I'm interested in getting a 2018/2019 JCW Countryman with a manual transmission. I have not been able to find one at a dealer near me to test drive. Would any member within an hour or so of central New Jersey be willing to let me try theirs? Even a test drive of an automatic would help. I am willing to pay for an hour or two rental. Thanks - Mike

 

Why not just go to your local MINI dealer? CarMax? If willing to drive an automatic, I don't see how you can't find a countryman, new or used.
Personally, I wouldn't let a stranger drive my car, especially during a pandemic. lol

 

I have tested a few countryman S versions, just not a JCW. I certainly understand if people are worried about covid, although here in NJ the situation has gotten much better.

 

Oh sorry, for some reason I didn't see the JCW part. I could see that making things more difficult.
Check facebook... there might be some New Jersey based mini groups. Or check the national FB groups like Mini Cooper USA or Mini Countryman Owners.
This place is dead in comparison.

 

thanks - I will

 

I'm in the process of selling my 2019 "S" this morning for a 2019 JCW. My S is front-wheel drive. The AWD of the JCW is a big improvement on fast turns...there is more "squat" in the rear which gives the car a better feel. The power difference is certainly noticeable.

Cannot believe how lucky I was to find this JCW with less than 1300 miles...previous owner was a Lexus owner all her life, but, always wanted a Mini. She went back to Lexus. Her loss, my gain! By the way, Carvana is buying my "S" for 5,000 more than the Mini Dealership offered, and 2,500 more than CarMax. Hard to believe the difference in prices!

 

Good to know. I was able to test drive a 2018 jcw manual hardtop today and was impressed by how civilized it was. Are you satisfied with the power in your new jcw countryman?

 

Yes, it has very good power...it's the 228 HP rated version, the same as in many of the BMW 1 and 2 series. "Power" is subjective, but, it has all I'll be able to use on public roads I think! I mean, how quickly do I need to go from 0-60? How it puts the power to the road is very nice with the 8-speed auto, and I like the fact I can hold a particular gear if I want, so I can be a little smoother through some fast turns. Let me drive it for a while, then I'll know if I'd like more power or not. Certainly are several options to bump it up a little...but, I doubt I'll do any of them.

Good luck in your search, good deals are out there if you are ready to pull the trigger, and just as ready to keep looking! By the way, selling to Carvana literally took FOUR MINUTES...all paperwork was ready, the money was deposited directly into my account by the next day, and I was able to buy my JCW that afternoon...couldn't have been easier.