I am thinking of getting a GP3 as a daily driver and would like to hear from those who have and hear about their experience thus far. I imagine cars like this is meant to be driven and not sit in the garage for weekend drives. I would appreciate some thoughts. Thank you.

 

In terms of a daily driver, there are some...things to adjust to . I traded in my manual 2019 MCS that had all the JCW bits added (tune, exhaust, brakes and pro suspension) with a JB4 on top of that. So, going from that to the GP3, here are my experiences:

The biggest frustration for me by far was not having the driver side sun visor. The one above the door, not the windshield. Luckily, the MCS part fit perfect and the install is easy, so that's no longer an issue.

The brakes in the GP3 are *very* sensitive. Just a touch and they seem to completely clamp down. I'm still trying to adjust after almost a month of ownership, lol!

It's bloody *fast*.

The suspension is a little bouncier than the JCW Pro suspension, but, it's not as jarring. The Pro was more of a jolt, while the GP3 is more of a bounce, if that makes sense.

Having an automatic tranny is still and adjustment. Currently when I drive, I turn DSC completely off and manually shift up and down. It's not the same as a manual, but it's ok. I do wish the computer would let me have more control when I'm setup like this, though.

If you like to listen to loud music when you drive, the stereo is lacking. It's on my upgrade list

If you have any questions, feel free to ask

 

David, thank you for the reply. I sent you a pm, have a few questions to ask. Thanks.

 

You may already be aware of this but I'll throw it in: you can get a very similar Mini to the GP3 (engine, brakes, transmission) in either the 2020 JCW Clubman or JCW Countryman (not the other 2020 JCW models). But you can have the top stereo, a back seat, the adjustable dampers, climate control (one GP3 model has no AC), sport seats, etc. For the same price (or less). The GP3 is a few hundred pounds lighter and the suspension is more for racetracks and the car is 8" shorter. FWIW.

 

If you accept the car as a 2-seater or as I like to see it as a "Hatchman" you can use the car as a daily companion. The car is stiffer and has a sporty setup. The interrior only miss a popcorn maker and gives you that special physical link to your MINI. The car itself with its "kicker" has to be discovered like quick downshift braking.

Record holder 4,9 sec to 100km alone says it all, I don't know many cars at that price, which you can discover every day new.

 

Thank you, everyone for their comments. I will be checking out the vehicle this weekend and see how it goes.

 

I have driven mine 1400 miles now and it is a blast to drive. The only thing I miss is a decent stereo system but I can get that upgraded and maybe the rear wiper other than that I can’t see why you wouldn’t be able to drive it as a daily driver. The only problem I see is all the little chuckies stones that get trapped in the back side spats whatever you want to call them I have cleaned mine out every other day as it is terrible the amount of debris that gets trapped in them. Go for it have a blast 0034 here in NC

 

As others said, the stereo is nothing spectacular but it is adequate. That is the only issue. The trunk with no back seats actually has tons of room. I have 500 miles on mine and use it as often as I can. I am fortunate that I have a garage full of other high performance cars and the GP3 blows them all away with the fun factor. You absolutely can use it as a daily driver. Go for it!

 

All of the replies are basically stating the same thoughts that it depends upon your needs and I agree whole heartedly. I did considering selling our JCW, but decided to keep it as I love it as well, it has become my all time favorite automobile, but it may lose out to the GP! You can drive the GP in normal mode and it is reasonably economical and still fun to drive and has a lot of punch. We, my wife and I, have been driving it pursuant to the mini break in guidelines and by keeping it below 4000 RPMs we have achieved and average mpg rating of 34 U.S. miles per gallon and that is amazing for a hot hatch! And, we have had fun with it as it is still a joy to drive and you can still experience decent twisties. I/we may think of selling the JCW, but we dolled it up and we really don't want to part with it and we do occasionally use the rear seat. And, other than our faithful, but now old Chevrolet truck we don't have any vehicles with a decent sized back seat! If you don't require a back seat go for it, you won't be disappointed.

I am adding the review that I think gives the best answer to the initial question of this thread. If has already been posted to this forum and I missed it I apologize. I have slightly over 800 U.S. miles on the GP now and I like it a little better every time that I drive it. Anyway, this is a fun video regardless.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahs4...oAXExda7zEQ5yQ

 

Added the driver's side sun visor today, and we now have 1,198 miles on the GP. Hopefully, later today we will have the opportunity to open it up and let 'er rip! We have chores first and will wait for the daily traffic to subside and then we have some good twisty roads singing the siren song for us! I plan to do some straight runs under full power first and then gradually work on the twisties before we head south to Tennessee and North Carolina for some "real" twisties! We are going to eliminate the annoying engine off at stops later this week. We hope to see you and our other buddies soon! D and P!

 

Does somebody plan to install the panorama roof ?

This car is a daily 2 seater anyhow. For daily use, I recommend other tires. I use 235/40 to full satisfaction the next is 235/50.

Over the higher tire wall, you can compensate the pseudo stiffness.

 

My wife is about 1500 miles into using hers as a daily driver. Working out well. We test drove a Countryman with the same engine. Ugh on the handling for the Countryman.

 

I drove mine for 12 hours straight.. and it was not a fun time.
If your commute is less than 12 hours.. you should be fine.

 

I don't have a GP3 obviously, but I do have the adjustable dampers/suspension on my JCW Clubman which has the same chassis/brakes/engine. I get the impression the GP3's suspension is quite a bit different from my car's. It's a car designed for the track so that makes sense. I do like using the middle damper setting sometimes (vs. Sport) on rougher roads. It's a noticeable difference.