Hey Everyone,

I made a post on "Mini2 forums" but there seems to be a lot more members on here to answer my questions, so here it goes! I'm new to the site, and new to Minis in general, but I'm a relatively long time BMW fan and know a lot about their cars. I drive a 2011 E90 328 xdrive and my GF currently has a 2004 Benz C240. Her's has about 35,000 miles on it and quite frankly, it's a ticking time bomb. The door is starting to rust out, it has surface rust on other areas of the body, it rides like a boat, and recently there's an audible "clunk" coming from the rear suspension as well as her brakes aren't in the best shape which caused her to have a bit of a fender bender. I've told her not to sink any money in to it and that if it were me I'd start to look at other viable options.

She really likes the new Subaru Impreza hatch, but I really like the Mini. While ultimately it's going to be her car and she'll be the one that has to drive it daily and she's the one that has to love it, I'm trying to get her to love the Countryman.

She'd be getting the Countryman S All4 with a 6MT. Otherwise she won't really add that many options because she's on a budget, but these cars do come standard with a lot of nice features and from the research I've done already you only need to add more options if you want to make it more of a luxury vehicle.

She wants me to get all of the information I can about the Countryman (both good and bad), so I came here asking you guys. How do you like your vehicle's? What are some of the issues that have popped up over the time you've owned them? What kind of discounts have you guys gotten on them upon purchasing? One last one for my US friends, which dealers would you recommend for ordering, and are there any forum sponsors that give insane discounts to forum members?

Thanks in advanced for your help and opinions.

TL/DR:
GF getting a new car
I want her to get the Countryman
Looking for personal reviews and feedback
Looking for forum sponsors for ordering

Thanks again

 

FWIW I drove a Benz for 17 years. A 1991 300E. That was a sweet car. I put over 300K on it. The newer ones did not turn my head enough to spend the money. When I bought my next car I opted for an Acura TL. Blah. Ok car but not much fun. My 2012 CMs is so much fun. I think is is distinctive, cute and colorful. It is agile and fast. It holds plenty of cargo, too. I really enjoy driving again. My comment does not really have a lot of facts, but I hope she will drive one with an open mind--a long enough test drive to get a feel. My Porsche driving hubby enjoys it too.
Oh, and (knock on wood) my baby has not had a hiccup in the 4 months and 5500 miles I have had the pleasure of "motoring" with her.

 

There are few things that I didn't like it on my new CM ALL4.

1. Small gas tank (13g)
2. You have to use the low beam as DRL
3. No power seats.
4. No lumbar support option on the seats
5. No heated steering wheel option

If you are planning to buy one then build one don't buy from the dealers lot.

Apart from all these, this is a fun car to drive when you turn on the sports button. I really love it.

 

Thanks for the input guys! I'll be sure to pass it along to her!

 

its AWD, its a BMW it safe :P
Its fuel friendly. 13gal is a cheap fill up... & lasts a long time on a mini.
you can program the fogs to be DRL's


I am personally not a fan of stripped premium models, what options if any would you order?
She may not want it if you dont have any comforts.

I just ordered my ALL4, manual.
SR, Coldweather, Sport susp., Zenon, ?? etc

See what she really likes option wise. it may be easier to sell her on that.
Bluetooth, Connect, Pan SR, etc.

We cross shopped the WRX Limited 5dr. I liked it for the performance & price, i didnt for the MPG, fan boy crowd, *** interior, last yr of problematic 2.5L, common.

Mini won over- MPG, customizable, german, not so common, unique,

 

Theres known issues with any car. Theres been a water pump recall, a thermostat issue, and some other complaints that have effected numerous owners. But its a really fun car, the AWD is top notch (read more here http://www.motoringfile.com/2011/12/...tem-clarified/, the MAs will tell you something its not) and actually a better system than the x drive. MPG is great, but a small tank. You'll need premium with this, like I'm sure you're use to. It comes with RFTs like you're use to, many of us have ditched them in favor of a more forgiving tire.

The clutch seems weak, and several people have had their replaced already, at sub 20 and even 10k miles. Its the same as in the Cooper, so the added weight and power distribution to the All4 seems to be taxing it. 1st gear has a huge range in it, never driven a car that could get to 30 mph in 1st and not be red lining it. I'd either oft for the extended maintenance agreement (price is negotiable but figure 1300-1900) that covers you till 100k for brakes, mileage checkups and a clutch etc. Or just remember that you didn't pay the premium for the Auto and keep a grand saved for a clutch before 100k.

These cars are so unique and customizable. I have yet to see another surf blue in person, that wasn't at a dealer. You get lots of looks and smiles with it, but not everyone likes the attention. Had a girl come up to me last week in the grocery store and say she hated the car but loved the color lol

The subaru is a great choice too, but completely different in style and options. My other car is the new Outback, in charcoal, and I average seeing 5-10 of the exact same car a day. But its solid but boring. Great AWD system, great MPG, just bland. Its considerably slower and deals that way, and the media options for iPod integration is horendous. They are cheap to maintain and have great resale. The MINI is expensive to maintain but also has great resale. But in our 2 years of ownership, its never been to the dealer for anything besides routine maintenance. My MINI is presently at the dealer for the 5th in a year + a week.

 

I've got that car, and I enjoy its zippy motoring character. It very comfortably moves 4 people, with a rather stiff ride. The ALL4 is a great system and should work fine where you are, although the ground clearance isn't generous.

Issues you won't have to deal with: replacing trim strips, upgrading early car firmware, replacing turbo water pump. Issues you may have to deal with: clutch rather different and it could stand to be beefier, although at 16K energetic miles mine still works.

The only discount in my area was from a MINI promotion - areas with more dealers competing have reported some success at getting as much as $2.5K off MSRP - YMMV. I don't know of any deals through this forum.

Advice: Get the adaptive xenon lights, cold weather (heated mirrors, seats), automatic AC, auto wipers. Consider 2-part rail.

 

Well the Subaru doesn't come with much of any luxury items. The only things that she's deemed mandatory are heated seats and bluetooth. I've told her that I really want her to have Xenon headlights as well because she commutes 80 miles each way to and from work, all highway. So when I showed it to her I added the Cold Weather pkg, bluetooth (which should be standard btw in 2012), panoramic sunroof (because she really enjoys driving with the windows open). I think that the premium pkg for 1750 is a bargain, but that will push it out of her price range for in her words "luxury items that are nice but I really don't need." I also added in the centre arm rest, and the rear bench seat.

I didn't realize that that's how the AWD system worked, however with the previous knowledge that it was designed along side of BMW's xdrive the technology doesn't surprise me. I for one love my xdrive system, it is amazing in the snow! I know that many people hate their RFTs but I really do like them and the premise behind them. Because of her commute it means that it could still get her to (or from) work on a flat and then have her roadside assistance deal with it during her 12 hour shifts. She'd also be getting the 17" wheels without the sport suspension so it won't be unbearable. Plus she really likes the ride of my E90 with low profile RFTs. I think that she'd skip the extended maintenance though in favour of dealing with any potential demons later on, and I'm pretty good at DIY stuff so I'd be able to do most things for her. I also know of a couple really good indy shops around town for her as well.

It seems that BMW can't get their thermostats and water pumps to be super reliable and thats a very common fault with them.

So the only potential issues that she's be facing are clutch problems then... The clutch is pretty integral on an MT car so I don't know how she'd feel about that. That being said she's still about a year or so out from making a purchase so hopefully by then there will have been some upgrades to the clutch itself.

Thanks everyone for the input!

 

I would pass on the bluetooth to be honest. It is $500 for a bluetooth that doesn't recognize the addressbook by voice unless you enter in each entry....unless I have missed a way to program it -- it is the only major disappointment I have with the Countryman.

I don't have the ALL4 -- but I did get the S with the automatic.....I am super happy with the pep and the MPGs.....after coming from a Thunderbird V8 as my daily driver. While my former vehicle was definitely a speed demon, this Countryman goes a bit faster than I thought it would have been pulled over already as I was totally ignorant to how fast I was going (didn't seem to be fast until I saw the lights behind me and looked at the speedometer).

Besides the bluetooth, I am regretful that I didn't get the upgraded seating. I would easily have traded a very expensive 'handsfree' (ie., bluetooth) for the better seating. Other than that, I am totally in love with the car.

While I think the Impreza is a great car, I think the Countryman is more 'fun' and more of a headturner than the Impreza.

Good luck with your/her decision!

 

I've got the bluetooth and, while I haven't tried voice commands it's a real convenience and I wouldn't do without it.

 

Get the bluetooth. With iPhone 4s you can have SIRI dial the number from the phone so the fact that the non connected bluetooth does not have voice recognition is not a big deal. When a call comes in you see who is calling and just have to hit a button to either take or ignore the call. Better than fumbling for the phone and / or headset.

With all the information available on distracted driving and the resulting bloodbath on the roads, it really should be standard equipment.

 

Original poster suggested his GF was on a budget and therefore looking to keep the costs of the vehicle down, therefore I didn't assume she was able to afford an iPhone nor a bluetooth that doesn't have the full capability that many other bluetooths offer. For example, we also have a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Mojave.....the bluetooth in that vehicle will recognize up to 5 different mobile devices and will automatically sync your address book to that device for use of voice commands in dialing. It is truly handsfree.

For the money, the GF of the original poster could opt for another option instead (as suggested OP wanted her to upgrade to Xenon lights due to her long commute) and spend 10 bucks on a cheap wired headset for the hands free phone capability or purchase the $99 aftermarket bluetooth designed by Mini (or even a cheap Jabra bluetooth - all decently priced without having to spend the $500 on the factory installed bluetooth which does not really have full capability).


Whatever the case, I am sure it is an individual option to each person and we all will have different opinions -- I was trying to be sensitive to the budgetary issues as I, too, was trying to pick the options that would likely be most meaningful to me while keeping the cost down......I found the $500 in my case to be poorly spent.

 

Whilst everyone has offered up good advice on what MINI to buy, the bottom line is "she's the one that has to love it". I've been trapped in cars that I compromised on and I'm still holding a grudge. As a long time Bimmer person, you should know that cars are very, very personal. You don't question why you love them, you just do. And it's best to treat other's feelings the same way. Even if she wants a used Yugo, you say "Yes, dear. I want you to have whatever makes you happy." And you don't never, ever say "See, I told you." If you are serious about this woman, get serious about supporting her decisions. It pays off in the long run.

 

Well said, Sealy!

 

I can agree with that, but I have also taught/convinced/educated/ or otherwise changed my wife's mind on things that she has thanked me for later on. (I told you so :P )

...as far as budget & MINI, other than the non S models, thats a hard combo. lol

The Premium pkg is very pricey in my opinion. (Connect is cool, but the user interface reviews & price is not).

I have mine on order now with Cold Weather, Xenon w/ Blk housings(not adaptive), basic radio(not HK), Dual Pan SR, Bench/Flatload, Sport Susp.(not sport pkg), A/S tires(17"), Blk Headliner, Auto Climate(only because I keep reading the std. HVAC doesnt seem to get cold), Arm rest.

No Alarm, no BT, no Stripes, No Sport Pkg,

I would have skipped the Auto Climate if the reviews weren't so bad.
I almost added BT after the ordering.(now I am happy I saved $500)
I was totally on the fence about the Alarm. ehh
I almost changed to rear seats vs bench after ordering. (I like the idea of rear 'captain chairs' , I dont like the open space to loose things when folded.
I chose A/S 17" (i'll use these as 'winters' as I plan to purchase aftermarket 18")
I will lower the CM, so the upgraded factory Sport Susp. was a must.
I will add aftermarket stripes as I want it a bit more personalized.
I ordered white(yeah it saved me $500, but I also really like it)

...these cars are customizable enough where you should be able to build it to suit everything you want & nothing you dont need to spend $ on.

 

Ah, Sealy, so young, so wise...

 

Much as I can't imagine wanting a Suburu---Sealy the sage speaks the truth. So glad my husband took that attitude when I told him I wanted a MINI CM.

 

+1
DH did not want me to buy a Mini and even refused to go to the dealer for a test drive.
I reminded him that when he bought his Avalon I didn't say a word beyond wishing the two of them well.
He likes to drive Little Wing when I allow it.
He enjoys the Mini events and the people that we have met.
His Avalon meets his needs though and at 300K he is thinking about replacing it.
He wants another Avalon.
He would be very happy if I sold my Mini and bought a Toyota.
Ain't gonna happen.
Happily married for 22.5 years now.

BTW - has your GF taken a test drive yet?
If not, arrange that ASAP!

 

Personally, I'm glad mine came with the bench seat in the rear. And so are my dogs

 

WTG, Sealy!

If I *ever* decide to marry again, remind me to have him sit down for a chat with you, first. Or, at the very least, after he signs the prenup, containing a "You may never drive my MINI" proviso .

 

She's got the iPhone 4S. Also if the Mini system is anything like the BMW system then I'd imagine its actually quite good. I haven't looked into it more than that but in my Bimmer it automatically syncs my phonebook whenever I start the car. I also have 2 phone synced to it. The only thing I don't like is that it can't receive calls from two synod phones at the same time. That's new tech though and is just being implemented in the 7-series LCI. Should trickle down everywhere else soon enough though.

Very well said! I whole-heartedly agree with everything you said. She knows that I really like the CM, but she knows that I know it's ultimately her decision and I'd support her no matter what. That being said, I'm also trying to educate her about cars in general and what are good cars, and what are bad cars.

Not yet. We're going to drive them tomorrow morning. I'm really excited because I've never personally driven a Mini before (and neither has she). She does know how crazy I am about my car though (in a sane and very rational way...) and to expect something similar with the Mini. All that I've asked of her when test driving all of these different cars is to go into it with an open mind. That's why we're going tomorrow to drive it (she's worked like 14 hour shifts everyday this week). In the end I just want her to drive something safe and reliable that gets good milage. Second to that is the fun to drive factor.

Also, I'm noticing through reading a lot of these posts that a good number of members on here are women! To me that's awesome that you gals take such pleasure in what you drive and are so enthusiastic about it! My GF is on her way to that after spending to much time with me

 

There are only 3-4 of them around my area that I see regularly and every one of of them are driven by women. I have yet to see a man drive one, other than when my husband is driving while I'm with him. I know that men do have them via this board, but from personal experience I would think otherwise.

 

Have fun on your test drive!
Until I drove a Mini cars were just a way to get from point A to B.
It's a whole new world now and it's a whole lot of fun.
Is there a local Mini club in your area?
It's not something that I would have thought I would get into, but the club events and motoring excursions are really great.
Most are involved with local charities too.
Lots of nice people are into these cars and many of them are women.

 

That's great to hear! Mostly everybody over on E90post is a guy and it would be nice to have some more women over there.

Thanks! I have a feeling that we'll really enjoy ourselves with it tomorrow! As far as Mini clubs, I don't know... I know that there are a few BMW clubs so I'd assume that there are for Mini as well. That being said, both her and I are so busy these days (I'm in dental school and she's a nurse) that it would be hard to find time. She really like backpacking/hiking and wants to take me to glacier national park so I told her it would be a great car for us to drive out there with!

 

If you have the Connected options, it will sync load your address book as you start the car. You can also save #'s into the system. I rarely talk in the car, so never tried voice dialing by name. Of the few OEM car BT integrations I've used, I'm pretty happy with it. But without the Connected option, thats a whole different ballgame.