I'd say you have a lemon, and not representative of the typical Mini owner. Your issues, while obviously annoying, are not widespread, so to blame the entire brand is not really fair.

 

Which is fine, this is the 3rd mini i have had. Its more about the service, and not getting the run around from the dealership/mini canada.

 

Countryman ALL4 MT was on my short list briefly until I started to read about all the clutch issues...no thanks! And frankly for me the Countryman just didn't tick enough boxes in the plus column. Bought a Subaru Crosstrek with MT about 6 weeks ago and couldn't be happier. After such a positive experience with my 2002 WRX I really wanted another Suby anyway

 

And you're still lurking around Mini forums? Why?

 

Exactly what I was thinking! MANY of us around here have had no issues whatsoever with our Countrymen or other MINIs for that matter. I am on my third, and the only issue I had with my first (an '06) was a bad thermostat housing that was replaced with no problem under warranty. Otherwise, the miles have all been trouble free.

Around here, it often seems like people are on a "witch hunt" for problems with their cars, and only post when it's time to complain. Naturally, the clutch issue is not a trivial thing, but it's a known issue, and is now being taken care of by MINI. MY 2013 cars have a new design clutch that eliminates the problem.

I have had squeaks and rattles in Honda Accords that i've owned, as well as on a Ford, Chevy, Saturn, and Isuzu pickup. All of my MINIs have been every bit as reliable as all of the others (I treat them well, don't subject them to abuse, and drive reasonably and responsibly). They are a blast to own and drive, and they have a character that is really unmatched. It definitely takes a certain personality to drive a MINI, and they are not for everyone. Nobody ever says, "Ooo! Look! A Civic!" or "Ooo! Look! A Corolla!", but they do say, "Look! A MINI!" The best part of the ownership experience is being part of a community that celebrates this storied marque (yes, they ARE real MINIS, just as ALL cars that wear the Mini/MINI badge are real), and the friends I have made through events involving the cars. When I have traded in my two previous MINIs, I can honestly say that I loved them as much on the day I traded them in as I did on the day I drove them off the lot. I even felt a little sad leaving them behind. That much can't usually be said for a Civic, Corolla, or other small car (yes, I know there are exceptions in the minds of some).

 

Well said

 

not lurking at all. Haven't been on this forum in a long while so was surprised to see a post update notification in my inbox! Decided to clicked to check it out and realized its an old thread that I had posted in some time ago. Since the topic of discussion is "..spare yourself and don't buy a Mini" I thought it appropriate and relevant to update on my decision. The Countryman and Crosstrek are both in the small crossover segment and no doubt get cross shopped a lot. It's a thank you to all who have posted here and other threads regarding their experiences with their vehicles! Not dumping on the Countryman, I'm happy to see them in the market...just wasn't the BEST option for me

 

Took a look through this thread as I am currently researching the Countryman.

I appreciate the previous owners' honesty and am sorry for issues they have had, but it doesn't scare me away.

I am looking to purchase a Countryman in the coming months and couldn't be more excited.

I am, however, going with the Automatic transmission. Nothing against manual - just not comfortable with them.

 

The Crosstrek is a great car...my daughter and son-in-law just bought one, its got a lot going for it...(not least of which it's much easier on the eye than the Countryman)

 

I don't find it easier on the eye at all. For one thing, the wheels are fugly.

 

+1

I think they're hideous. They looked like outback's hopped up on awkward wheels.

 

I'll never buy another mini again. I'm averaging 2 days in the shop for every 1k miles. Horrible dealership experiences, and even worse is dealing with corporate. Premium priced product, **** quality and service.

 

I just find it funny that people are so willing to dismiss the problems that some owners experience simply because they have not had it happen to them yet.

 

Just because one person has a particular problem with any product that they buy does not mean that other people will have the same problem. I have MINI friends that have CM and over 40k on the odometer and not one problem oh yes they have a CM ALL 4 but they went with the steptronic. Betty has 38k on her and other than normal maintenance nothing.

 

That's because every brand has their problems. I'm sure you could go to every car's forum and find owners having issues with their car or their dealership. But it doesn't mean the entire manufacturer's fleet has/will have the same issue.

 

^^ Problems tend to be caused by defective parts, for example, we have had the faulty thermostat sensor, the leaking oil, and the faulty clutch. These are problems that affect quite a large number of cars, but not all.

 

True, but things like water leaks are not. The thermostat and clutch are recognized by Mini and are replaced under warranty.

 

Watch the rear door detente....We bought a Crosstrek for our son a few months ago. The rear door (at least on ours) didn't stop when pushed open. It went so far as to put a one foot long dent where it impacted the trailing edge of the front door and bent the hinge.

Also, as this was a car I too considered for myself, I passed on it due to the lack of acceleration. The first time you try to accelerate going up hill, you will wish you have the turbo from the countryman. The Crosstrek is a dog (at our altitude 8700 feet)....great for my son though as it will keep him out of trouble. It does look great though.

 

This is the #1 reason I have overlooked this car as my next ride. I surfed through Subi forum, and that was the biggest complaint from this car. The next complaint was the short cuts they took to save money, like not painting the engine bay. Such a shame as I personally think it's a great looking car (wheels and all)!

 

If easier on the eye means looks like a derivative of every car that's come from Asia the last ten years then yes, btw the wheels are the fugliest imo

 

I mean easier on the eye than the awful awkward, disproportional appearance of the Countryman...that's what I was comparing it to.

 

Hey... That hurts.

 

Beauty is the eye of of the beholder, Countryman is an acquired taste, I guess some of us are more partial to Quasimodo than Hello Kitty

 

I test drove a Crosstrek. I do like the look a lot, although clearly it's not as cute as a CM. The biggest thing that it does is to show how overpriced the CM is. The one thing that is missing is an optional engine. The Crosstrek with the engine that is available right now is woefully underpowered. When I pulled out of the dealers driveway onto the highway I almost got run over by an 18 wheeler because of the weak acceleration.

 

The crosstrek looks just like a wrx.