I just picked up Friday evening and I have a concern about my new ALL4 with auto transmission.

I've put on 139 miles so far, entirely mello driving across a mix of highway and city as I break-in the new vehicle. However, I've already used 1/2 a tank+ of gas in that 139 miles. Given the size of the tank, I'm estimating that ~6.2 gallons have been used, which works out to only ~22 MPG. Not horrible but certainly on the low side, especially given that I've been light with the right foot.

As well, as you'll see from the picture below, the chrome tail pipes are already covered with engine soot. I've posted a pic of the left pipe below and the right one looks just about as as bad (see my gallery).

Given the relatively poor mileage and the rapid build-up of soot on the tail pipes I'm concerned that the car has some issues...particularly from what I see as the quick build-up of so much soot.

Am I making something out or nothing or do you agree that I'm right to have some conerns here? Is this in line with what other owners are seeing or out of the norm?

 

Hey FamilyMan!

Don't know if this relates, in Feb 09 I bought a new 09 Justacooper. My mileage was low for the first 1,000 or so. After that it greatly improved. And my driving is mainly in North Jersey...a mix of highway and suburban roads.

I also had the same soot appearing since new. Now two years later, still have the same amount of soot, and very pleased with mileage. Getting about 32 - 33 per gallon.

Probably others with a Countryman can give you better info but you have the same concerns I had two years ago when I got my MINI.

Congrats on the new MINI and enjoy!

Finner

 

Normal. Ours is the same as is my other vehicle. Just clean them when you wash the vehicle so they don't stain.

 

Yea I wouldn't worry about the soot, that's the norm with turbos from my experience (last four cars). As for the poor mpg, that seems to be what most are saying during the break in, but then it improves.

 

My exhaust tips look the same. It wipes off really easily though so not a big deal.

 

I have 7K on mine and I'm averaging 24-25 MPG in NYC...HWY miles about 28-30 MPG depending on my foot.

 

Normal and normal. Your mileage will improve, unless you start hitting the sport button.

I enjoy using the manual mode and the paddle shifters which does not help our mileage.

We started low and are now getting about 25.9, about 95% short hop city miles.

Today I ran a good 80 mile run at interstate speeds, cleaned up some of the soot.

Don

 

Soot here too. Normal.

 

Excellent feedback all...thank you...will sleep much easier tonight.

 

After just two days of driving and 160 miles my tips look the same. Simple wipe and they're clean.

 

Mine were the same. Now they are clean again.

 

Gas gauge needles are notoriously imprecise.