I am considering replacing my Nissan Rogue AWD with a Countryman S. My question is, am I going to regret not getting the All4 version because I have AWD currently? I live in NC at the beach. While I have never taken the Rogue on the sand (don't trust that it won't get stuck), we occasionally get some really fierce rains, tropical storms, etc. where I see a lot of folks hydroplane and end up in the ditch.

Other than those situations, I don't think I would need the All4, maybe just a good set of tires??? Thoughts?

 

SirBikes:

I say go All4. Better resale, peace of mind, and no regrets. AND put good tires on it.

Cheers,

Paul.

 

As long as you keep good tires on it, you shouldn't need the All4 given your climate. You'll be lugging around that extra weight all the time and paying more for fuel over the life of the car.

 

You can still hydroplane with All4 as well as a regular old 4 wheel drive vehicle. Personally, I wouldn't drive a vehicle like the CM on the beach. I've seen first hand what beach driving does to a 4x4 and it's not pretty (excessive corrosion due to salt, wear due to sand getting into everything, fishing line getting spun up around anything that spins, etc.). Not to mention the CM really doesn't have enough clearance to drive on the beach and through the ruts made by "real" 4x4's (with the exception of Daytona, maybe).

The only reason you may want to go with all4 is for resale or better trade in value since most trades go to a wholesaler for auction. The extra weight of the all4 is minimal and the gas mileage (according to mini) is only 1MPG less.

Remember though that if you do go with the all4 you'll need to order the S model.

--Cheers!

 

Always room for a second opinion. I went with the All4 specifically so when I went to the beach I didn't get stuck. I had an R56 before and I got stuck three times last summer. Granted, the sand here is not very loose and I don't hot rod on the beach throwing sand all over & under the car.

With a lot of water on the road All4 is still a little safer than without. Also, no torque steer. But then, given the weight I'm not sure how much there would be anyway.

Bill

 

When hydroplaning the tires are not in contact with the road and you lose control. Reducing speed is the answer - not all wheel drive. However, if you're already in the ditch, All4 might allow you to drive out of it.

 

We skipped the All4. We live just north of Atlanta and have always had at least one truck in the lineup, but have never bought one with 4wd. We get snow once or twice a year and my '06 MCS has been fine for that, even in ice(driving very defensively). We have 12 acres and operate a dog training club here. My '06 MCS has been fine, we drive it back through the woods on occasion and it did fine. We decided we'd rather have the slightly better MPG and not have one more thing to possibly break down.
We've owned this property for 15 years and have never wished any of the previous trucks had 4wd so didn't think we'd miss it on this one.
Annette

 

Living in NC by the beach I think you could be fine without the All4. Snow is probably pretty rare unless you make lots of trips up to the mountains to ski, then you might want to consider an All4.

 

I live in northern NJ and we get lots of snow. My kids also like to ski so that means driving in the mountains on snowy roads. Given the driving conditions we face I've ordered an ALL4.

Given the NC climate and the fact that you don't drive on the beach I see no reason to spend good $ on a feature you really don't need. If rain is your only concern then I think AWD may be overkill.

Stick with the S and get the all-season tires...save yourself some $.

 

Thanks for your input. I guess I don't really need the All4 unless it does something else like improves the handling significantly. Some reviews, like the WSJ review, complain about body roll and dive but I guess they are comparing it to a standard Mini Cooper and that's not fair comparison.

I would still get the sport package and 18" wheels with the run-flats. Hopefully that won't be too harsh of a ride, though I do not like a squishy ride.

Now the only thing left is to figure out is color (I'm thinking Surf Blue with White roof for the beach), and how to put my bike rack on the back. If I can figure out how to carry four bikes on the back, I'm ordering one. Otherwise I'll have to wait until I find someone to make a custom hitch.

 

I think the S comes with the bicycle rack receiver and plugs in the bumper. The actual bicycle rack itself is an accessory.

I read recently somewhere else in the CM forum that to install the receiver aftermarket, cut the holes in the bumper, caps, etc is worth north of $1K

I'd go with the factory installed receiver and check out MINIDOMORE

Just my .02 but what do I know. Ive been accused of talking non-sense and being "All Hat and No Cattle"






.

 

We're having MINIFini put one of their systems on our CM at the Dragon.
http://www.minifini.com/
I had the MiniDoMore system on my '06.
Annette

 

Totally awesome....thanks for the links.

 

I live in the Bay Area, but go to Tahoe about once per month. We got the all4. Don't want to be that family on the side of the road putting on chains, or paying one of those creepy dudes to put them on for me.

Chain control? I drive right on through, although they do stop me to confirm that a MINI is AWD!

 

Nice Necro! Not quite three years old but getting there!

Where's our zombie emoticon?

 

Wish I went for the All4...seems as though the fiance and I maybe moving from the flat plains of Indiana to Burlington, VT. My non-All4 S is in trouble...

 

I just bought an 2012 All4 and I love it. I can take a turn at 50 mph with no screeching at all. I drove the S without All4 before and it seemed sluggish compared to the All4. I'm living in Utah and I can't wait for the snow so I can really test her out.

 

I have the ALL4, I think it makes a huge difference making a standing start in very (extremely) slippery road conditions.

I'm not sure about the performance wise? Biting out of the corners faster? More cornering grip in slippery conditions? Just like the Lamborghini 570-4 or GTR 4wheel drive system does? hahaha can somebody confirm this?

 

It's what you feel comfortable with. The climate I live in I feel better with the All4. During the summer I drive with the DSC off. On in the winter. You live in NC, hit the Dragon if you get an R60.

 

If you do get an ALL4 you could get the Factory JCW Countryman / Paceman Belly pan upgrade kit w/ install hardware. Which we just released. It really completes the front and keeps the dirt out.


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51759809304KT/










Thanks

 

I'm in CA and I skipped the All4. Spent the money on other upgrades and no regrets

 

+1!

Very interested to find out the answer to preme123's question.



Anyways, this thread is definitely a good read!

I was really leaning on getting the ALL4 since I plan to go to Reno once or twice during winter... Since I live in the Bay Area and we don't get any snow here, I decided to go for the non ALL4.

 

Living in snowy Ohio, I opted for the all4 .. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing I don't have to worry about getting stuck inside when we get hit with a snow storm.

 

I'd definitely go for an ALL4. It makes a big difference when it comes to sporty driving, it works perfectly with DTC system and provides great confidence and response. With ALL4 you can also play with oversteering, if you know how...

 

That's an insult to California's diverse weather! I take it you don't make trips to Tahoe or Big Bear/Mammoth in the winter?