Not meaning to hijack this thread, but I'm curious: What model BMW is this? I think I've seen one once, and didn't even recognize it as a BMW until I saw the roundel.

 

It's a E52 Z8 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_Z8

Great blog btw!

 

Compared to what I have driven in the past, The base CM during the test drive sequences was adequate. I have never been one for having a car with fast acceleration, it only gets me into trouble. Besides the difference in cost between an S and non S was to prohibitive.

 

Our CM ALL4 is the wifes daily driver, I have to pry it away just to wash it.

My DD is the 07 MCS, mildly modified, it has been excellent for 4+ years.

We have the Jeep GC for the really super bad stuff (deep wet snow), but my wife already prefers her CM in the snow, she loves it.

Cannot say more without being a bore.

Don

 

Thanks! and Thanks!

 

My CM is a daily driver. I traded in a Buick Lucerne. I haven't had this much fun in 30 years. Don't get a base model. You def want an S.

 

If you need speed, turn off the AC and press the Sport button, this makes a huge difference! MY CM is not as peppy as my MINI cooper 2006 was, but its fine for my daily drive.

 

While you cannot go wrong whether you choose base or S, things that matter are your driving style and budgetary concerns. I felt base Cooper is very adequate for everyday driving(24 hour test drive) but my driving need requires me a more powerful S model.

Good luck!

 

you could always gow low

http://www.mini.co.uk/model-range/countryman/mini-one/


i wonder if they'll ever offer this model in the US? would anyone buy this here? not a lot of power but does get great mileage , would be great if they brought the D and SD over

Oh.. and I drive my All4 as often as possible!

 

As I was spending my lunch hour flinging my CM4 around a mountain road yesterday, I was recalling going over the same route many years ago with my BMW that was 1000 pounds lighter. I could really feel the additional mass of the CM4 compared with my recalled earlier experience, but I could also appreciate that I have twice the power now (and it gets to the road lots better). I don't think I would have enjoyed the drive anything like as much if I was back to half the power but with still a lot more weight (like the CM One).

Out of curiosity I had a look at the route I took with Google Earth - the twisty part has over 100 turns in about 11 miles. Now I'm looking at some other nifty drives nearby that I've previously enjoyed for similar future rides.

 

I did the exact same debate as you. I drove a 2004 Accord EX for years, up until I bought my Mini Countryman S in late March. Both are manuals. I kept my Accord, but quickly found myself using the Countryman for all of my daily driving. It's a fun drive, but is also very practical and is great as a daily driver. I'm selling the Accord this week, because I don't need the hassle of two cars when the Countryman fits all of my needs.

Some differences/thoughts
- The manual is much smoother on the CTM. When I drive the Accord, I'm shocked at how loose the gearbox is, and how much jerkier
- I get slightly better mileage on the Accord (1 mpg difference). Accord took regular grade gas; Mini gets premium.
- The Countryman is MUCH more fun to drive. I never lose my car in a parking lot or mistake it for another car. People wave at me, or ask me about the car. It's a show-off car, vs. the Accord which is a 'fit in' car.
- I love the CTM's hill assist, which prevents the car from rolling back on hills. When I drive the Accord now, I hate the rollback (never concerned me before driving the hill assisted MINI).
- For Chicago, seriously consider the AWD. They get crazy amounts of snow in the wintertime there.