Hey guys, my wife currently owns a R56 mini cooper and we are thinking of trading it in for a countryman. We want to start a family and thinking we will need something bigger. Just want to know if the countryman is as reliable as our mini has been.

 

Well, that will be rather hard to answer from experience since the Countryman is still relatively new, but my '12 CMS has been great for the last 9 months.

 

That's true. I guess i just want people's feedback on there CM and if they are happy with them or always at the dealer. I test drove one today and really liked it.

 

My wife has had her '11 All4 since May 2011. Now, 26,000 miles later, her issues have been: a faulty thermostat (what seems to be a well known issue) and a TPMS sensor that wouldn't reset.

She loves it.

 

3 months, 4,000 miles, zero problems

scott

 

same. got mine mid march. just under 4k on the clock. the only issue I have with it is that my two other cars are sitting and rotting.

 

Add me to the no problem club. Picked up on 12/28/11 and it will hit 10k miles either today or tomorrow.

 

It is going to be difficult to judge long-term reliability on a car just introduced in 2011. In any case with most new designs reliability will improve from the initial year through year 3 or 4. Anecdotal evidence from forums leads me to believe that the 2012's are improved from the 2011's, and I would expect the 2013's to be better still.

So far (only 4 months, 3300 mi), no problems with our 2012.

 

Given what I've seen and experienced with earlier Mini models, as well as other makes, I concur with Dave 100%. BTW, we have had ours for just month and 1200 miles with no issues (other than the A/C unit that seems just barely strong enough for an all black car with two sunroofs). A good sign, but doesn't mean much long term.

 

We have had our All4 since April '11 with only 1 issue in 27,000 miles. (That is not a typo. We drive it all the time, because we LOVE IT!) There was a software issue that caused the front windows to not completely roll down each time. In my experience this is a solid vehicle.

 

I'm in the No Problem So Far Club, we picked ours up on 3/11, 14,000 miles later, not one issue. Not even the ill fated chrome tape/trim peeling issue! So impressed with this one(our 2nd MINI) that will be passing it down to my 16 year old daughter and ordering a Paceman this winter......

My windows don't always go all the way down either, thought it was a BMW/MINI safety deal....now that you mention a software issue, might have local MINI dealer take a look.....

 

Hadmine 13 months, been in the shop 17 days for 4 problems. 2 bad spark plugs, bad thermostat and the stumbling issue. Other than that, its been a blast, and hasn't stranded me anywhere. 16k and just completed a long road trip in the heat.

 

I have a 2011 All4; 42K miles since April 28, 2011. Headlight beam went out at 2K, thermostat @ 5K (before recall) and turbo went out at 40K. Numerous engine malfunction lights - took 3 visits to determine it was the turbo the last time. I have a great SA and always get a loaner but every time I go there, I ask if they put me on payroll yet!

On the flip side, love my All4, my first mini. Great for family - two kids playing on 4-5 basketball teams, 3-4 soccer teams plus Boy and Girl Scouts... Besides numerous ball and soccer tournaments, I've taken it camping, fishing, etc.

Could be hard to fit anything but an umbrella stroller though...

AND, I'm thinking about getting an JCW All4!!!

 

So there is a recall for the thermostat? Also do you know if it only affects 2011s or does it include the 2012s also? I am weary of this issue assuming its going to happen to mine at any time so I am not too confident on long hauls.

 

1 year, no problems AT ALL.

 

No problems with our base model...1200 on it

The all4...14000 miles

-update for the windows
-update for the stutters
-something with the clutch...not a new one though
-idle problem, adjusted to 800 instead of 700

 

Thanks guys for all the info. I know it is a fairly new model, just wanted some of your guys personal experience. Me and my wife just traded in our mini cooper and brought home a 2012 Light White base model with navigation,blue tooth, usb interface. I must say we love it.

 

 

I'm not aware of the recall affecting 2012 Models. Supposedly a couple of CM's caught fire in their garages in England (I think) from faulty thermostats. Prior to have thermostat replaced under the recall, the factory suggestion was to park the CM's outside until they cooled off before putting parking them inside.

Your SA should be able to advise you on your particular CM.

 

my dad's 2012 CMS All4 (09/2011 build) developed the "stumble" on acceleration at about 5,000 miles about a week ago

first issue for his car

i am taking it in tomorrow am for an ecu software update

it is an auto tranny

scott

 

there is no recall for the thermostat, but many users have had it fail. There is a recall all across the MINI line on the water pump, and potential for a fire. A new car would have this fixed already.

 

2011 All4s auto, 11,000 miles, no problems, till it was totaled 3 weeks ago.
Bruce

 

The recall was for 2007-early 2011 turbocharged Minis, and was for the auxiliary water pump that cools the turbo bearing, NOT the main engine water pump or thermostat.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...bay-fires.html

It does NOT apply to any 2012 models.

 

9,500+ miles in 7 months - 2012 All4 / Auto Trans

Zero issues to date