Considering a base Countryman, but wondering if the engine is strong enough. I've test driven a base CM and an All4 (they had no S). No doubt that the All4 turbo could really pull, but the base could move along but required a downshift.

The test drives didn't include any big hills or highway, so wondering if owners with the base find the CM stll fun to drive and capable of moving along with a passenger and luggage.

I find it to believe Mini is charging $3k extra for the turbo and a couple small upgrades. In fact I'm finding it hard to believe the things Mini charges extra for which seem to be standard in most any car.

May take advantage of the special weekend coming up at the dealer if the discounts are worthwhile.

With a manual the driving experience should be just fine, you just will not get the wow feeling when the turbo really kicks in. With automatic I think the base CM would be more of a penalty box, but probably no more than another car with comparable power saddled with an automatic.

I have had three MINIs, an '06 Checkmate, a '10 R56, and now a '12 Countryman that I've had for 3 weeks. All have been Non-S (MINIs are either S or Non-S. There is no such thing as a "base".). My first two were manuals, and the Countryman is an auto. While not fast, it has plenty of get up and go. I never feel like I'm driving something underpowered. The driving experience is nearly identical to my R56, although it sits higher, and there is a bit more body roll. It does feel huge to me compared to my others, but I will get used to it in time. Overall a great car. I call it the "have your cake and eat it too MINI". I would highly recommend it.

I have to agree with ASKtheteach I've had two R50s over the last 12 years both standard and always found the power more than adequate and the cars a BLAST to drive. When my wife saw the CM in the flesh and test drove it she was hooked. She tested an S auto and found it really fun, but didn't see why the S would be so much more. I couldn't really help her out other than to say my experience is, she, not being a "speed " demon would find the non turbo sufficient , and she has. I have also found the CM has the "fun to drive" factors in tact an have enjoyed my time driving it too!

Oh yeah, one more thing: All of the reliability issues such as the high pressure fuel pump, "death rattle" (timing chain tensioner issue), clutch, etc., have been with the S models. Non-S models are generally much more reliable.

This is greatly reassuring to read as I will be taking delivery next week on a non-S CM and have been biting my fingernails as I read all of the "problem" posts on this forum. I know the reliability of a MINI is probably going to be lower than a Toyota or Honda, but it will have much more of the fun factor that I am looking for in a new car.

To the point of the OP, I test drove both the non-S (hardtop manual) and the S (CM manual) and found the S to be much more powerful/peppy. HOWEVER, as my MA said, they have most potential buyers drive both non-S and S models and 100% of them prefer the S model. Not everyone NEEDS the power that it provides and decide to go with the non-S. The turbo model is really only going to help you when you accelerate/want to pass (or get the trills ) and I don't need either of those things personally. I am SOOO excited to take delivery and motor around town in my base model CM! Hope that helps.

Thanx's for all the replies. Also good to hear that "most" of the issues then to be related to the turbo. I think I'll go with the CM/manual and enjoy the ride. It was a fun car to drive and I'm looking forward to getting it, though not the 8 week wait.

I'll mirror the comments of the others on the Base CM. You won't be winning any drag races, but the engine likes to rev and it's fun to work through the gearbox, particularly above 2500 RPMs. Sure more power is better, but I find it to be a fun drive despite less HP.

I opted for the Base (w/ Manual) due to the reliability concerns with the Turbos. I'd make the same decision if I had to do it over again.

I've had one as a loaner, and it makes me miss my CM-S, but it certainly has adequate power. It just has the least pickup of the whole MINI line, so relative to the other MINIs, it's really slow. Relative to other cars in its class, it's fine.