Should You Buy A MINI GP3 Or Is The 2021 MINI JCW Just As Good... Or Better?!

[@vanbrusselbob]

Great content as usual! Must say that the GP3 is far from perfect, but you’re not buying it to be perfect (at least I didn’t). You buy it because it offers a driving experience like no other (for the price). Yes it’s bumpy, the looks aren’t for everyone and it torque steers pretty much every time you even dare to look at the throttle, but it does make you smile from ear to ear because it’s so pointless and uncompromising. Daily driving mine and many more miles to come!

[@twistedsanity623]

Hows the GP doing now?

[@scottab36]

Great review!! I racked 9,200 miles on GP3 #2974 during the first year of ownership. I did a 3,003 mile 8 day road trip through 10 states in the USA. 2 days of that was driving the Tail of the Dragon. It was a brilliant car for the road trip!! I reduced in cabin road noise by disabling the active sound device (ASD) which pumps false engine noise into the cabin through the audio system. This makes for a much quieter ride. Cheers!!

[@StefABtv]

Thank you!

[@necromancer1970]

Have a fully specced (except glassroof) early 2018 LCI, awesome sounding as not-yet-OPF, JCW. Also lucky to have a B48 whose power, typically for BMW engines, spreads a bit upwards. Always wondered from the start as it went and goes exceptionally well - so wasn't totally convinced if i was really wanting a tuneup. And when it did 245hp, fully stock, on the dyno before the tuning - i skipped tuning. Fully stock and all warranties without worries - while beeing no slouch - also has it's charms. So yes, especially with the 8AT and the adaptive dampers - it's one shoe that fits all. From 2ppl+luggage long distance autobahn drives on a steady 100mph with low revs and very ok fuel economy, occasional 4ppl on short distances, enough space for 99% of daily transport situations, and still effin good when hooning around on twisty alpine roads - it does it all very, very well. But - i'm also nuts enough, and could definitely imagine using a GP3 as a daily as well...

[@georgep3323]

Both great, but for me ( JCW ) with my lifestyle , no track days/ and not many B roads, JCW just a brilliant day to day useable car - great daily with 100% fun - it had to be the JCW for sure, absolutely amazing. So happy with it.

[@andrewnicholls5082]

I’ve had my JCW for just coming up to a year now. It was only 5 months old, has most extras and cost £25k from local Mini dealership (recently offered £27k for it in part ex towards Clubman JCW). It is the 2nd car in our household and mainly gets driven by myself for pleasure with the odd commute. For this it is brilliant, if I had a long commute daily I’d probably go for the Clubman. The harsh ride and road noise of the 3dr would eventually take its toll. In terms of practicality, the rear seats are tiny but I have squeezed my son and his mates in for a lift to the pub and the boot is absolutely tiny. For how I use the car it is spot on. If I had a choice would I go for a GP3 🤔 I haven’t been fortunate enough to drive one yet but . . . I just know if I did drive one it would be hard to hand it back.

[@Nogitsune_Yako]

Brand new JCW for 25k? Wth? Today in Germany it costs over 40k€.

[@stephenhenion8304]

Add straight cut gears to that exhaust system.....I love this car. They hit it out of the park here!!!🇺🇸🎩🇺🇸🎩🇺🇸

[@xen.7140]

Mini JCW with GP3 body kit, downpipe and pro exhaust = Best of both worlds

[@highsiderider]

We just got back from the Mini dealership in Edison, NJ. They had a GP3 for sale at 47K but went down to 45k w 8k miles. I had my checkbook with me ready-to-buy if they offered me a good trade for my 2012 Cooper S, well kept, low mileage. Well, as fate would have it, we came home empty-handed. I love the GP3. I'm not sure if I made the right decision walking away from it. I know that they are rare cars, and I doubt I'll be able to find one at that price again:(

[@cybercityoedo808]

You can for sure. I went to that same dealer in Edison back in August and they had another GP3 but it had about 18,000 miles... I test drove it and fell in love, hit 101mph over the bridge without realizing/trying but did not buy that particular car it was kind of beat up. I found one in Michigan listed for 49k with only 600 miles... Way more than msrp but I bought that one and have no regrets. In this car market these cars are a bargain for the performance they offer and they punch well above their weight.

[@highsiderider]

@@cybercityoedo808 I'm envious. The GP3 definitely is top in "hot hatchback"". 🔥

[@Doppo69]

It’s the sort of car in 20 years time you will double your money on it if keep miles down

[@britishminiclub]

The GP3 certainly looks awesome. We are getting used to the side blades as well. The JCW is probably a more useable car for everyday use. But the GP3 has got to be a B road cruncher 👍

[@ENGBriseB]

It's definitely the one that stands out. Usability would be the only thing that could have me going for the JCW.

[@cephasmakuzva]

The mini gp is awesome. Put it this way if you had the jcw you would think this is awesome. Not missing anything but if you had the gp youd appreciate what it offers above the jcw. I watched Miss Emma Walsh review who has a gp. Its a great car but go jcw. Its almost everything the gp is for a whole lot less

[@mikeystevens3372]

Both, they both have their place. I have an R58 and a Gen1 basic. I had an Abarth and regret getting rid of it...I will get another.

[@ylafla]

You can’t really make the comparisons on what to buy. JCW is a dime a dozen but try to get a GP3 in 2022. You’ll have to settle for the mileage in them and not choose and pick what you want. I own 1394 and it makes me scared when I push it to the metal. One of the best and exciting things I’ve driven and I ride motorcycles (Ducati, and BMW). Make that comparison.

[@scottab36]

In regards to the excess sound, if you disable the Active Sound Device (ASD) the ride is a lot quieter. The ASD pumps false engine noise into the cabin through the stereo speakers.

[@itsmetimmee]

Yes Stef! Thank you for the exhaust sounds!

[@RR-fc3zm]

Enjoy it while it last cause well be listening to vacuum sound of batteries in future 🤷‍♂️

[@legionluciano]

This was a blast to watch. Keep up the great content buddy!

[@StefABtv]

Thank you!

[@stevegaudreau67]

The JCW is quite a car but if the GP is a special edition and you want to invest in it that's not a bad thing. I'm not sure how uncommon it is in England but I've never seen a GP before. Here in the US Cooper has had a good run.

[@jack_pep8061]

GP3 is simply the best option Case closed

[@whatsupwithsteve]

I had a Sentra R which was a nice little car but the torque steer took all the fun out of it. I think I'm going to pass on the extra 70hp and go for the JCW.

[@nickolauser]

JCW....because I just bought it in September!

[@nickolauser]

@Pugna I don't think so.... unlucky is driving a Polo or a Fiesta!

[@elacmathia]

Stef is getting my approv. on his comment; GP3 is a perfect little track car(It's stock). It ate other 4 banger on the track like Dim Sum.

[@stevemelling8450]

I really didn’t like the gp3 looks when I was released a lot of the photos didn’t do it justices but then when you see one on the road 😍

[@StefABtv]

They have great road presence

[@jaycochrane1220]

GP is more special although the road noise is terrible. Know that from my cooper s when i have the rear seats down.

[@jeremykinsey5951]

Interesting as no one has mentioned that. Thanks.

[@GarroLegionofOne]

If I win the lottery I would definitely buy a GP too go with my JCW

[@nick140i2]

GP because I bought one 3 weeks ago!

[@StefABtv]

👏👏👏

[@josephvincello8962]

Good review, I also like that its creative and unique. Love the fender blades and the wing. On the other hand, what happens with the numbered fender blades are in a fender-bender. Likely huge $$$. And the wing is a bit large for such a small car. I’m also not fond of the color. It’s a special car, but why make it in an oddball, low appeal color? Last is value - compared to JCW, seems like you’re giving up as much or more than you’re getting in return. No manual, no pano roof, unfinished-looking rear seat area, etc. “Focused” doesn’t have to mean less or sacrificing. Example, Golf R gives you more of everything compared to GTI, CTR gives you more of everything compared to Civic Si.

[@leeandjancruise]

I have a late 2019 JCW, it's fully loaded and cost £38k new (I bought it at ten months old for £27k but is worth more now) so has all the extras the GP3 doesn't have to make every day driving exciting and a pleasure, o.k. I'd like another 40 or more horses but not as many as the torque suffering GP3 and I find the suspension on mine is hard enough as it is and those wings are definitely not for me and also I need a rear seat for my grandson.

[@cephasmakuzva]

Ill tell you something mate my ol' man got a new mercedes glc 250d premium plus on September 1st 2019 on a 4 year pcp 10k miles a year. Exactly 2 years and i mean exactly September 1st 2021 got a call from the dealer hey were in this bubble no new cars coming in used car boom seen your settlement figure how many miles the car done he said 30k and said he was willing to offer him basically list. to get out the car meaning he could settle and have 10k towards a new car.

[@GabrielGalvan]

Nice video 🤙🏻 LOVE my GP3

[@StefABtv]

Great cars to have a hoon in

[@jeremykinsey5951]

I have a 2018 Boxster looking for a change. Are the reviews accurate living with it. Someone else mentioned noise in the back being loud as no seat. I have two spaniels so this car would be better than the Boxster as a usable car…

[@GabrielGalvan]

@@jeremykinsey5951 That is true, you hear more noise because of it having no seats, having seats helps with noise. Shouldn’t be a reason not to own this car though 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@sergedurand6519]

It’d be great if they’d offered the GP in more colors, and manual.

[@anthonyrawnsley6833]

Haven't checked all comments, but I hope it is of interest for me to mention that the 2021/22 JCW Clubman and Countryman vehicles all have 225kw/305HP engines and 8 speed auto gearboxes (I would imagine exactly the same kit as in the GP). These are the only 3 versions of mini with the same power output - I don't think mini offer the 305HP engine in any other of their cars, even though they are still JCW...

[@ZappBranning]

GP3 all day every day 👌

[@callumjenks6202]

I just cant get on board with minis i know these are another level compared to standard minis but as a mechanic working on them is terrible. They are so costly as well. Think there is better sportier little cars out there for less. Great review

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

No other car today is shorter in length than a Miata, seats four people, made of high quality materials and comes in a hardtop or convertible.

[@callumjenks6202]

@@bigmacdaddy1234 abarth 595 competizione is more fun

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

@@callumjenks6202 Not sold in the USA.

[@Dung8aj]

Great review. Was considering swapping my Yars gr for one. Miss auto for daily use

[@jurijvidmar7766]

for me a Mini JCW (2021 LCI) with Eventuri Carbon Fiber Intake (EVE-F56) - plus cca 25 BHP & cca 25 ft-lb

[@rv9990]

Hmmm I'm not really a lover of the aero on the GP. I would rather go for a JCW with a chip and exhaust to ~280bhp. Only big plus is that the GP probably would appreciate over the years instead of depreciate like a JCW.

[@soulmaster63]

You do understand that the GP power increase isn’t just due to a more aggressive tune? The B48 in the GP has a larger turbo, forged internals, enhanced cooling and larger oil sump. Can a tuned JCW driveline handle the increased power?

[@rv9990]

@@soulmaster63 oh as far as I knew the JWC and GP have the same engine. That’s what the Car and Driver article said at least... don’t know how trustworthy that is. Lol.

[@ChesterfieldSelfDefence]

Most people forget one thing about the GP it's limited addition and the resale value is amazing. Right now only 11 are available for purchase so you will be driving a car that you will not see everyday. Most people were telling me to buy the Toyota Yaris GR Circuit I did my research and released that resale was risky due 103 for sale.

[@josephvincello8962]

Here in the US, GP price new was about $45k; today low mileage examples $43-$45k, so holding value. But similar cars (CTR, STI, etc) doing the same.

[@aggitravel]

Good looking car. I’m looking at the GP3 now. I sold the RS4 as the Mrs doesn’t like driving it. Thinking this one for her and me to pick up the beers.

[@sidrens5292]

I love the new headlight configuration; I love the wheels; I love the side profile. The only negative for me is the rear spoiler, which looks very silly 🤣

[@josephvincello8962]

Re the wing, I love the attention to detail like the GP embossed on the sides, the red of the interior. But I agree, it looks ridiculously large, like the GP is 75% car and 25% wing.

[@RR-fc3zm]

Love it going to make this my next car 👍

[@carenthusiastlover453]

Big fan of MINI Cooper. Love 💓 MINI Coopers

[@kevinantoniomorrison2415]

I would love the GP 3 to be in manual transmission. I would love to have the JCW and GP 3.

[@richardhargrave6082]

Clubman JCW, because not many people do. Nice review

[@StefABtv]

🙌🙌

[@jeelu666]

i own a jcw coupe & road noise road bumpiness is a thing in minis but they are fun to drive not every ones cup of tea

[@timnewbury1792]

Hi my name is Tim I have just bought abarth 595 competizione in modena yellow on coil overs and running around 220 bhp I absolutely love it thanks for all your content Love to send you a picture not sure how to though Everyone comments on it

[@StefABtv]

Congrats! I bet that’s great fun and looks great! Ping it on instagram 🙌

[@stevie007]

Hi Stef mate 🙏🙏 Always a great upload ( Guaranteed )👍👍👍👍

[@StefABtv]

Cheers dude

[@markrhoden68]

I have to wonder who decides to buy the GP3 when the GR Yaris is a thing, im sure many have already maymde that comparison. Neither are for me but i have to wonder if i were in the market for focused little uncompromising hot hatch then surely GR Yaris with switchable four wheel drive and backseats if they are a little limited in their usability is the real choice.

[@colinmoore8553]

Could I use it for a everyday driving to work ?

[@StefABtv]

Yep

[@matthewmcnitt8405]

I love my 2013 R56 and I only have Detroit Tuned touch it. My next Mini will be an older JCW if Im lucky. The GP3 is not a practical daily driver. New Minis are automatic transmission only. I mean, how better to intentionally kill a brand?

[@grahamaston7603]

Hi Stef, great video as alwsys.would definately take the jcw and pay a visit to Lohen in Staffs.

[@StefABtv]

Thank you!

[@Jimothy667]

Did you drive through Overton in Hampshire when talking about the road noise around the 5 min mark? I recognised the houses as it was my old paper road some 25 odd years ago lol

[@MrSmeg17]

Great video, manual everytime so has to be JCW 😁

[@user-jg6vi4cd7v]

Hmmm great video , but i don't get it ? my clubman is faster and more power at 306 bhp, and has room for gear in it ! the GP3 just looks silly unless its at a rally cross meeting ! Why is no one doing a video on the 2021 jcw clubman ? it s quicker more compliant 4WD and better in every way !

[@StefABtv]

I’ve driven the clubby JCW and it’s a great car. Will try get a 2021 JCW clubby to review

[@user-jg6vi4cd7v]

@@StefABtv Hi Stef your ins co is happy and mine is i can lend you mine , British racing Green tan leather , its a fun mobil !

[@MrMink141]

Looks like one of those shoes you wear when you break your feet though.

[@jongillies4871]

A tuned r56 is even better 🤞🏻

[@Haztagz]

Love it! Im turning 40 soon and am seriously considering a JCW to embrace my mid life 'road racer' crisis - Any suggestions on how I could convince my wife that a JCW is NOT a 'girly' car? (I was considering an M135i too but the looks are just ... blah)

[@josephvincello8962]

Good point about Mini and Miata, both great sporting cars, both carry the stigma.

[@andrewmoon9889]

Really wish the JCW & GP were sold here across the big pond in the states. Nevermind found a JCW GP used with 10,574 miles for $44,989....OUCH

[@cybercityoedo808]

It's worth every penny, truly. You won't find a more fun all around balanced car for less. You can get a Mustang GT or Camaro SS but that won't be more fun than a GP3 Annnnndd I've beat Mustang GTs easily with my Mini and Scatpacks can get it too. I get them in a straightline and demolish almost everything else in corners.

[@H8XME]

The gp3 isnt for sale any more, limited run only

[@sidrens1047]

The JCW looks so much nicer - that rear spoiler looks horrendous 😬🫣

[@matthewheitzman5993]

Ik this is late lol but Tires on a mini can make or break the car in terms of road noise My r888rs make it sound like an annoying space ship

[@josephvincello8962]

With same engine as Clubman/Countryman JCW, I can’t decide if this car is actually special or not.

[@conr0072]

Would look so much better without the red stripe thing on the sides...

[@fredericberthou]

GP2 it’s very better 😵‍💫

[@odinmaveth6224]

Does a 2021 22 mini sound as good as one from 2018 19? Or have they further damped exhaust pops etc

[@StefABtv]

Feel like it’s been chocked a bit more

[@odinmaveth6224]

@@StefABtv thinking about a new jcw but slightly worried as coming from a cayman gts 2014. Love how mini drive just hope sound still there.

[@MrMink141]

No, they don't.

[@odinmaveth6224]

Would you recommend a 2022 JCW?

[@StefABtv]

I would, I drove one to Monaco and back. Great car!

[@denso6708]

Another great video. Did 11.5k in mine over the year. I didn’t think that torque steer was so bad but tramlining due to the camber, now thats a different story. It was an animal and could easily catch you out on a high camber A road.

[@StefABtv]

Haha yeah you need to be really focused or it will catch you out 😂

[@Jackman595]

Get rid of the run flats and that will go away. I've had to do it on all of my minis 😅

[@martinmalone6324]

For 5 grand less you can get a Yaris with rear seats and a whole bunch more fun....

[@StefABtv]

Very true

[@wings9925]

Looks good (bar those side blades), but it doesn't know whether to be a track car (that steering set up) or road car (an auto box!) and fails as a result: Not optimised for the road and pretty dangerous in the wrong hands or conditions; not quite right for the track

[@TG-pd3ft]

better off just getting the base model and using the money you save on driving lessons mate

[@StefABtv]

Thanks… I need them

[@tdkempton]

whoever edited this video was not listening to the audio while cutting away to random b-roll. completely ruins the video for me

[@tory8576]

Jcw with manual transmission, automatic is boring

[@allanzilotti9502]

Use the paddle shifters

[@chetanunindracusin664]

So far I own mini clubman jcw+eventuri is enough

[@TheNadot]

Jcw bought in May 2021 😂

[@thehowlingterror]

Can't be called a mini if it's that big.

[@billybear7276]

Bellissima esteticamente, ma 300 cv su una Mini sono decisamente troppi. Specialmente in Italia

[@damienhowell3727]

Only downside is the aero kit isn't active functioning :/ imagine how fast it would be round corners if it actually worked smh regardless great review keep it up welldone

[@mariobotti1952]

Absolutely overpriced

[@oldben1800]

They needed more weight up front on this car to reduce torque steer

[@sleepercell9926]

That thing looks bloody awful. Its not even recognisable as a Mini anymore.

[@F144Racer-gx2lk]

GP3! ..I REGRET SELLING MY GP2 😭

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

Neither - the GR Yaris is the way to go 😎

[@abayamangali]

The GR Yaris is good, but the MINI has the advantage of having more luxury features and better infotainment system etc. The MINI is a better daily driver. Also if you spec out the MINI JCW it will cost £37,000. The Toyota GR Yaris with circuit pack costs £34,000. I would pay the extra £3,000 to have better features.

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

@@abayamangali the GR is not designed to be a daily , it's a drivers car - if you want luxuries in a daily then go for a Merc or Audi, not a crappy Mini.

[@abayamangali]

@@relentlesspursuit6894 yeah I know, the GR Yaris as driver’s car is maybe the best hot hatch. It makes sense why it costs 34 grand with the circuit pack. Also I was explaining the previous comment to the guy called “Pugna” that said “No”. Don’t know why I didn’t press reply. But I am a fan of the GR Yaris.

[@philcourt2288]

The GR Yaris is boring. Mechanically a good car, but very overhyped. I cancelled mine after trying the JCW.

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

@@philcourt2288 what a huge mistake you made - the GR is so far ahead of a MINI. That's a descion you'll regret for years to come

[@paulblank6161]

Too harsh for a daily driver

[@xxxmarekxxx505]

SUPER GP!!!!!