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1st GearNew members: make an initial post and introduce yourself as you shift from Neutral to First Gear. Current members: meet some of the new members.
Hello again. I've been a member on this site for quite a while, I've had 4 Mini's over the course of the last 14 years. Some of you may remember the username...
Anyways, I've been searching for a new daily for long time. I've been leasing a 2019 Tacoma for almost 3 years and I've hated every minute of it. It has served its' purpose (we were doing a lot of home remodeling when I leased it), but I've never been into trucks, and I don't think I'll ever have one again. I have about 4 months left on the lease so I started looking more seriously recently.
I've been pretty set on a 2019 Golf R for a long time. I figured that was my best bet between fun and practicality, until I came across this certified 2020 JCW Countryman. I've honestly never really liked these much but recently they've been growing on me. I had some free time yesterday so I went to test drive it, and almost immediately fell in love. The Mini's have always suited me well, and this thing fits all my needs. Not to mention, it really rips! I think it's pretty much fully loaded. I do wish it was a manual but the paddle shifting in sport mode is surprisingly quick. It makes all the right noises too.
I would have loved a 2 door JCW but we are expecting our first baby, and I think this thing will be a great family car. Needless to say, I am buying it, and I should be picking up my 5th Mini in the next few days.
The color scheme isn't my favorite but I think once I black out the "lipstick" I'll like it a lot more. The car is really great as-is so I think just new wheels/tires and some de-chroming will do wonders.
My newest Mini before this was a 2009, so I'm not really up to date on the newer drivetrains yet. Is there anything I should keep an eye on over the first couple months of ownership? Or, some recommended "first mods" ? The aftermarket for this car seems rather small compared to my 2009 JCW but maybe that'll be good for my wallet. I already know I'll have to modify the wireless charger because my phone doesn't fit lol.
