A week with the GP3...did I make a mistake ?!

I spent a week driving the Mini GP3 and it is certainly a very hardcore and uncompromising car. I had one on order and at the last minute cancelled my order and bought a Clubman JCW. Now I've driven it do I regret my decision ?
Paid my mate Imran from Evolve Automotive a visit and drove his modified GP3 and what a difference !
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[@mendeltomas]

I remember when you posted the video over a year ago about you cancelling your GP3 order. I commented on it then that I was sticking with my GP3 order. Mine was delivered to me at the end of July last year. Well, I sold my GP3 2 weeks ago. As much as I loved my GP3, I hated my GP3. The pros and cons of mine were exactly the same as what you stated in this video. In the end, I just really didn't enjoy driving it that much. I loved how it looked and I loved the power, but it was too much work to drive it hard. I'm glad that I owned it for 12 months as it's always good to experience things that you're a little apprehensive about. It's funny that you mentioned potentially owning an R53 as the 3rd MINI in your stable; I'm picking up a 2006 BRG R53 this coming Friday. I'm looking forward very much to driving it hard!

[@BrunoLinhares85]

Love the GP3. Its my daily car. These distinctive features make the car even more special, more demanding for the driver, and more fun to drive. For me. the fact that it is so nervous, scary, unpredictable, increases the adrenaline even more!

[@EvolveAutomotive]

Great video Pete! Glad you enjoyed the improvements we made on the GP3. Looking forward to getting you out in some of our other cars soon.

[@PetrolPed]

Would love that 👍

[@BullyBoxer]

@@PetrolPed I find that new shape clubman so ugly over the old model,think the countryman is the best looking. Drove the GP3 thought it was on a different level, only people that can’t drive it complain about it. Definitely don’t need anything doing to it .

[@mynameIan]

I bought a Clubman JCW, having owned a supercharged Cooper JCW, and a turbo Cooper S. the Clubman is easy my favourite but have a soft spot for the sound of the supercharger.

[@RogerBaileyOnCars]

i followed all your mini content back in the day & was looking forward to seeing your own GP3 yet at the time you made the right decision - now its confirmed, enjoyable vid 👍

[@Stop-gt2kv]

lol made me smile @ 8:31 when you opened the boot and the dogs were just sitting there :)

[@PetrolPed]

They love being on camera 😂

[@JelsterUK]

The best thing I ever did was move to a JCW Clubby. Long distance tourer, daily driver, go do the shopping, and it's still great fun on the B roads.

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

It's the one I'd go for.

[@Lockyoriginal1]

Considering the wow reviews of the Toyota Yaris GR by literally all car magazine’s and the rather negative reviews (by quite a few) of the fabulous GP3 (my personal opinion having owned a GR & now own a GP3) it’s funny how the Mini gets round the Nurburgring 10 SECONDS FASTER than the Yaris and at 8.04 it actually matches an Audi RS6 with a minimum of 150 to 200 bhp more - in my eyes that makes it pretty special!!!

[@coltoncleveringa8004]

Was so excited for this video Sir Pete! It was fantastic! Loved the comparison to Charlie and also the story of how ruby was the start of the mini love! The go3 is awesome and all but Charlie for you was definitely the better choice! I’d have to say my favorite feature on the gp3 is the wing!! Should get one for Charlie lol 😆

[@ginogina4589]

We just took delivery of our 2022 2 door hardtop JCW. Its our third since 2000. Fantastic car. Super happy with it.

[@bobtroutman]

Love the video! After driving many Minis, I am happy that I finally found a well-sorted R53! Definitely one of my favorite road cars.

[@paulcurran9554]

Great video Pete. I love my GP3 and I get a buzz from it on B roads, yes it's a handful but I've had a belly full of cars managing my inputs rather that the other way round. On track it is an absolute demon and that's where it shines. BTW the GP3 doesn't have an electronic diff, it has a mechanical torque sensing (torsen) diff. You made the right decision for you, I made the right decision for me👍😉

[@ginggur17]

Evening pal, my goodness, it’s hard to remember the times before KZbin lol. Amazing how 10yrs creates such change in our lives. Welcome to the club with the Hayfever. 👍👍👍🤜🤛

[@timmartin7468]

Great to hear your thoughts on the GP3. You made the right choice, Charlie Clubman is a fine car and a keeper. Another Mini for the garage? Yes please! Thanks for the great content as always and lovely to see the pooch and pup.

[@johns4384]

Knowing your style from watching your You Tube videos, it warmed my heart to hear you say you'd like a supercharged R53 Cooper S. I have an 05 with just a touch over 48000 miles. Jet Black, last year for that color option, I've had since day one. Garage kept, pristine. Nope, I'm probably never going to sell it. Cheers Pete.

[@srbs73]

13:19 “.. and I nearly went off the road, and that for me isn’t a good thing.” I don’t think you’re in the minority 😂

[@PetrolPed]

😂😂😂

[@MillieonaVespa]

Kinda knew and commented at the time of cancelling and getting the clubby...you had made the right decision ! ...another great video Pete 👍

[@Singh64able]

Great content as usual great perspective on pro's and con's .👏🏼👏🏼

[@ronald1968]

I drove 'down ' your favourite hillclimb Rd yesterday in my 68 mini when I left the breakfast meet at goodwood...... that is one awesome rd you have on your doorstep...... I almost turned around and drove it uphill just because it looked like fun!!

[@denso6708]

Another great video and happy that you made the right decision for you in the clubman, its a cracking car. I possibly have the highest mileage GP3 in the UK at 11000 miles. I have used it as my daily and although it demands respect, it still puts a big smile on my face. Torque steer is not so bad, but the tram lining under power on a B road always demands respect that’s for sure 👍

[@speedtracker100]

Do not worry buddy, you never make mistakes choosing your cars...bravo...

[@jackleonard2088]

What’s better than a MINI GP3? A MINI GP3 filled with Petrol Pups! I for one am glad you got the Clubbie. It’s so unique and with the money you saved you were able to personalize it to your taste. Funny as we get older we start to listen to that little voice of reason a bit more and more. And nine times out of ten it’s right. Thanks for sharing this little beastie (GP) with us.

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers Jack 👍

[@SouthLincsMiniOwnersClub]

I love your eventuri intake on Charley, I'd love to open up the front of my Cooper S so it pulls air in where it should.

[@markschraider]

Great video Ped; glad you feel like you made the right decision. I got out of an F83 M4 fully intending to get into a GP, but decided to go for an F56 JCW instead for many of the reasons you mentioned. -so you’ve also justified my decision 👍😁 (JCW is fab, and much more usable than an M4!)

[@paull4968]

I have had mine for a year now. 5300 miles. Ride can be bouncy and want to adjust that in the future. Maybe without run flats. But love the sheer speed in the 0 to 60 in no time flat. And hitting 100mph without even blinking!

[@mickbadger3784]

You definitely made the right decision, there is nothing i like about it, price, comfort, gearbox, practicality even looks. for that money there is far more all roundedfun, driver focused cars out there.

[@jeffabbott463]

Not a fan of the fenders etc. Your JCW Clubman is the better all round car. You made the right decision.

[@a1paulh911]

Fab video Ped!! 👍 The GP3 is a fantastic car, and Mini has consistently made a great range of cars for different types of customer - so nothing wrong with a Clubman if it suits you and your family. Anyway, having bought an R53 five years ago as a weekend fun car I'd deffo recommend... Nice ones are creeping up in value, but still not too expensive to buy. Kept mine looking stock but the performance and sound is superb after the specialist engine rebuild and custom s/s exhaust was fitted...

[@charliebutton5731]

Great review! Makes perfect sense. I spent ages modifying my Fabia to be track focussed, which compromised the every day comfort of it. Have you changed the exhaust on the Roadster?

[@markhutchin495]

Evening all, this reminds me of an R55 clubman I owned. It was on run flats and as soon as you applied the throttle it was a fight to keep it on the tarmac. Very good fun but does become tedious. As you say Pete a great car but to track focused without some expensive mods. 👍

[@gordonleys5379]

Love the pups! Very intelligent and informative video. 👍

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks 👍

[@deltafoxtrot2]

Great review Pete, it is very easy to get star struck and make a car work for you in your head. When fantasy becomes reality it can be very costly and disappointing. You made a rational choice with your clubman. .

[@peterkirton4580]

I agree with you about the 4s tyres got them on my TT and they have transformed the ride

[@flaw3dgenius222]

Torque steer keeps you on your toes i love it makes it feel like a race car. What i hate is tramlining... My Clubman Cooper S used to tramline like mad.

[@dangreasley7934]

Very insightful. Did you say how much evolve spent on their GP3 mini to sort out the torque steer etc? Great video, lots to think about but I think you definitely made the right decision...

[@Doppeltag]

Could tell you’re relieved that this last week has confirmed for you that you definitely made the right choice! Stick with Ruby and Charlie! 😉

[@markscars1069]

No worries about the hayfever dude, I suffer too. Doc asked me years ago why I thought I suffered with it. I said I get scratchy eyes and a stuffed nose only in the summer, WHAT THE HELL ELSE WOULD YOU CALL IT? 😀 Anyway, I’ve loved the JCW, and it was partly your channel that influenced the decision as you may know. Then my daughter goes through a growth spurt, and no longer fits in the DB9. And having two cars around becomes a pain. And now we have a puppy coming, too. So I get the lifestyle angle. Our M340i fits the bill so much better. And the Mini, really quite suddenly, is no longer ideal.

[@a5cgb]

Great video. 👍 on country roads 95% of the useable fun of a GP3 but so much more practicality with a clubman! I guess it is a heart v. head thing 🙈

[@ginggur17]

Low profiles are a nightmare on the roads here around Lincolnshire. Just had all 4 ‘straightened’ on the Jaguar with it being on 20”. The 18” on the BMW feel awesome afterwards lol. I love fancy wheels, but ya just can’t really have them sensibly around here. The GP3 looks a right lil animal. I like a car which ya feel planted in, in all weather. 👍

[@colinw1591]

Think any front wheel drive with 300+hp has traction issues, but I'm surprised BMW signed off this setup. If I wanted a small fun to drive pocket rocket, the Yaris would be my choice....

[@markrhoden68]

@@Yetterben I believe the point is, cars from factory rather than tuned and modified

[@tcclaviger]

Nah, have owned higher power fwd, by a lot, not an inherent issue, does require more than bargain basement (ala BMW minis)engineering to make work right.

[@user-jg6vi4cd7v]

Great video as per usual always nice and precise content! i bought the jcw clubman in british racing green black wheeks black lid tan leather interior, brand new - love it , hate the bridgestones they crash about and fidget , swapped to Michelin cross climates what a difference completely changed the cars driving experience! mpg is pretty poor -but tiny tank! learning to go around in mid mode more, i love this car its a piece of art ! wish it had auto hold , then the lauch off would be a tad quicker! swap from brake to accelerator seems to slow things down, do you left foot break? maybe I should learn this! Excellent content keep EM coming...

[@PetrolPed]

Will do 👍

[@CarObsession]

I've been waiting to hear your thoughts on this car, especially after I was able to have a quick spin in one a few months ago. Completely agree with you; there's no doubt it's quick, but it deserves a manual (yes, an auto makes it faster and more efficient), the torque steer would grow tiring, as would the ride. Personally, I think you made the right choice Pete.

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks Bud 👍

[@minilite7184]

If you want a 30-40k track car buy an Elise - if you want a fun daily that can take shopping, golf clubs or dogs - buy a Normal JCW with back seats - ped … I agree

[@PetrolPed]

Good point 👍

[@victormansson6618]

I love this Mini content. /Victor from Sweden 🙋‍♂️

[@KCnLex]

Great video! My quandary was between a used Audi Roadster TT/TTS or Mini JCW Roadster. Ended up with the 2015 JCW, with only 13,500 miles when purchased a few months ago. But do I think it is on par with the TT? Not really, the all wheel drive on the Audi really made it hug the road. The biggest factor was that Audi had discontinued the manual gearbox and in order to get one with a manual, I had to go back before 2012. To me "driving" for fun will always mean a manual transmission. I suspect when you are deciding between two cars, there will always be regrets. I am now making modifications to improve the handling of the JCW. Just changing the tires helped enormously. Did your channel have an influence? That goes without saying.

[@britishminiclub]

The GP3 is a stunning car, maybe the arches should have been an option. The GP3 certainly attracts attention. We defo think the Clubman with the same engine is much more useable especially for your trips to Cornwall. We’ve just ordered a full spec Clubman Cooper Sport. Thought an S but wanted the better spec for the price

[@philipparkes5682]

Hi Ped Very pleased your choice has been vindicated and confirmed in your own mind. Have to say Charlie and Ruby ideal combination, which would have been my choice in your shoes.🤗🤗

[@funkytown5254]

Nothing like the look so elegant/sport and beautiful as the R59 , its a shame, they dont do it anymore, personally hate the upgrade in the HIGH the did on the minis , they look more like small wagonets... Specially the clubman etc

[@williamfence566]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I've just not got the " BMW" mini at all . ( especially the clubman ) . Enjoy your vlogs though.

[@gbilton1]

As someone who a R53 for the weekend and an F60 S all4 as my daily the two make a great pair. R53's are starting to come up in value so jump in now or prepare to pay

[@2spoons]

Did you just say your GP3 was a bit laggy..... My Automatic Mini Countryman Cooper S JCW 2ltr was exactly that..... my brother drives BMW's and lectures me on the response you touch the peddle and it moves.... don't get me wrong I adore the turbo (getting in nice and warm and it pops like cracker)... So weird though the tiny delay..... Just noticed you have tip-tronic steering me too..... only used it once buy it was fun .... you have to pop round and have a drive!!!

[@SantaDeerhound]

I had an old 1987 Golf GTi 16V back in the 90s - it had no power steering and the ride was so hard that it was physically and mentally exhausting on a long motorway drive - the first time I ever started to not like driving because it was so tiring - I could see how people could fall asleep at the wheel. Lesson learnt re harsh suspension. A few years later I had a Mondeo ST200 and that suffered terribly from tramlining - such a horrible sensation of being out of control like driving a box van in a high side wind - even at low speeds sometimes. One of a couple of crap things about that Ford that made me get shot of it. For me the high performance aspects of a fast car are only enjoyed 5% of the time. So for the other 95% it has to be enjoyable and comfortable to drive. You chose wisely with the Clubman IMHO.

[@bizzie1956]

Glad you made the right decision Ped

[@trev8591]

Thanks for fighting through the hay fever, Pete. You made the right decision, and personally the GP3 is a bit Marmite? I don't think it will age well (and I don't like Marmite either).

[@1BLUEMEANIE]

Mine is not for sale 😁👍🧽🏁Another great honest review To GP or not to GP that question has been addressed I would still buy one but take it to evolve 👍

[@Orianne01]

For me, the GP3 is just a good car, I love to ride the Swiss Alpine passes with it, which I don't think is so good that the front axle often rumbles. I drove a JCW Roadster, painted the same as Ruby, and a JCW F56. I should have kept the roadster like you. I think you don't have to regret the cancellation of the GP3.

[@derekfinnegan734]

I’d love a R53 too. I’ve not had a MINI for over 4 years. That would be a sweet way to return.

[@TheRobJonker]

The GP's are special, no doubt about that, but not as a daily, so Charlie was the absolute right move.

[@HOXXAS]

That's true. It is more for collection.

[@bluenapalm123]

[@georgedaville4662]

Only just watched this vid Ped, I think you made the right decision. I hate torque steer and rock hard suspension. Remember driving a Lancia Themma 3.0 years ago, nearly did a right turn under full throttle 😳

[@paulhelden]

As always nice and honest review, I don`t see any reason for buy a GP3, you can make similar power with an S or JCW with a tune and have it manual. The GR Yaris is the car that the GP3 should have been

[@paulhelden]

Never sell Ruby, much more special that any GP3

[@KThxsBy]

I would like one but I just cant get over the front grill how it bulges out, if anything look way better recessed. also R53 cooper S was a boneshaker as well but gutted we sold it.

[@Crownleyian]

Thanks for that input, absolutely in love with the Mini GP and GR Yaris can’t make a decision. You reckon it’s possible to fit track tyres in the boot to take to the track? Great stuff mate as always!

[@PetrolPed]

Now that’s a good question. Not sure to be honest 😬

[@timhayward6833]

From everything I've seen and read, it depends on what you're using it for. If mostly for track then Mini GP, if mostly for B roads then GR Yaris.

[@user-xt4wr7yr9j]

I truly in enjoying the your show thank s

[@PetrolPed]

So glad!

[@atb_massive_night9679]

haha, great comment.... first thing I do when I get a new (to me, never brought 'brand new) car home is wash it to find all the little details.......

[@rogernilsson_Swe]

The Cat in the background in the start has catched a mouse! Nice video btw 😃

[@Hurrican1987]

Awesome mate!!

[@andrewomotosho3417]

That was great, thank you.

[@PetrolPed]

My pleasure 👍

[@paultw3326]

Great Content Ped. You definitely made the correct choice. My local dealer had 3 stuck on its forecourt at one point, and stories of customers who,d bought them and were unhappy. I love Minis but I think its a poorly executed Car. The Clubman would be my choice too. Interesting to hear you talking about a classic, and an R53. I recently sold my 1961 Cooper S replica after 7 years of Grins and ownership. It sold for £15,500, way less than a genuine S, but just as much fun with its 1275 Engine, and almost exact spec/interior. I still own an R53 2005 S with only 9,000 Genuine miles & 1 former owner. I love it, and cannot forsee me selling it for years, though if I do I,ll give you first refusal ;)

[@PetrolPed]

You lucky thing 👍

[@kevinDG7]

Gp3 would be a future dream, but I am very happy with mine R58.

[@petergalbraith3422]

It sounds as though you made the right decision; a GP3 would have been fun, but as a car to live with, not quite so well suited to your lifestyle as the Clubman. Regarding the torque steer, personally it's something I've got used to - my Mk2 Focus RS does it, though not to quite the same extent as the GP3, by the looks of things. I rather like it, it's a 'quirk' of the car. It's always at the back of your mind, but I also know to expect it, so it's never caused me any problems, and that's with 350+bhp, not 306!

[@GeneralKato]

“And that, for me, isn’t a good thing…” Even my larger than life chocolate brown with silver and toffee lounge leather one point six liter unassisted naturally aspirated engined shooting brake like mini cooper does the torque steer. Only at drive away though. it’s hilarious! Would love to try the Mini GP cars one day. Any of them really. Just to feel how much power these can handle.

[@daviddenley3512]

There are lots of cars that will be the best you've ever had but there will always be "The Mini" Once you've had one your brain becomes corrupted! No, you won't compare other cars to the Mini as that scenario is to but it bluntly is "Not Relevant" and why is this ? Once you have the Mini Bug you have the Mini Bug and that's that.

[@edwowen]

I'm in the no camp - looks like its having a prolapse at the front and the arch wings just look daft. IMHO of course.

[@47sagem]

I would love to get a GP3…is it hard to get one now as they only made so many ?

[@kevinantoniomorrison2415]

Oh okay, i guess all the race enthusias are very disappointed. If it was possible the demands would be so high. But i would still buy it along with the JCW manual.

[@landroversforever]

I'm sure these did have a proper mechanical diff in the end? I'm sure that was on the spec sheet.

[@andrewfossatti4937]

I love what you did to your clubman!!! As someone who is looking to buy one in the near future… what performance parts would you recommend? I love the exhaust, what else?

[@PetrolPed]

The Remus Race exhaust is mega. Highly recommend. The Eventuri intake is not cheap but is a great mod. Apart from dechroming and debadging I’ve not done that much 😬

[@andrewfossatti4937]

@@PetrolPed thank you much I want my quirky car to stand out even more for those moments when you roll up next to another clubman 😆

[@johnbrown3951]

My wife would not like the GP3 she thought the Fiesta ST was too firm and our JCW hatch was just perfect so wouldn't get brownie points for that decision. Awesome looks though.

[@alanwayte432]

Lol torque steer reminds me of my 1987 Ford Escort RS Turbo back in the day, I had the turbo boost turned up to make about 170bhp, when I was 20 and very inexperienced, this was a mistake I came very close to a number of hedges especially in the wet it was almost unable to accelerate

[@Whiteknight0007]

Charlie,she a keeper !!

[@richardsheldon7473]

Awesome vlog ,treat yourself pete ,get an R53,life s to short these days,do it pete ,it would be awesome for you and the chanel,hey stay safe

[@steveburland624]

It's a shame it's so compromised on the road and I also hate the bits on the wings so also would have a clubman or countryman over the GP3 . I think you made the right decision on the more practical clubman.👍

[@thepie4052]

Great vid Ped. It begs the question should such a track focused car be road legal?

[@grahampayne3733]

Love the GP range of minis defo on the one to own list. As for classic minis you could get a 1990s/ decent mini for about £4000. You don't have have to go all out classic for a classic car 😆

[@philmonk8422]

R53 is one of the few cars i wish id never sold......Evolve has created the Gp3 to the standard they should have left the factory at the price

[@michaelp0819]

I have owned a couple of R55s and an R56 and now.... two 2006 R53s. I hope to keep them going for some time. The R53 is the best, in my opinion.

[@jrlee1072]

Great vlog....Can you do a test drive in the Yaris GR?

[@PetrolPed]

Already have 😜 kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4LKc6GDpNlqorM

[@simonlaland]

You made the right decision

[@rmermini7540]

Great video. I just want to ask your opinion. I have 14’ f56s and after 9 years of ownership, im planning to buy GP3 or 23’JCW. Which one would you prefer ? Thanks 🙏🏼

[@PetrolPed]

For daily use I get the JCW and if you want more performance put a stage 1 on it 👍

[@davidblackwell7958]

Think ruby is ready for some new discs, another mod video ?🤞😉

[@hendersonboxer]

That GP3 is awesome in the way it looks and drives. mini designed and market the car as a fun,weekend,track weapon,that’s what it was designed for. If you want a daily runaround then buy a clubman.

[@PetrolPed]

Yep 👍

[@j.w.7579]

At least the All wheel drive Clubman can put the 300+ horses to the ground without getting squirrely

[@jonathanplatt2783]

I love my GP3 and it is a hoot to drive. I disagree with your comment that it wouldn’t be a good daily car. I drive mine as a daily and I do not have any problems with it. The stones are fairly easy to get out of the rear arches.

[@garrymatthews4430]

Man my old bones woud not coupe with that, even though I love it!!

[@dickiemcvitie1752]

I've seen a few GP3's lately and I'm still of the opinion that the side skirt thingies spoil the look of the car. Funny you say about washing a car to bond or better understand it.. I feel exactly the same!! Great minds and all that, eh??

[@mikehickman1949]

Hoping to get a Clubman in the next month, GP3 definitely not suited to my ageing bones :) . Looked like Chilgrove that you were driving through?

[@PetrolPed]

Well spotted 👍

[@WHYTEPC]

Ive spotted this car before in bristol about 4 months ago, im not sure if it was you or the previous owner but looked mega parked up, can share the pictures with you if you want

[@PetrolPed]

It’s a press car so that is possible 👍

[@boboc155]

Love the GP3

[@stuartcowley9713]

GP15 JCW available 🔥

[@markrhoden68]

People who want small car with big power with a degree of practicality they have GR Yaris, if that were my criteria for a car and daily. Thankfully I'm more interested in a fine interior comfort with an element of practicality rather than out and out power now. Still waiting for an update let alone delivery of my m135i (8 weeks since order placed as I post comment)

[@paulporter1464]

Hi there, your videos are awesome. I am Paul from Ontario Canada. I am about to make a purchase of a 2012 mini roadster S. My question is I am 6 ft 4 inches tall I was wondering how much head room is there when the top is in the closed position. My neighbor has a 2014 mini coupe S and I sat in it and there is lots of head room are they the same that way.

[@PetrolPed]

I am 6’3” and have no problems 👍

[@paulporter1464]

@@PetrolPed Hello could you send me the link to Vandendobbelsteen site so I can order a set of those clear plastic wind protection that fit between the roll bars. Thanks