I really like the new Countryman and am seriously considering purchasing one. Here's my concern though. In the past I've purchased 2 cars either in their first model year or first year after a thorough redesign. Both times, the car was a dud and/or maintenance headache. Admittedly, they were American cars and probably did not go through the rigorous build process.

Did anyone have this concern and should it be something that makes me wait a year to buy the Countryman?

 

Two things to consider. The Countryman engine, gearbox and electronics are all proven in other models. It is built on the former BMW X3 production line. The frame and suspension are the wild cards. Mine feels VERY solid. I could open and close the tailgate or the doors all day just to listen to the sound they make when they close. I think if there is a new model that had a lot going forward, its this one. I'm a little biased though.

 

FWIW, the last gen of mini actually got worse as it went along. BMW stopped using the better, more expensive front suspension & went to a cheaper version.

They also changed the front end to look less mini-like.

I agree with Geoff.

Go for it!

 

Great things to consider! Thanks.

 

What brands of American cars are you talking about? Depending on the manufacturer, they probably cheapened the car which made them duds.

The Countryman is not a concern for me whatsoever. First of all, you must understand that the Countryman is made by MAGNA STEYR who has a reputation for build quality.
With over 100 years of experience, MAGNA STEYR‘s range of services makes them the worldwide leading, brand-independent engineering and manufacturing partner for OEMs and provider of innovative solutions for mobility in the future.
Second of all, the MINI brand has been rigorously tested and released in other markets prior to being released to the US. This way they can hopefully work out any bugs in its early stage.

 

This is almost impossible to predict. I had a VW passat that was several years into the model line so I thought it would be great. Was rated pretty good also. Turns out it was a maintenance nightmare. Check engine light kept coming on and when they reset it to test at the dealership it would never come on. Of course as soon as I got home it would come on again! Yes, early adopters take a little risk but that doesn't necessarily mean there is a lot to be concerned about. Everybody has a very slim chance of getting a "lemon" regardless of make or model.

 

As GeoffreyM stated, I could listen to the doors closing all day long. A very solid car from what I have experienced.

The Juke didn't have the same tightness and solid sound.

I wouldn't worry too much about build quality either. The Magna factory in Graz Austria that builds the Countryman also builds the $240,000 Aston Martin Rapide.

 

I am also considering the Countryman! Last time I was at the dealership the manager was explaining to me that the factory that they are made (in Austria I believe) has the one of the highest rated factories as far as quality in craftsmanship...something to consider.

 

I shouldn't worry. As others have already mentioned, the Countryman is being built by Magna Steyr in Austria - the same facility that used to build the BMW X3; the X3 had fewer delivery quality problems than any other BMW model (heard that on WhiteRoofRadio a while back.) Also, the Countryman has already been in production for a while now for the European market - here in North American we're late to the party, which means we should miss out on any initial production issues. And, of course the car does come with a 4 year warranty. I suppose if it really worries you, a possible course of action would be to lease the car for a term no longer than the warranty. That way you've got a guaranteed exit strategy if it doesn't work out; and if you do like it, then buy it at the end of the lease (or order a new one!)

 

Everyone talks about the sounds of doors opening and closing, the hatch opening and closing, etc.

One concern I encountered was looking at a CM at the dealership, and the rear door frequently wouldn't close all the way. To ensure it did, you had to really slam it.

Is this something that is adjustable? Have others seen this?

 

From my experience with past new cars, the seals and gaskets are so new that it always required a little extra effort in the beginning. Once the seals "seated" themselves, it wasn't as much effort.

Also with a hatchback with the doors/sunroof closed, there was always a big pocket of air within the cabin and the only escape was the hatch I was closing which caused an air cushion effect while closing.