R60 Countryman Releability Score @ Consumer Reports = Ouch!
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 5
From: north/central New Jersey
I've been a CR subscriber for at least 30 years. Your can assume CR's sample size is far, far more than 20 owners. If they had anything near that few, they would report "insufficient data".
Granted CR's methodology is far from perfect (for example, when they survey subscribers, they ask what "serious" problems they have had with their cars, and of course everyone's threshold of what constitutes "serious" is different, so the responses have some unavoidable subjectivity). But I've never seen a better source for unbiased data anywhere else. Then again the data and ratings are unavoidably biased as what their editors think is important in a product may not be what's important to you. The best way to use CR is to not just look at the ratings...but read all the data in depth. I've often found what they give the highest rating to is not the best product for me.
When you dig into CR's data on the CM, you will immediately notice that the problem areas they have identified as pretty consistent with the problems owners have mentioned on this website.
Needless to say, you are always going to find someone who has had much trouble with "the most reliable car in the world", and someone who has had no issues with the "least reliable car in the world". That's indicative of the statistical problems with small sample size.
Granted CR's methodology is far from perfect (for example, when they survey subscribers, they ask what "serious" problems they have had with their cars, and of course everyone's threshold of what constitutes "serious" is different, so the responses have some unavoidable subjectivity). But I've never seen a better source for unbiased data anywhere else. Then again the data and ratings are unavoidably biased as what their editors think is important in a product may not be what's important to you. The best way to use CR is to not just look at the ratings...but read all the data in depth. I've often found what they give the highest rating to is not the best product for me.
When you dig into CR's data on the CM, you will immediately notice that the problem areas they have identified as pretty consistent with the problems owners have mentioned on this website.
Needless to say, you are always going to find someone who has had much trouble with "the most reliable car in the world", and someone who has had no issues with the "least reliable car in the world". That's indicative of the statistical problems with small sample size.
This is my overall dilemma. I'm considering a new car and the CM4 is one of them. The other is a VW Golf R. On paper, the VW is a better car all around. It is quieter, rides nicer, and the interior is substantially ahead of the CM4.
So why don't I just simply buy a VW?
My wife and I are both emotionally connected to the Mini. It could be its quirky looks or the driving experience, but the VW seems to boring compared to the CM4.
aaron
So why don't I just simply buy a VW?
My wife and I are both emotionally connected to the Mini. It could be its quirky looks or the driving experience, but the VW seems to boring compared to the CM4.
aaron
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
We had a similar decision when we were looking for a new car a few weeks ago. In many respects, the Countryman was inferior — price, gas mileage, options — to a Prius. But fun and quirkiness won out over boring and practical.
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: 21204
NZXOS,
There is a big difference between the Base model and the S. Base doesn't have the technology that the S has and thus less to go wrong. Other advantage (per Owners Manual) is that the Base can be run on Regular (87 octane) gas most of the time and still get 30+ Mpg. Not sure on the 13s but I know it can be done on 11 and 12.
There is a big difference between the Base model and the S. Base doesn't have the technology that the S has and thus less to go wrong. Other advantage (per Owners Manual) is that the Base can be run on Regular (87 octane) gas most of the time and still get 30+ Mpg. Not sure on the 13s but I know it can be done on 11 and 12.
I am a little bit relieved.
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
had the same dilemma and still emotionally connected to mini and hope to get one in the next couple of years if they get their act together reliability wise. I went for the golf R and put down a deposit tonight. Got the carbon steel color fully loaded msrp of 37155 for 35 flat out the door. I think VW is a little easier to bargain with because the have a 2% holdback for dealers and are volume motivated. I still love mini and will keep up to date with the site!
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,474
Likes: 3
From: Over there -->
They both have similar mechanical bits (except ALL4 & N18) and they both operate with > 20 individual computer modules and have TPMS. I'm not sure there is realistically less to go wrong between a non-S and an S (FWD). Of course, there may be differences based on chosen options.
My tuppence...