planning to buy a new car soon and top of my list is the countryman S and 2nd is 4dr honda accord sport version.
CM pros: fun to drive, not too common on freeway or parking lot, cool style
CM cons: expensive, high maintenance, not sure about reliability, firm ride(not sure)
accord pros: reliable, better gas mileage, cheaper to maintain, smoother ride
accord cons: boring, everybody owns one

so to all owners of CM, is there anything you wish you knew about the CM before you bought it that would have affected your decision when buying your new car? thanks

 

welcome to NAM.
the bottom line answer to your question is no for me, but you're comparing 2 very different cars tho and each end of a very broad spectrum. you covered a lot in your pros and cons, which are the most important aspects to you ?

 

Welcome aboard!

There's a lot to consider before you buy. One thing to consider is there are a lot of mods to make your mini even more unique. (I enjoy the uniqueness) Also, the people on this board are very smart and very willing to share their knowledge--they have taught me a lot. Like chrome is the devil's trim... or not...

Sometimes, with the economy the way it is I feel guilty for having purchased a "fun" vehicle rather than going with a practical plow-horse. (I was raised where everything has to have a purpose and be practical). I look at Hondas and think, "I could have/should have bought one" but then I come around the corner and see my mini and I catch my breath. She is beautiful. I don't know if I would have that reaction with a purely practical car.

Life is short and tomorrow is not a guarantee. I'm only going to be this age once and I need to remember I'm young and practical isn't always necessary.

 

As far as reliability is concerned, all the horror stories you read on this or any motor forum are a miniscule portion of the rest of the fleet. If you let that dictate your decision then you will also be convinced by the fallacy of logic that states: "All Indians walk in single file because the one that I saw, did." MINIs make motoring fun!! You'll have a smile on your face every time you sit behind the wheel.

 

After owning both I would say your pros and cons list is pretty accurate...

 

Although I will add that there are lots of cars that are less engaging to drive than an Accord.

 

Couldn't agree more. Smiling and what makes you feel good is what's important.

 

Wow, I would not even cross shop the two, they're so different. You've already stated the pros and cons so my only comment is on reliability.

It seems the CM quality has improved since launch and a lot of the teething issues early owners endured are now resolved (peeling trim, full throttle stumble, coolant leaks.) The All4 clutch was updated in 2013 so hopefully that is no longer going to be an issue moving forward.

At 18,000 miles I have not eperienced any mechanical failures. While I have been disapointed with the clutch and have serious concerns over its lack of performance and endurance, I cannot fault my 2012 on reliability.

As a point of reference on an older MINI, my 06 Cooper S has been flawless. 85k miles and still running like a champ.

 

Owned both. Buy the Countryman with an automatic, and prepare yourself for the "Permagrin".

 

funny Story: I was waiting for the MINI dealer to open so I could do my test drive. Honda was already open. Thought i would check out the Civics.....that took less than a nano to say pass, moved on to the accord. We really liked the side camera & back up camera and nice ride....If my dad was still alive he would say, go with the safe one "get the accord" BUT, as nice of a car the Accord is ..... I would never love it like my MINI. I went straight to the Mini thinking "oh, maybe we will consider the Accord" then I went for my test drive with the Mini, then signed my paperwork and drove the Mini home the same day. Agree totally different cars. I would rather travel cross county in an Accord but then again I usually fly anyway so I will keep my Mini

 

The CM isn't all that expensive to start, but can quickly get there once you start adding options. Like you, I see a few CM's on the roads, but not even close to as many Accords I see. I haven't had any problems with either of the MINI's that I own/owned, but then again, I haven't/didn't have them that long. I'm just into a month's ownerhsip with my 2013 CMS ALL4, and I think the ride is great. Then again, my last car was a BMW Z4 Coupe 3.0SI with the SPort wheels and suspension package so running over a pebble would rattle out the fillings in your teeth. I would personally avoid the Sport suspension and 18 inch wheels with summer tires on the CM. Not just because it costs more and makes for a harsher ride, but if you're comparing it to an accord, a CM with standard wheels and suspension is still sportier IMO.

I owned 2 Honda Accords. My 1991 Accord EX sedan was a problem free car for 8 years and 275,000 miles. I replaced the clutch and starter both at 190,000 miles simply because the clutch was starting to feel loose and it began taking a bit longer to turn over when starting. . almost 200,000 miles out of a clutch that could've gone longer is fine by me. My 2001 Accord Coupe EX 5spd 4 cyl was problem free for 10 years and 185,000 miles. Aside from standard maintenance - oil changes, brakes, battery, etc. - they were pretty flawless cars. I can't get the same feeling of reliability in any other car. I never worried about breaking down or not starting. That being said, this forum is prolly the only reason why so many have anxiety about MINI's reliability.

Two very different cars you're cross-shopping there... Good luck. Go with your gut.

 

if the mini dealership is near you then go for the mini. some people buy a mini and the closest dealership is an hour plus away. as mentioned in other posts, most of the new model CM issues have been resolved, the warranty is great -4yr 50k and 3yr no-charge maintenance - and if there is any issue, a close dealership with free loaner, great warranty and maintenance plan will keep you worry free and happy.

 

first of all thanks for all the replies. it really helps. few people ask why i considerd these 2 very opposite cars. reason is that i weigh between the fun car which is the CM or be practical, save money and buy accord. base from feedback here im leaning 70% towards CM. like somebody mentioned here, you only live once so why not enjoy reliability seems like is not bad as its sounds and hopefully i wont be the lucky one that gets a lemon CM. to keep thae cost down of CM, just planning to get CMS, auto trans, HID, front arm rest, leatherette seats, no sunroof(i have it in my 2 cars now and just use it few times),rear sensor(maybe), HK sound(maybe). anyways let me know if there are any options you regret not adding it to your list when you bought your CM. trying to make it below $30K if possible. thanks again people.

 

I think the HK sound system is worth it. I would like a bit more bass from a sub, but it sounds way better than the stock sound system. The stereo sound quality in a car is important to me. Mine has almost all the technical bells and whistles except for sport suspension, alarm, garage door opener, and auto dimming mirrors. I have the leatherette and nobody could tell unless I told them. I got the MINI connected without nav becasue I have a Garmin with lifetime updates. To get the rear backup sensors, you have to get at least the MINI connected either with or without NAV so keep that in mind.

 

Funny, but I completely understood the two cars you were choosing between.

Oddly, sometimes for me is the cars are not equals in class (price/ability/etc) but just the two I've decided I like the most. My last choice was between a four door car like a Toyota Camry and a two-door Jeep. (I chose the Jeep) I think it is the ultimate in practicality vs. an impractical, fun choice.

 

unless there is a change for 2013, i didn't get mini connected but got the backup sensors with my 2012 as part of another pkg.

 

i'm really happy with the quality of the leather seats...sit in a car with the leatherette and then the leather one to make a better decision.

 

The Accord was on my short list until I sat in the back seat. The CM was so much easier to get in/out and I have some tall friends. I barely had head room. I've had accords before and they were well made and reliable, so I considered one until that time.

 

I've owned three problem free Accords and now an R60. I would say you can't go wrong with either.

 

if you are going to consider an accord then check out the new altima...i sat in one recently and was quite impressed...quality fit and finish plus under 30k and you get everything.

 

As far as extra options on the CM, I'd not opt for the whole cold weather package but would select the heated seats. The backup sensor is nice too. Also, avoid the run flats. If you want to know why just do a search with those two key words but bring your lunch.

 

This thread reminds me of the infamous Seinfeld episode. George Costanza would get the Accord. George Costanza doing the opposite would get the CMS.

MINI does not offer a non-RFT option, so the only way to avoid those is buy another set of tires and swap them out.

 

I will get my cms from Mini dealership here in Steven Creek San Jose. Anybody here bought their cm there? How's the service after buying your cm? I also want to know what you do for long drive since cm does not have spare tire? Does AAA fix/patch or replace new tires on the spot in case you needed one? This just in case if you have blow out tires or something. And also is there a way to install hitch so that I can carry my mtn and road bikes? Don't want a rooftop bike rack since I already own a really nice 1up hitch bike rack for 3 bikes. Thanks.

 

(1) Yes, I bought my CM4 from MoSC from Jeff. MoSC is one of the rare MINI dealers that's exclusively MINI, rather than an add-on to a BMW dealership.
(2) Service has been excellent, I work with Jennifer and Luver. Randy the SM and Shawn of Parts are very helpful, too.
(3) I have a pump and goo kit that I've never used to repair a tire (although I've used the pump) - I've gone on several long (1000 mile plus) trips without difficulty.
(4) I've never heard of AAA fixing a tire on the spot, and I'm a long-term member. Wouldn't that be nice!
(5) There are several hitch options available, but pretty lightweight. MINI offers a rack for 1 or 2 bikes. The roof rails are compatible with 3rd party roof racks for bikes, boards, boxes. Check here at NAM for several discussions.
(Also) Don't forget to join NorCalMINIs when you get your car - they're fun and active.

 

Here's an efficient tire repair kit. Knock on wood, haven't had to use it in near 50K miles but its nice to know its handy.
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...ortby=ourPicks