasn't great, the second gen was horrific, but the 3rd generation has been pretty reliable

[@Ryan-cv8sn]

Must have been an older one or a lemon. The F56 variants have been bulletproof.......

[@edwardvalivonis23]

Fun to drive

[@RaitisRides]

You better believe it Edward!

[@edwardvalivonis23]

@RaitisRides I did dozens of Minis, nice car expecially 3 door

[@coryglueckert1665]

sad no more manual.

[@RaitisRides]

Trust me I know how you feel Cory!

[@charlesgauthier3343]

But Mini has an excellent EV, the Cooper ES.

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

I sold my Mini Cooper S damn I miss that car 🙈🙈🙈

[@richarddunning6095]

Joe, where do you get your energy? Send me the link bro. 😂

[@MisterMikeTexas]

It's either Yoohoo or cawfee. My bet is on the latter.

[@RaitisRides]

I just love cars!

[@RaitisRides]

You are spot on!

[@andrewevolution472]

Ideal for countries with small roads but for the large and long ones in USA it may feels slow being under 200hps... i think if you want a intersting economy new car it´s more unique than a Prius

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

The Mini easily goes 100mph on any road large and long. Why would it feel slow if it's going just as fast as everyone else?

[@Bulldogshaw1]

My wife loves hers. Do they have remote start now

[@icymayne]

Wow I didn’t know they was still making these

[@RaitisRides]

You are not the first to say that!

[@edwarddejong8025]

A cute car. However, a "knuckle- buster" - my late great mechanic friend Dominique was the only guy in the bay area who could do some of the repair jobs on that engine; you have to work entirely by feel because there is zero room inside. BMW has done such a good job reviving the MIni Cooper brand. I vote for a full zonk because fake scoops are obnoxious. Just another single vendor plastic part to break. Same thing with the side badge. Hate those branding marks. It's my one objection to the Bronco and Ranger.

[@damiongriffiths5799]

Twinkie should sponsor this gentleman 🥹🥹

[@marisarosado9706]

@raitisrides can you review the 2025 mini cooper s?

[@juve7]

Lori Is Blessed...

[@RaitisRides]

She is the best in the biz!

[@makatron]

What I hate is how big it is now, no longer true to the mini badge.

[@winexprt]

@15:10 is that a speaker in the armrest? Or a vent for the wireless charger?

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

Yeah Joe and I think I should buy this or not.

[@creepingbert]

You forgot to mention that the racing stripes add 5 horsepowers. It's science.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right! Thanks for mentioning that!

[@PowderAh]

Sadly, it doesn't have Android Auto. I've got the JCW model

[@EvilSardine084]

My 2007 Civic Si had 200hp without a turbo. My Elantra N has 276. Both 2.0s. This engine is sad.

[@fernandovargas9791]

Any chance you could do a f350 platinum?

[@EclipticKitten]

hmmm. try to do a hypercar.. btw you know any good key fob places in guelph Ontario im trying to collect them

[@rivalshinob8481]

Where’s the 2025 GR corolla?????

[@ortonboy7]

sorry brother Joe but i am interested to see a review on Ferrari Purosangue please

[@BrakRulesAll]

Get one now if you like the '24... the '25 is an absolute disaster, especially the interior.

[@kangjhha]

zonk the silver trim.. they be charging an arm & leg to upgrade blk versions

[@RaitisRides]

That is so very true!

[@davidwolf226]

Any option would be better than anything with a VW label on it. Period.

[@RaitisRides]

Iv see what you did there David!

[@winexprt]

Reliability has historically been horrible with these things. Has that changed in recent years?

[@mattjingles5758]

It has gotten a little better. Still some issues because bmw lol but a lot less problems overall.

[@rolandtheheadlessthompsong4346]

love it

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

Hey Joe, is this your very first MINI review???? 😲

[@RaitisRides]

It is actually far from it Chris. They are just far and few between.

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

@@RaitisRides Gotcha. I believe Lori used to own a MINI if I remember correctly?

[@loriraiti4924]

@@DarkJediChrisG-1425yep! Loved it!

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

@@loriraiti4924 👌👌👌

[@WhiteEagle74]

The 01-06 Minis looked the best imo and they weighed under 2400 lb. The new ones are too big and heavy which is a major zonk. I wish Mazda could get their hands on the Mini and make it lighter and more reliable.

[@MAKINGUTHINK]

Can’t believe that HUD setup!!!! What?!?!?!? 😂😂😂😂 ZONK! Besides that, it’s a good ol fashioned mini.

[@LRS34625]

Mini convertible or MX-5 RF ????

[@mattjingles5758]

For modifying, I'd pick the mini. For reliability, I'd get the miata.

[@petemcfeet28]

I don't know about there, but in Canada, there is only $2k difference in price between this Mini and a Golf R - 6 speed manual. Sorry Mini, that's no contest. Cheers.

[@RaitisRides]

That is pretty much spot on here! Golf R is the way to go!

[@darleneelvidge6380]

Don’t test drive the brand new 2025 Mini Cooper with no instrument panel but it has the same heads up deplay at the windshield area for your speed and everything else you need to know about.

[@Boomtendo4tw]

Idk if maybe a kia soul would be a better choice

[@malikmcintosh7797]

11:13 kinda sounds like bmw x2 m35i