I think it's time
 

Hello all -

I currently have a 2005 Cooper S Convertible. I've loved it since day one (understatement). And I think maybe it's time to get a bigger car (sigh). Getting in and out of it multiple times a day is getting tougher plus I'd prefer an automatic now due to shoulder issues for both the wife and I.

Anyway, I test drove a Countryman last week and it was a really good ride. Roomy and still has some pep. Not a huge boot but it looks like it would handle what I need. Besides, I really am not interested in any other make of cars right now.

So, are there any others that went from the convertible to a Countryman? How did you like it and how long did it take you to get over not having that fun, little convertible any longer?

I guess I could keep the old one as I know I won't get much for it but I fear that the cost to maintain it will be more than it's worth at some point even with low miles (68k).

Thanks in advance!

Steve

My last MINI was a 2010 convertible with quite a few suspension mods. I do miss the smaller, more nimble vehicle. It drove great and was easy to park. But... it wasn't a great car for the rest of the family or for buying more than a few bags of groceries. I love the Countryman and don't regret the purchase, but I do miss the R57...especially on sunny, clear spring days! I may have to get another R57 some day, or maybe even an F57... :wink:

Thanks (and sorry for the late reply). I hear ya on the fun factor. My other thought is that will the 2017 Countryman's be better then the 2016 and should I wait? Probably more $$$ though.

Steve

Might as well wait a little longer till the new one comes out and you can compare them, plus the old one will be heavily discounted.

I got my JCW CM way discounted and 0% financing. I would have had to wait 2 or 3 years for a JCW F series CM in a manual.

mQubed Motorsport, Manic Tuning Dealer

Yep, the 0% financing is what is leading me to this. How is yours so far? Any prior Mini's?

Thanks -
Steve

I had a modded R53, and I currently own a 2013 modded GP2 330hp and BMW 15' M4 mQubed Motorsport, Manic Tuning Dealer

We've had a MCS convertible, and 2 MCS Roadsters (one totaled by a texter who rear ended us after 6 weeks of ownership,)we're trading in this one for a countryman, picking it up 4/21. We're going to miss the roadster feel but the size was getting too restrictive to the point that we didn't take it on road trips anymore. From the road test, I think is a good compromise between a sports car and a crossover. Still fun to drive with that mini feel, but more practical,especially in the snow here in the northeast! My wife doesn't have to worry about not getting to work when it snows or getting stuck there ,or on the road!
Good luck with your "adjustment"��
As you said, you could keep the old one.
Maybe we'll pick up an older convertible with at some point as a third car if the the money is there!

Steve

BTW, we're getting a CMS all4, and the incentives made us choose new over used, our salesman said they need to move the '16s because the '17s are a model change.

So, here is the update. Almost sold the convertible over the summer but then chickened out as I wanted one last summer with it. :) Went to the dealer on 12/31 and got (what I hope was a good deal, seemed like it) a 2016 CM certified (it was the dealers service vehicle). Got the copper with the white top and black wheels.

I like it but having some buyers remorse even though I know it was time to say goodbye to the convertible. Not the same kind of car obviously. However, we got snow a few days later and it was great to drive in, I felt much more confident then with the convertible.

Initial thoughts:

• I know it's a Mini but it doesn't feel the same as the convertible. Roundabouts were a special pleasure while driving that one.
• I do like the way it looks compared to other SUV's. MUCH nicer
• Looks like gas mileage will be worse (not a huge deal)
• So much more room and easier to get in and out of. And shoulder happy there is no manual transmission.
• Bluetooth and usb for music, finally!
• Nav system, blah. But it came with it.

Any tips for a new CM'er? Good upgrades to think about? I will miss Winnie I a lot but I know that Winnie the Sequel will be fine in the long run.

Thanks -
Steve

Almost forgot. I had thought the 2017's were coming out in the summer then I saw it was March AFTER I bought this one. I hope that is not a mistake. But being the first year of the hybrid scared me off a bit. I was also afraid of putting more $ into the convertible. Only 71,000 miles but the parts were wearing down.

Steve

I had a 2005 JCW that I miss... That car was a lot of fun to drive.. albeit small now that I have 2 kids.. so that got sold to my friend and I picked up my 2012 CMS.

I've started on simple mods, mainly blacking out all the chrome. Added a aFe panel drop in filter. My next set of performance upgrades will be downpipe, intercooler, and manic stage 2 tune.. then I'll go for the rear sway bar, lowering the car and wheels. I've read tune is the biggest punch for our CMS though... even just a Stage 1 tune added a good punch over stock.

Although I miss my R53 JCW... I liking my CM more and more everyday...

Thanks for the info. Although I have no idea what you just said. :) Well, except for the lowering part which I doubt I'll do as I do now like the ease of in/out with this car.

Steve

Lol no worries.. sorry, did you pick up a Countryman or Countryman S?

The S model is turbo charged... so those upgrades had to do with the turbo cooling and breathing more freely.

The aFe panel drop in filter is just a better flowing dry filter over the stock paper type filter.

Even at stock height, adding a stiffer rear sway bar will help the car turn in better.. on the R53 (my 2005) it's one of the biggest handling mods you could do to the car.

Keith

Ah, OK. Thanks for the clarification on those. Not sure I would do any of them. Well, the filter is probably worth it. Heck, I never did anything to the convertible (sorry forgot all these R numbers, R52 I think).

I got the S ALL 4. It does have some zip and I don't have to use the manual, which is nice.

Thanks again!

Steve

Nice! That's what I have, the All4 but manual, wouldn't have minded the auto in this. I like that there's no torque steer because all 4 wheels pulling you straight forward. You could even do a Stage 1 tune on a stock car with some really good gains. One other thing is the Sprint Booster. It's just a plug and play upgrade that boosts your throttle response. A little pricey at about 300 bucks or so. Again, I had on one my R53 and throttle response on that makes my countryman seem like a slug..