Hi all,

New guy from the Minneapolis area. Recently downsized from a house to a condo. Since the condo has limited parking, I sold my fun car (a Miata) and kept my truck for the moving part. Don't really need the truck anymore now, so want another fun car but would like all wheel drive for winter time. So I'm looking at a Mini Countryman S All4. Came here to learn more.

Tim

 

Hello,

Are you looking for an R60 or the F60 which is the newest body style? The R60 is a little smaller.

 

I'm looking at a 2013 which I think is the R60.

 

Cool,

Thats a Good year, the early Countryman models had some clutch issues and they superseded the part to a new clutch. Looks for a manual and if you can find a JCW model. I almost got one but they would not budge on the price.

 

Hey neighbor!

Here's my hot take: I don't think MINI when I hear "AWD fun". Anything wrong with a slightly older WRX hatch, Audi Avant, or BMW estate?

My wife owns an R61 (the two door / slant roof version of the R60) and while it is a super cool car we both look forward to the day when we can justify getting a "real" MINI back in our garage. It drives great, is pretty luxurious, practical within reason, dominates snow, gets tons of compliments, has loads of character, but it's just not that rewarding to drive hard. It can hustle down a back road, but it doesn't feel willing.

Sure, if you were coming from a CR-V and looking for a fun car I'd push you towards an R60 and you would love it. But your last car was a freaking Miata, there's no way you're going to be able to ignore the height and weight of the Countryman.

Bottom line, it's a super fun crossover, I wouldn't call it a fun car though. As long as you have that expectation you should go drive one!

 

MiniAndo my current car is a Silverado. I no longer have room for a dedicated sports car so I'm looking for a middle ground. AWD for winter weather, useable space, and reasonably fun to drive.

 

Hi and welcome to NAM!
Congrtas on your Mini purchase!
Pics?

 

Welcome, hope you find a good one and like it.

 

Hey leftoverture, apologies if I came off as attacking your choice. As a daily driver / do-it all vehicle it sounds like a great fit. I was afraid you were replacing the fun car with an SUV.

Another car that might be worth cross shopping is the VW Alltrack. Ticks all the same practicality boxes as the Countryman, albeit with less spunk and character. But there are great deals on them near us right now.

I'd offer you a test drive in our big MINI but it's not my car. =P Regardless if you have questions I'll do my best to answer them.