I have a manual S, I love it. I am trying to find the sweet spot coming out of first without loosing gas milage. I have been shifting too low I think. You are right with this engine high reving, turns into a 2 stroke motocross bike powerband. Seems like it wants to high rev and get pissed at ya if ya don't, same as the old 2 stoke MX bikes.

 

I love that little bit of extra pull around 4500, it almost reminds me of hitting boost. Almost

 

I got my light white w/black 2012 MINI Countryman CMT (BASE!!!) on 5/20 and absolutely LOVE it! I tested the "S" and preferred the Base, so no shame here! Love the handling (like everyone else), love the looks, love every single thing about it so I don't regret my decision at all. The bonus was that it was less expensive so that's just another plus!

I was thrilled to see this topic - I've had a few comments about not having an "S" so I feel a lot better now. Thanks for posting!!

 

I struggled with his decision as well, Base or S model? I test drove both models many times, both in many different settings. I just placed my order today and went with the S model. For me personally, I needed and liked the extra power around the busy Dallas streets and highways! I'm glad you like your Justa! Enjoy!!!!

 

Noticed that you live in the Dallas area....you should come out to a Metroplex Mini Club outings......

 

Hey Tacoman,


Yeah, I want to get involved in that. This is my first MINI. Where are you? I'm actually in Euless out by DFW airport.

 

I'm in way North Dallas in Prosper, but if you go to Metroplexmini.org or .com, you can join up. We do tons of things as a group, infact we have a June Meeting this Saturday at Cooper BBQ in Ft Worth at the Stock yards...starts at 2:30, come join the group if you can....there should be about 25-30 MINIs there this meeting......

 

Awesome! Have you thought of putting stripes on it? I kinda feel hesitant because it is not a "S" lol

 

I was thinking about it but hesitated for the same reason. Don't want to be called a "poser" again by other Mini owners. So strange, the comments I've gotten since I got my MINI - some really good, some really negative. Frankly, I don't really care about others' opinions - I got the car I wanted, exactly the way I wanted it and really am happy with it.

Our neighborhood is set up against the foothills of the Angeles Crest mountains so we have some steep inclines to get up. Yesterday, I had my teen and her friends in my car so, for a thrill, I pushed the "S" (sport) button and my MINI took off like a shot. You should have heard the kids "whoooping" it up - almost broke my eardrums! My daughter said she was relieved I didn't get the "S". She thought that she'd have had to worry about me wrapping myself around a tree if I did. And, LA driving is all freeways and I've never had a problem getting on or passing, ever. I think my Base is plenty peppy enough for me and the way I drive.

 

I just picked up my base Countryman last night, and have no problem with it. The people that complain about it, just how fast do they need to go?

 

Joe, faster is better Anything significant happen when you took delivery? Our MA says we are getting the TDTD discount...we emailed him our certificate. How do you like the HK audio? Post some more pics! We take delivery Friday.

 

No, it went very smooth. He had all the paperwork ready by the time I got there (he had asked me earlier in the day to email him a picture of my insurance card). I kept my existing plates, he transferred them over to the new car. When I first got there he went over the features of the car, then we went for a quick drive, then back to sign all the papers. He had agreed to give me the $750 TDTD discount and it was already applied on the paperwork. He even got me a better interest rate by asking the company I was financing my Saturn through, so he went ahead and used them instead of MINI's 2.99%. He handed me a bag with a couple MINI hats, a MINI cup, and an EZ Pass holder for the windshield. The HK audio is great so far, I cranked it up this morning on the way into work. I will definitely be taking lots more pictures. It was dark last night by the time I got home, and I've been stuck in work all day today.

 

Sounds good...let's just hope it doesn't rain on it later. Did you enable the satellite radio, or was it already set up for you? How much gas was in it upon delivery? What do you think of the run flat tires? Too harsh a ride?

 

Satellite radio was already set up when I got there. It had a full tank of gas. The run flats are maybe a tad harsh, but honestly I don't see what all the fuss is about.

 

I am liking this thread a lot. I'm looking to get a Countryman but am not sure how the base model will handle hills and highways. Sounds like it can handle it. What exactly does the "sport" button do?

 

On a manual transmission car, from what I can tell, it tightens up the steering significantly. On automatic cars, it also changes the gear ratios.

 

on the automatic the sport "button" works really well. It tightens up the steering which is great on sharp twisties (turns) and helps increase the power to the front wheels. Some people do not like the Non S but I do. The only thing that you should be aware of is that the Countryman has a higher center of gravity and cannot take the turns as fast as its smaller siblings.

 

Ordered my first MINI--a Justa CM on 6/9. No additional details on delivery yet. My test drives were the most fun I've had driving in years (CM is replacing a '04 VW Passat Wagon which replaced a '98 VW Jetta which replaced a '84 BMW 325e, which replaced a '83 VW Scirocco).

Smartly, my wife was the one who suggested looking at the MINI CM, otherwise I'd be in another VW! For the same money, I can be in a family-friendly MINI?? Done!

I'm suffering from MINI on the brain--the waiting is killing me and it's only been 3 days. I really would've liked to have a European Delivery option--especially with the CM being in Austria!

Realized I didn't spec out fog lights (assumed they were standard). My MA is off today--anyone have any success adding them after delivery? Cost? Difficulty?

 

If your CM hasn't entered production yet; it is not too late to add them!

 

Fog lights share the same space as the parking lights which are standard, the only time you see them is when they are on. If your build has not been scheduled yet you should be able to add them.

 

Too late on the fog lights, MA said it's in production. Oh well, it'll make it stand out from the other CM's on the road, right? :-)

 

Me too. I have a justa Clubman. It is still fun to drive since it is so nimble, but feels a bit underpowered at times. With the extra weight of the CM I'm glad I went with the S. The extra power makes up somewhat for all the body roll

 

Fog lights - do you mean driving lights (I think same thing??) - Anyway those aren't added until you car is in the destination port so there's no reason they can't be added to your overall build. I have them and they weren't part of the original build in Austria - I was told they were customized (for me in Baltimore) in port right before they car leaves for your dealership. If you want them press them about this. I love mine.

 

Fog lights cannot be added after car is in production. I had the same remorse when we ordered our CM 11 months ago. Driving lights can be added at a cost of over $600.

 

I'm referring to the fog lights integrated in the lower bumper. Without the lights, I'm assuming they will be replaced with some sort of plastic insert. Bummer, b/c I leave for work at ~6:15am every morning and actually get some use out of them in the fall and winter when weather is periodically foggy in Maryland. Not just for show!

MA is going to get me pricing for the dealer to add, but I suspect it'll be cost-prohibitive.