You know it’s cool because it wears its baseball cap backwards 😎

The evolution of Doug - Dirty knees (from kneeling in car parking lots) -> A knee pad ( to keep the knees clean and protected ) -> an office chair from the Cars and Bids space.

2 quirks Doug missed: If you hold the ambient lighting switch, it will continue to gradually scroll through the colours by itself. Also there's a hidden space above the glove box between the 2 vents, some people own the car for years without ever knowing it's there

Doug discussing all the versions of the car. Mini Clubman: Am I a joke to you?

This Mini's bodystyle is really wacky, but I honestly loved it. After all, I love weird wacky cars like these. Plus, a manual transmission, 208 hp and a coupe bodystyle, all of these fused on a Mini? That's just so cool!

The coupé with a toupée 😂

Missed my favorite quirk, the hidden glove box! If you press the panel between the two passenger AC vents, it pops oven and reveals a second storage area.

these were awesome little cars. when i was working at a Mini Dealer in NH, we got a custom ordered Cooper, it was the Normal Hatch back, a JCW edition but also had GP badges on it. no back seat, factory roll cage, made more power, red accents everywhere Unique wheels only for the GP model, and a larger wing on the back. i think you’d like that one more than the coupe.

My first car was a 2003 Mini Cooper S, red with white stripes. It always had something wrong, it was high mileage, and it left me stranded several times. I would drive it again in a heartbeat. Endless fun.

When I was younger, my aunt had a Mini Roadster the S version with a manual. I remember going in a couple of times, and it made me start to like mini. I thought the active spoiler was so cool. I’ve got a soft spot for both the roadster and the coupe.

As someone who has rebuilt 2 of these now, its worth noting that the 2nd gen minis (07-13) are quite a handful if you aren't mechanically inclined. This one is coming up on needing a timing chain, the thermostat housing will probably crack, the valves will need blasting, the waterpump will need to be swapped to metal, etc. That being said, if you're willing to buy the specialty BMW tools and wrench on them, they're SUPER fun to drive, even stock ones like this. (Also, with it only being driven 200 miles in 3 years... a bit strange and might have some gremlins come along with that, these cars are very picky!)

I did not like these when they first came out, years later I bought one as my first car and I absolutely love it, I love the styling and I love the drive, it’s only a Cooper but it has the JCW kit and wheels from the factory and it’s a fantastic little car, I’m so attached to it. It doesn’t matter what I’ve driven that day, when I get into my Mini I’m never disappointed, glad to see it finally getting some love and recognition!

Additional quirk with the ambient light of this era of mini. if you hold down the switch for an arbitrary amount of time. (for it to cycle through once) the colors will gradually keep changing until the switch is pressed again.

My buddy got a jcw coupe in college and he hated driving so I would always drove it for him. It’s my favorite modern mini and solidified my love for mini. It’s such an amazing drivers car. He had a remote for his exhaust valve too which made it so cool. I definitely would get one.

Actually, the central exhaust is found in the cooper s and jcw hatch, it is not exclusive to the coupe. Also, the trunk space is significantly bigger than in the hatch, due to absence of the rear seats.

The coupe actually has 30.409 units built and the Paceman 42.376. The Roadster was the rarest RXX car with 26.818 units. Exact production numbers were released in 2016.

Nice 9:30 club shirt ! Loved that venue when I lived near DC ! Especially the original location from the 90’s ❤

I almost, so close, almost bought one of these for my first car (i assume it needed a lot of work in retrospect cuz it was way too cheap). Was black and red, it was beautiful. I've always had a weird soft spot for minis.

Wow, Nice 9:30 Club shirt! Didn't expect to see that.

Love my Coupe!! I've had it a little over a year, and I don't think I'll ever get rid of it. It does full grocery hauls with ease, weekend trips are not a problem, curvy roads are the best, and gets 35+ mpg. Oh, and that magical 3rd pedal. Thanks for covering this little beauty, Doug!

A few things. The roof of the coupe was referred to as the "helmet" by corporate, salespeople, and owners (not the backwards baseball cap). The coupe and Roadster (the convertible) are not on the same platform at all even if they look similar; the coupe was on the 3-part modular structure (which gave perfect 50/50 weight distribution), the coupe just looked cool, but was very lop-sided and had a lot of flex. Lastly, the ambient lighting toggle switch can be held until it blinks 3 times (roughly 5-8 seconds), which puts the ambient lighting into "disco mode", which causes the ambient lighting to co continuously and seamlessly cycle through all of the colors. The N-series motors used in the MINIs of the time (N14 through N18), were absolutely horrible; MINIs have been using the B-series motors since 2014 (depending on model), and these are absolutely fantastic (B38 and B48). It is always interesting to me that as MINIs became better cars generally, their sales numbers continue to decline.

Thank you Doug for reviewing every car not just the expensive ones. Thanks for being a real one 👊

Doug, you forgot about the rarest mini of them all.. the CLUBVAN!!

It's a shame these, along with the convertible versions, were discontinued. I loved the style of these.

The biggest problem with this car is the Peugeot engine, the f series after these are much more reliable.

I've owned two of these (an S auto and a JCW 6m). Be very careful with the emission system. Our second one was mechanically totaled with 42K miles. Super fun to drive and comfortable inside. Seems super big relative to my current MX-5. OTOH, the Mazda starts up every time. My favorite quirk was it's little backfire burble.

14:23 I LOVE those soft clicking turn signals! Both my cars have them! Best thing ever!!

Agreed, had a 2008 R56 and loved it - so much fun to drive.

I had the roadster back than together with my girlfriend, was a fantastic car. Looked much better than the coupe with the same driving experience… nice crackling exhaust tone, great Bose sound system, great navigation system… never saw another mini roadster in my city. It was extremely rare. The rear spoiler was always extended. 😊 Miss this thing every day!

I like how Doug emphasizes how the different models of Mini comes with a manual, he probably still needed to wash the bad taste of the Z Nismo from the last video

My dad had a 2006 Cooper S Aero and it was a blast. We drove it all the way to Northern Manitoba and every time we got gas about 2-3 came up to ask about it before they were popular. Great car and handles like a go kart

I love the Paceman’s design and proportions.

I recently had a Clubman of this generation - great little car!

Haven’t been back to this channel in years and for this to be the video UKposts pulls to my page to watch is nuts haha great stuff as always

One of the best MINIs for sure! Thanks for reviewing our favourite brand Doug!

You actually could get it in a solid color with the roof, body, with no stripe. I’ve got an all black one, which is the best color for them

Gosh I wish they’d make a refresh of this model, I think they’re really cool! Might have to place a bid on this one!

Doug with his mini headlight quirk. Just like the McLaren infotainment helmet guy. Its a staple of the whole show

Love the love for the 9:30 Club. Possibly my favorite thing about DC.

Trading in my 2012 Coupe next week. I love my stupid backwards baseball cap car, but a 12 year old Mini is tempting fate a bit too much for my liking. Probably going to regret it, it's been nothing but absolute fun.

My dad had this. As a Playboy edition… was black and gold, really fun to drive

I'm the lucky one who bought the S non JCW version from used at the COVID time when it was lowest. Had only ~10000 ODO. Interior options were loaded up too, more than what Doug review this spartan version. The only catch it's automatic, nonetheless is still fun to drive, mpg is good (30+), and a extremely large truck for such small car.

Nice to see another MINI on the channel! Ive had an R60 now an F60 and just got my 06 R53 JCW this month and it's a blast! I always liked the R58s and R59s I think one might be my next MINI.

To this day the Mini Cooper Clubman S my cousin let me borrow is the most fun car I've driven yet, and I've driven a Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500. It was so nimble, so direct with the steering inputs, so quick, and just overall a fun car to drive! Mini really knows how to make a fun little tossable car! That interior just repeatedly reminded me that I was in something interesting, not just your typical grocery-getter.

The Mini community>>

Best looking Mini Copper IMO. And that particular color combo is dope👌

I've always loved Mini's. Especially the centre speedometer. Too cool.

The most 'exciting' / 'sporty' mini rver made are the JCW GP series, going from r53 , r56, snd f56 generations, by far

I've seen these every now and then here in Germany on the Autobahn or in the City, this one sounds especially amazing. Minis are super popular here, of course this Version is more rare. Are Minis in general popular in the USA? Like a common Car you see every day? Prost & Cheers from Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps

I personally LOVE the Mini stalks. They're always exactly where you want them to be. Just in reach. The fact they return to place helps me into not having to keep track of their position at all times. Also, regarding the digital screen, you could also change the information displayed. I personally oscillate between km of gas left, or km/l average

Doug wears a 9:30 club shirt and looks like he’s shooting this vid at UCSD. He reps two of my favorite cities so hard, DC and San Diego (or, at least, the La Jolla/Sorrento Valley parts of SD county). Great job!

Doug you need to review a JCW Paceman, those are strange but cool!

R53 was better that supercharger whine is amazing

Thank you Doug for your fantastic review of the R58 Mini Coupe JCW. Yes, I prefer the coupe because I owned an R56 hatchback JCW and now the R58 JCW coupe, and the reason is that the coupe is a much better car to drive fast on the German Autobahn, with 230 km/h or even up to the top speed of 250 km/h, and it is completely stable... the cornering speed is also significantly higher. No question, the Mini Coupe JCW is my choice over the hatchback.

I was so excited when I saw the 2013 mini Cooper review. I was really sad when you forgot to mention the model of mini Cooper I had, which was the mini Cooper s clubman the 3 door wagon version I had a 2008. I was confused coming from the wagon enthusiast😂 Still love ya Doug. Love your videos…. Wish I could work for ya and talk cars all day… keep up the great work 😁

Whenever I see one of these on the road I freak out a little and try to snap pics My gf when I do this while driving:

A classic mini would be more exciting.

Been waiting years for this video. Thanks man I love it!

Doug is the type of guy to sell his internet auto auction company, buy a Carrera GT and a Countach and then start doing his videos in an underground bunker while sitting down. I'm happy for you bro, you deserve to be comfortable

Really a missed opportunity to call it the Mini Couper

I'm surprised Doug didn't mention original prices of these, nor how much these are going for nowadays!!! How lazy can you get Doug?

I had a 2013 JCW Coupe and I miss it still. If you want a car that is unique, gets lots of comments and is relatively easy to operate whether on the street or the track, this is it. Nothing like it since.

i used to own a 2013 Mini Cooper S Coupé (black roof, silver body) in automatic for 2 years back in 2020. i drove it everywhere from Niagara Falls to NYC to Pennsylvania, i was always on the road. it was my 6th car, my favourite car & the best car i ever owned until i lost it in a car accident. i got sideswiped by a semi truck driver who didn’t see me in his blind spot, bounced off, hit a curb and went straight into an electricity pole. i was a minute away from my old job. that accident left me with a fractured wrist & a fractured lower lumbar but it could’ve been worst, that car saved my life. this car is SOLID. it also has a fuel cut off system which prevents a fire from starting after a head on impact… which saved me from getting burned since i was stuck in the car, firefighters had to used jaws of life to carry me out. the 10 HK speaker system was amazing, the rear wing was such a flex & the pops/crackles in sport mode were very addicting. it was also the first car i changed spark plugs & battery by myself lol. after recovering from the crash, i got a 2015 Nissan Juke NISMO in blade silver. i replaced the OEM antenna with a short stubby antenna that was on my Mini & i kept the right S fender badge. i also had that car for 2 years. i traded the Juke NISMO last year, now im in a 2015 BMW-Sport 428i GranCoupé in brilliant silver metallic, the first car im modifying & the first car i will be tuning. i already have a bunch of mods ready to be installed, including a M-Performance exhaust. it will be a tribute to my legendary Cooper S Coupé 🥲 thank you Doug for an amazing review. this one hit an onion nerve 😪🔥

I never knew this thing even existed! Looks cool.

oooh chair doug

people definitely dont give minis enough credit. i have a 2004 mini cooper s supercharged, it sounds sooo good and handles like its on rails. I can't wait to start modding it.

I have a 2018 JCW with a 6speed manual and it is honestly my favorite car I have ever owned or driven

The most unreliable MINI ever made. Almost bought JCW coupe, but eventually found hidden errors. Of course, you can fix it, but it’s really non-finishing story about constant repairs. Huge pass from me. The next gen is the best.

Doug the type of guy to review the coupe version of a 2 door car.

Hey Doug and all his readers, I have one of these from 2013, JCW, but it is an automatic with manual mode and paddle shifters. Just a gem of a fun car to drive in all respects. The grip around corners is outstanding. 30 MPG average.

the Cooper Coupe's styling is certainly weird, but i love it! i test drove the Roadster once, and i loved it. And even though i think the Roadster is vastly better looking (roof up or down), i still like the Coupe's styling. PS.a "hatchback" bodystyle denotes to a flat-ish boxy rear end with a near vertical tailgate (the rear windshield and boot/trunklid move as one). The Mini Cooper Coupe has a tailgate, but like many other coupes that have a tailgate, it's no where near vertical enough (regarding the rake of the rear windshield) to be considered a hatchback. plus a hatchback follows a 2-box design cue, compared to the 3-box most coupes and sedans follow.

Looks like a flight attendant's car

“I think this is a car that probably at night when you leave, it entertains itself by spitting at the elderly” Jeremy Clarkson

10:21 that was a carry over from the original Minis. With the redesign, that centre speedometer was replaced with an infotainment screen.

First Gen mini (R53) owner here. Thank you for acknowledging what is cool about Minis. Not the fastest car out there. Certainly different from a styling perspective, but absolutely a blast to drive. I was never a fan of the coupe, for exactly the reasons you specified. Weird styling, and missing the hot hatch practicality of the original mini.

used to own a 2011 R56 hardtop and never realized the mini logo shape in the climate controls nice catch douggy

I had a manual 2007 Mini S for a while and it was the best driving car i've ever driven, so much fun to throw around and crazy good on gas. But damn when anything goes bad on those cars it is not cheap or easy, I had 6 tows over two years

Much love, Doug! Great video, as always, sir! Would of liked to see those track lights on though! 💜☮️

Wow, the Mini Cooper S Coupe JCW sounds absolutely thrilling! It's always amazing to see how car manufacturers like Mini push the boundaries with their designs and performance. The JCW, standing for John Cooper Works, hints at a high-performance vehicle that's both fun to drive and stylish. Mini Coopers have a unique charm, combining classic design with modern technology. It must be exhilarating to experience the blend of agility and power in such a compact car. The idea of zipping around town in a vehicle that combines such heritage with performance is genuinely exciting! 🚗💨✨

I drove one around a circuit in 2017 , it was a pretty fun little car with good cornering speed , not a lot of steering wheel feedback but it’s enough for doing laps for fun

Nice 9:30 Club shirt! Love that place!

Have one!!! It’s soooo rough on the road but SO FUN. Legit street legal go kart.

Spotted one of these in Denver today. Never seen one before. Then Doug posts a video on then and I see one 2 weeks later.

I have the R59 Cooper S(Roadster), and I find it fun to drive. Especially when doing a few mods like...... Air Induction kit, upgraded suspension, strut bar and a stage 1 tuning.

I own one of these myself in a pepper white /black trim and it's my favorite mini. Very fun car and handles amazingly.

Over the years, my dad has owned many Minis including the Paceman for a few years. These Minis are quite unique!

I find this Coupe and the Paceman insanely appealing. Love both cars!

You know why we'll always love Doug? Because no matter what other Cars channels are reviewing....Doug is going to comb through the category of all Cars. Even if we didn't ask him to lol

I'm a 6'3" male and owned one of these. It was fun, good for san francisco parking

13:15 To add to the Ambient Light Switch, if you press and hold the switch you can fine tune your ambient lights to the exact color you desire, like a Cyan/Aqua, Pink, etc. If you just press it then it only allows the most common color choices.

I have this car and have always found it to be extremely practical. "You and your friend need a ride to the airport? Sorry, only 2 seats." "Oh, you want to bring your large, obnoxious dog out with us? Sorry. No room." "Need help moving? I'll take whatever you can get into the trunk. Make sure it's secured." That said, I have moved twice in this car and it holds a surprising amount. Plus, it can hold 4 wheels and everything else I need for autocross. It is (for me) perfect.

the first time i saw one of these was the white with red roof and i’ve been in love with it ever since

My Mini Coupe has been my daily driver for the last 7 years. I love it. Great little car.

Just bought a manual 2022 JCW 2 door! Best balance between fun & practical, imo. 200 lbs heavier than this coupe, but an infinitely better daily, IMO.

This car looks much better in person. I was shocked how small and low it looks. XD

For a mini, this has got to be the best looking modern version I've seen.

I wish Doug would review a convertible mini of this era because I’d love to see his reaction to one of the quirkiest things I’ve ever seen in a car: there is an analogue gauge that counts how many minutes and hours you’ve had the top down. It goes up to 8 hours and then resets. There’s also a digital one that counts lifetime hours/mins. If you look online a lot of people dislike it because it’s useless and could be better used as an oil temp gauge or something and while I understand that…I LOVE its quirkiness and I think it fits right in with the mini brand LOL

Got a Mini London edition - 1 of 2012 - great review.

Doug with the 9:30 club t-shirt. That's sooooooooooo DC!!!!!!!

I guess the only gripe with the design was that it just needed a bit longer rear end and it would look the perfect coupe design. If Mini makes it today with that alteration, it would certainly look even cooler.