My preface has to be to admit that my version of seasonal affective disorder is that I get bored and start looking at vehicles. If I can get to March with the title still tucked away, I'm usually good. 2008 was an exception-gas prices going nuts put me in my Clubman (which I love) in July.

But last fall, I made the mistake of looking more closely at the Countryman, including a test drive of an automatic Justa. Then in November, I saw a used S at a local Chevy dealer. I'd never considered and S, because I have a 35 mile commute, and am pretty enamored of the 37+ MPG that I'm getting now, and if I want performance, I've got motorcycles for that. But then I drove the S. Which had leather. Woo. Surprised that I liked the exhaust rumble, even though it sounds like $$$ at the pump. But the morons traded a guy for a (no offense meant) Harley. Real smart: Trade for a motorcycle in mid-December. But, I digress.

So, I'd been doing builds, and watching the inventory of the three closest MINI dealers for MINI Next and new Countrymans to see if something close popped up. All along, looking at non-S models, strictly for fuel economy.

Let me back up: In August, I got a chance to drive the Ford Focus ST and Fiesta ST at the Ford EcoBoost challenge. Basically a couple laps of an autocross course. WOOO! Both remarkably good cars. The Focus is really stout, but I'm too cheap for that kind of MPG, and (see motorcycle comment) don't need that level of performance. But the Fiesta is a sweet little number, and pretty practical. Will even run on 87 octane.

So, along with CTM builds, I've been eyeballing Ford as well (I know...). But, at least you can find MINIs. Fiesta STs are near vaporware. Plus, having been through the build-order-buy process with MINI, being able to customize what you (think you) want, and being familiar with and fond of the dealer, and having the general notion that a MINI just feels higher quality---I'd have to say I'm leaning--

Countryman S

Am I nuts? I drove both yesterday. I won't bore you with the differences. (If you aren't bored already) The S is a CPO, the Justa is a new '14. That puts the price within a few dollars. Equipment is almost identical, with the S having premium wheels and the Justa having HK audio. Both will cost me more to own and fuel than my (paid for) Clubman. A Fiesta ST will cost me less than both.

Yeah, I'm nuts. Comments, suggestions all welcome.

C'mon March!

 

i like your choice so does that make me nuts too ?

 

Do you need 4 doors? If not, stick with your Clubman. In my mind, the only reason to buy a countryman over the hardtop or Clubman is for 4 doors or for AWD. Sounds like you don't need AWD.

 

Need...

SWMBO claims that I have a distorted definition of "need." No, I haven't missed four doors since I got the Clubman. My briefcase and lunch ride in the boot instead of the back seat. I don't need four seats either, but I want 'em as a practical matter. We (two adults and two dogs) have been able to travel just fine with the cargo capacity we have (seats down). Definitely don't need AWD. The three days of snow every two years in NC have been manageable in everything I've owned, including the CM.

No, this is doldrums-fuelled want.