Is the 2020 Mini JCW a BETTER convertible than a Mazda Miata?

John Cooper Works is the top performance designation of the Mini brand. From a fun driving experience to unique style Mini separates itself from the rest of the pack. Under the hood of this 2020 JCW Convertible is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 that produces 228HP & is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. On the outside you will find unique JCW styling from the front fascia, grill, wheels and rear bumper. On the inside you will find a very well laid interior that had the Mini identity. Is the 2020 Mini JCW a BETTER convertible than a Mazda Miata?
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[@zeldamachina6305]

Mini convertibles are amazing!!! Thank you so much Joe for the great videos. The best on the website.

[@MistaFaro]

Raiti's not lying here folks, everyone who drove my 2dr coupe 2017 Cooper S said it was the most fun they had in a car, I've driven almost every sports car on the market and this is up there in driving fun along side Cayman's and M2's, I currently have an M240i convertible and I still really miss my mini, definitely will get another one in the future!

[@TheJerseymuscle]

The Convertible starts at 38k?? Yeah, ok, I think saving ~10k and going for the Miata is the answer. Like it always is.

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you!

[@darrell9616]

A fair review Joe. I thought that you covered both the positives and negatives well. This is a hard sell new due to the price. It really is a fun car to drive. I didn't fit in the coupe. It looks like I should have considered the convertible.

[@_abeez]

Sheesh. Your reviews are amazing. Your review made me an even prouder mini owner.

[@fluffyres6107]

Never knew this exists, but I’m glad it does.

[@stellantistom6881]

What up Joe? I would take the Miata, as we know. Miata Is Always The Answer.

[@caribbeangtr8077]

The Miata needs to be turbocharged. Nothing works well without turbo

[@michaels8342]

Joe: Glad to see your having too much fun again...this car does make you smile..Thanks again for presenting a fun ride. Zonk the price though!

[@Drako_1975]

Whoa!!! Dude, that Mini Cooper fits your image so perfect Raiti !! sell that GT350R and just get Mini Cooper bro!

[@sushiblox5201]

Very unique video Joe! Keep it up man!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@stephenwerner6363]

Agree with many having owned 2 minis and now having an MX-5 RF you can't beat the driving dynamics of the Miata.

[@stellatedodin656]

I really, really think Joe was looking for every opportunity available to say bonnet”, haha 🤔🤣

[@dakasis]

Having lived in Dunedin (580 & CR 70) & Clearwater (Nursery Rd & 19), it's nice to see the old neighborhood again. Thanks!

[@KingTriton1837]

These are fun to drive! I have a coworker who has a 2006 with a six speed manual and it's got enough room even for me! And I'm 6'4"!

[@kennyphun1946]

Just watched one of Joe’s old GTR review video where he said” thanks god I started Raiti’s Ride”, me too buddy

[@blazing9034]

I own a 124 Spider and I would neverrrrrr consider a mini but this one is cool!!! I think I have watched all of your reviews, lol!!! This one made me think twice about a mini thou, great job as always!

[@anthonytstewart]

J-MAN ~ so glad they brought the door speakers up into the arm rest region as opposed to the downward corner like on my MINI COOPER S because a person tends to push the door open with their foot right on the freaking speaker cover, mine is cracked due that poor placement. Twinkie for MINI for evolving. dude, trust me - sport mode on a MINI is no gimmick or joke, you punch sports mode & ZOWWY ZOW ZOW you're hitting 90mph in the blink of an eye. no joke folks. I kinda dig the trunk zone - different than mine which is a baby hatch. lol. my high school MG & my current MINI gets more thumbs up & more babe attention than when I drove my BMW M - no joke. thanks Joe, you're one of the good guys. - tony

[@BarikSingh]

Great review Joe! Would love to see you review one of the limited production 2021 Mini JCW GP models. I think there are only three-thousand being made for the world.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks man! I would love to as well!

[@ango10_]

Props to Joe man! This guy can review every segment of any car in one take. It takes a lot of natural talent my friend! (I’m wondering, how long does filming these vehicles usually take you?)

[@RaitisRides]

Hey Alex! That’s so awesome of you to say. I usually get it done in an hour. That’s including taking photos for Instagram and what not.

[@ango10_]

Raiti's Rides that’s crazy fast. It takes me like 2 days to memorize presentations for school

[@we1rd0lmao]

Great enthusiasm and, once the top went down, I felt like I was in the car!

[@raymondadams6433]

Beautiful blue. Nice review.

[@Kpavlog]

I came here because I was dreaming driving it. With the roof off and the perfect weather in the afternoon time.

[@stefanferia5866]

Joe nice overview. I am in a doubt.Wich one would you pick,Mx5 2.0 soft top,or Mini JCW Cabrio? I really like both.In you opinión wich one worth it more?

[@andrew.f56]

They have a manual in the 2021 minis :) what happened with the manual is that they got delayed in the calibration testing so that's why they went away.

[@mfaisalsami]

Please do a detailed review of the 2021 RAM Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition.

[@Cuthbert1300]

I’ve had 3 Minis including the roadster, now discontinued, sadly. Now drive an MX-5 aka Miata and I must say, it looks like a sports car, drives like a sports car and is a sports car while being multi-thousands cheaper than this JCW. No stick shift is just sinful.

[@GalacticBlader]

i really wanna see you doing a hands on review of the new ford bronco when it drops. i love the bronco

[@mtarailfanman]

to answer your question, NO!

[@RaitisRides]

Agreed

[@jaypatel7424]

Sup Joe. Don't like convertibles but hey I do love the JCW trim ❤

[@RaitisRides]

I guess it’s a half thumbs up for you:

[@rnicarh2o]

Jcw mini is the first video I ever watched of yours

[@RaitisRides]

That is so awesome Ricky!😎👍🏻

[@anthonytstewart]

JOE ~ we are brothers, so you already know how I feel & what I'm thinking . . . . simply put = thank you. you are THE man. - tony

[@RaitisRides]

I appreciate that!

[@rickrolled2691]

$46k! Way too much. Top of the line Touring Miata for $33k

[@RaitisRides]

AGREED

[@Tricia2023]

Maybe but so worth it ❤️ Love my Mini 😍

[@MarkLagunas]

I love the mini so much. I think it’s perfect for more millennial/younger buyers especially with all the little toggle switches and that circular center display. I think the Miata is more geared towards enthusiast/older gens that don’t care for too much visual or flashy tech in the cars. Both look nice tho but as a millennial myself I definitely see myself in a Mini more

[@MarkLagunas]

And the auto makes sense since I never learned to drive manual 🤣

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that I can share it with you!

[@RaitisRides]

That is a great point!

[@charbelh.boutros4971]

Not a fan of minis (maybe coz I’m 6’4), but this one is really nice. Colour combination is 👍🏼

[@rickalopez9728]

More of these!!

[@leom00n79]

Hey Joe, can you review the hard top JCW 2022/2023 Automatic if you can.

[@myka8535]

This John Cooper Works is my favorite John Cooper Works out of all the John Cooper Works... John Cooper Works.

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that I could share this one with you1

[@Bluesky1ification]

Next Review will be a 2021 Mini Cooper JCW GP ??

[@RaitisRides]

Fingers crossed

[@GT6SuzukaTimeTrials]

Remember the 2-seat Mini Roadster? That would be the ideal competitor for the MX-5. Too bad they stopped production in 2015, the same year as the final 3rd generation MX-5.

[@anthonybaez52]

You should do a cooper base convertible the one with a 1.5 3 cylinder

[@mariowhyte2816]

Look at this thing!!! It sure is a looker, Joe. Personally, I'd take the Miata over this Mini JCW, but I love that Mini keeps making these...no manual, withstanding. 😩😩😭😭😭😭 Thanks for the review though man!!! Ain't nobody working hard out in these streets like you and #CrownVic and Lori!!! #RaitisRides #OnThrottle #ToTheDoorPanel #TwinkiesGoWhere #CrownVic #OnThrottleAgain #Zonkmeister #Mini #JCW

[@johnedwards2932]

Raiti's reviews are the best! But, 46K? Way too much money. I would much rather have a manual Mazda MX-5 RF GT for a lot less money.

[@JT-un9gb]

Miata always answered your question.

[@RaitisRides]

AGREED

[@hiteshph]

Does the 2021 JCW convertible come with the JCW Pro Exhaust option? Local dealer in MA. says no but does the exhaust provide that fun experience as per your review? Thx.

[@RaitisRides]

Yes it does.

[@robertburton8055]

If the Miata and Grindr don’t work for ya that mini will sure do the trick.

[@gxer1000]

I owned the first generation Miata also mr2 best cars ever to drive test drove the new Miata and Mini Cooper s manual convertible bought the mini it was a better ride for me of course I traded it in for a m240i convertible not manual but I’m loving it

[@saqibanwer1980]

What’s the body color called of this mini in the video ?

[@josealexander9794]

I have a Miata ND2 RF-GT and I am a little biased, but after driving a Cooper S manual, I can say the Cooper is really fun to drive with 2 more seat. Compare the 2-door Cooper S with a ND2 is more similar, especially on price, but JCW on price is more than $10k over the Miata GT or the Club trim even the RF. The Cooper S manual has a good punch of torque on 2nd gear, at different than the Miata that is more progressive and even from 1st gear, but the miata feel more responsive with good steering feedback and the body roll is better controlled and the weight is also noticeable. If you want a city car, with space for 4 or to a beach trip, get the Mini convertible, tbe Cooper S is a good option, if you are looking for a more sport feeling and performance, the Miata

[@LeadfootLou]

Reminds me of some cartoon cars. Everything taste better with blue bonnet on it. Imagine showing up to prison in this car. You’ll be the bell 🛎 of the ball. Thank you for bringing this to us Joe. You are the best!!!

[@dac8137]

I like the mini fun to drive and I can still throw stuff in the backseat or take my small dogs with us for a ride along with another passenger

[@oneoffbear1812]

What is your weight and height for a frame of reference

[@timovaiphei191]

New subscriber here 🙋🏻‍♂️ Would love to see KIA Sorrento 2021 on your channel 🙏🏻

[@ChuckIttOut]

Pricey for what you get, but another great vid!

[@RaitisRides]

I agree! Thanks for saying that!

[@emmanuelmartinez2.05]

Joe I'm the biggest fan of your chanle

[@eballacharles0302]

Cute mini cooper 👍👌

[@billtribble2904]

Is the Mini more reliable than a Yugo? 🤔

[@Npisces]

I wish I could have bought the convertible but I got the regular Mini Cooper 2021 , I live in a very humid area and I won’t have much fun with it , thats the main reason I didn’t go for the convertible one 💔

[@Johnny-lr5jt]

Aren't they discontinuing the Mini convertible?

[@TrevForPresident]

I feel like I get it because my wife had a blue one with white racing stripes. Everything about the car constantly reminds you it’s a Mini. Gave her north of 200k miles before selling too. @ $46k for this I’m still going Miata.

[@Reaperguy67]

Hi . I'm new to your videos. Good luck to you as well

[@connermt74]

For $46k it had better be super hyper amazingly fun. Especially once the warranty runs out. They’re great fun to drive but way too expensive

[@LESTER7L1]

Nice car! The Mazda seems COOLER. I know a NICE LADY with a car like this Nice job Joe.

[@mmahtnart8986]

Two tone interiors are popular these days but I don't like one of those tones being white.

[@kimojoseph8057]

Awesome mini joe the color is cool 😎 and the interior and those seats 💺 with that beautiful door panel joe is great 👍 boy o boy so much speed in that baby give it up to crown 🤴 Vic Lori your team and you joe 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨🧨🧨🧨🧨🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥👊👊👊👊✊✊✊🙏🙏🙏🙏💣💣💣💣💣🚙💺💺💺💺👏👏👏📸📸📸📸📸👌👌👌👌👌👌👌💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@RobertKohut]

Nice!!

[@aphillyatedkz4265]

2021 bmw 530i review

[@roberthallen8833]

How about comparing it to the S Convertible? robert

[@RaitisRides]

You got it Robert.

[@caribbeangtr8077]

Tell manufacturers to get rid of the engine covers because we love to see those wonderful Twin Cam covers. We want to see the engine. Its a beautiful car and of course its severely detuned. This car can be boosted up to 300 HP without doing anything else. The BMW Mini has had a very bad reputation for bad reliability and I hope this one will be better. However they are quick and fun. So leasing may be the right thing to do. Its not good value for money, so one has to really love this car to buy it. The Miata is ultra reliable but since the Mini is turbocharged, I think my preference would be for the Mini. The Manual would be better, but BMWs transmission matched with the turbo is done properly.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

All Mini's from 2014 and up are much better in reliability than previous models. I have a 2019 and it's rock solid.

[@caribbeangtr8077]

@@bigmacdaddy1234 Your car is barely 1 year old, how do you know it's reliable?

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

@@caribbeangtr8077 My wife's Mini is 2015 and hasn't had a single issue.

[@caribbeangtr8077]

@@bigmacdaddy1234 You must be the one. Glad I found you.

[@Sicolirics]

@@bigmacdaddy1234 is that a car of that age still has no problems, wait 5 or 10 more years

[@kirstygallant2904]

this is my dream car

[@zachheath3825]

GTI for me man!

[@RaitisRides]

I’ll go Veloster N!

[@nsbioy]

Hardly a convertible

[@Chamron562]

Sounded like you said “ let’s fire up this JUNK cooper work

[@mmahtnart8986]

Always hilarious to watch a dog eat peanut butter.

[@nsbioy]

Automatic only? Hahaha. And I am a target buyer. Currently driving a 19 Bullitt and a 17 GTI. Either manual or electric for me.

[@user-nq4sp3fo1q]

@ CoolCarReviews 012 I agree

[@mmahtnart8986]

That's a car that Ms. Lori would drive to the fitness center and make sure all the guy's, in their muscle shirts, see her get out of it (-;

[@RaitisRides]

LMAO! LOL

[@thecondog_07]

Please review a Ford F-350

[@cheapercharlie]

Joe I need you to tell me have some nuts in your titles versus always asking questions

[@RaitisRides]

😂 🥜

[@coolcarreviews0129]

I’ve got to say, this Mini looks hot but the Miata is better. Miata is more reliable and has better quality than this John Cooper Works. Miata comes with a better gearbox that is more fun to drive. It also has higher quality leather and a standard transmission (manual) and it’s at a lower price! You can’t beat Japanese quality!

[@chillis28]

#savethemanuals

[@RaitisRides]

You hit the nails on the heads!

[@RaitisRides]

Charles Hillis AGREED 💯

[@coolcarreviews0129]

:)

[@howardb.6898]

Yes actually German,American,Australian and British cars are much more reliable Japanese cars are made as cheap as possible and also they breakdown more than any type of other car manufacturers that make/produce cars so yeah sorry to disappoint you.

[@alexmanosjr.4966]

I love my mini!!! But, the key is buying it used. I bought a used 2017 mini copper S 4 door limited edition (one of 150 in the USA) Carbon Edition, with a JCW tuning kit, carbon fiber & JCW bits, 208 hp, for $23,000 ($36,000 MSRP). Wouldn’t trade it for the world...so to speak! Handles amazing on the best drivers roads on the planet (IMO):)

[@mmahtnart8986]

That half roll back of the conv. top would be great if Ms. Lori were taking newborn Joe Jr. with her. Joe Jr. would be shaded from the sun while Ms. Lori enjoys it. Something to think about Joe (-;

[@alexanderw4434]

tis is niccc but Miata bettaaa lov the vidd

[@tde2019]

It’s not a convertible but if I’m looking for a sporty & fun compact vehicle i’m going with a civic type R 100% at around the same price point

[@howardb.6898]

Nice

[@jacksoncrist3984]

I have 3 things to say about this. First... it looks like a freaking hearse with the top on. Second, when those read headrests are up like they were in this video, it looks absolutely ridiculous. Third, the price is just ridiculous; I don’t think anyone would disagree with that. *this is not hate to the KZbinr... just the car 😜*

[@camejko]

No power seats? Hell no, that's a HUGE ZONK!

[@yes8032]

Answer: YES it’s great 👍

[@film50565]

It's more refined than a Miata. Whether that's worth the $10K depends on the buyer. Having driven both, I would spring for the difference because the Miata is too uncomfortable for me.

[@Garciae20]

7 spd dct cheers

[@sopwithsnoopy8779]

I'd take it :) Even if it is a "girls car".

[@RaitisRides]

😂

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

Mazda is about fun factor, and being super reliable you can’t beat that with a stick, team Mazda all the way, no repair shop for me Mr.

[@kennyphun1946]

46k? when you can get a Miata and sure is more reliable and cost less too

[@PushStart_YT]

If you must have this type of car, buy the miata or lease the mini. never the other way around. Without even discussing about the reliability of the mini, just look at how cramp the engine bay is compare to the miata. When it comes to repairs, that design is gonna drain your wallet.

[@marcoarlotta8450]

I would take this Mini over a Miata any day of the week. I love how you can personalize these cars however you want!

[@mystictk4149]

MINI COOOOOOP!!!

[@xinyzn]

I like this waay more than the miata cuz it has 4 seats

[@fortlauderdaleturo7299]

At 6:25 in, I lost interest. I can get a Miata *AND* a 124 spider for that price.

[@RaitisRides]

Nice!

[@fortlauderdaleturo7299]

Great overview of this vehicle!

[@johncipolletti6139]

Don't tell anyone, a mini cooper mechanic said that their car has a TRRRIBLE transmission. So for $10,000 more you get a bad trans.

[@Shawn_Magara]

Hey MINI tech here, never seen any trouble manual or automatic on any JCW yet

[@austinschinaman6257]

I would consider the electric version.

[@nickarntsen4873]

Hello there!

[@RaitisRides]

Hey Nick!

[@bernardhuther2832]

Watt you home country this motor from BMW and

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for watching!