Which would you say is the better car ~ quality, longevity?

I can't really say because I've only had my MINI since December (it's a '12 model) The BMW we've owned the longest is a 2002 330i we bought CPO'd back in 2005. It currently has 155,000 miles and only left us stranded once when a belt pulley grenaded on the highway, cost to us: $275 for a new pulleys and belts. The car currently has 155,000 miles and is in need of control arm bushings and ball joints.

Wow...155K+ and that's all the trouble you've had? That's great! Thanks for answering.

Thanks, I feel we were lucky with the 330i, it's been a joy to own. I hope to get it to 300k and beyond. It still manages 31 MPG on long highway trips too!

My BMW X3 has over 130K Miles running well and still looks new without a door ding. All maintenance were done on time. Only had to call for a tow once because the service tech did not install the fuel pressure pump line properly after the maintenance service.

It did have various issues at first such as wind noise, door creaking, etc. but were repaired under warranty.

Still my favorite sedan SUV for long drive over the wife MB ML350. The 335i is a blast but now my MCSC is replacing it as my daily driver.

I've got an appt tomorrow to order my Countryman, but BMW is in the same building...and I'm kind of wondering if I should consider the 2013 X1??? I need this next vehicle to last awhile this time around, etc. Although I prefer the Mini CM, I want the best of the two in the long run.

I have had a Z4 M and 4 MINIs now. I found no real difference when it comes to the build quality up front. Door panel clips, material, etc, is all very similar. Dealership experiences have been identical as well.

You probably take really good care of your vehicles...300K should certainly be attainable. 31 is GREAT!

Z4?!?! And 4 Minis? Wow, you're my HERO! I've wanted a Z4 for years...but it's not likely ever going to happen.

Thanks for the feedback!

Price out the X1, buy the MINI, and put the price difference in an account for repairs just in case

You'll be happier with the MINI in the long run I'm sure. The X1 seems so boring by comparison.

I agree the x1 is boring in comparison...size and the rear camera is a small draw though.

Mulrey31,

It's a SMART move to look at other cars. A good decision is NEVER made in a hurry or under pressure!

Remember, if you have the money to buy a car, then every car dealer in the world is interested in you!

I have a 2010 MINI and a 2011 328i. Both have been trouble-free. When compared side by side, it's fairly obvious that the BMW build quality is superior (materials, fit, sound level, etc.). That said, I still prefer the MINI as a daily driver; it's more fun and more economical.

Tough call but if you have the budget and never own a BMW then I would recommend you get it. You can trade it in and get another MINI. The Country Man and X1 is two different car altogether. The X1 is a beast and it is a two door rear wheel drive and the country man is a four door, etc.

If I got the X1, I'd get the xdrive AWD model. And I agree they are both very different. I'm unfortunately very limited on what I like and willing to drive. Can't afford the X6 (love) and I really only like Mini's other than BMW's. I need it to be a smallish SUV type vehicle. I just sold my R56 yesterday because it wouldn't fit my 8 month year old's infant seat.

MBU, I totally concur!

If you are going to buy a truck, (X1,3,5,6, non M), then buy a truck. I mean, what's the point? It can't go off road, it can't haul anything nasty, it gets pretty crappy mileage. They are completely boring to drive.

That said, my wife bought a KIA Sportage SX awd turbo. (yes, it's boring to drive), but what a value. Fully loaded, (leather, sat nav, sirius, heated and cooled seats, backup camera, sunroofs...) for a little over $29K. 10 year 100K warranty.

The X1 XDrive 2.8 should fit the bill nicely and comes with decent features for 32,350.00. Every review I've read of it says that it's an excellent vehicle. It should also be a safe bet because they've been for sale for a few years in the rest of the world. If I had to choose it would be a BMW over a Countryman everytime.

mulrey31,

Based on this thread and information you provided in...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...seriously.html

I know two different "moms" that like the mini, but as you, wanted more convenience for their child. They made the compromise with a Mini Clubman.

Here's some interesting reading...

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/weblog/clubman

I'm sure you looked into the Clubman so I am curious as to what your opinions are regarding this model and children?

Really jealous...

Both are great cars. I've had the All4 since April & I have a 93 M5.

I actually don't like the looks of the Clubman. So I never considered it. I thought I would keep my 2008 R56 and just buy a Honda Element EX-P AWD (which was also ideal because my bikes could go inside easily with one of the rear seats folded up) as a second car once I was ready to be a parent. And that's what I did. However, I soon found out that the Element is SUPER cumbersome. The doors open the way the doors open on the Clubman. Totally not cool unless you can guarantee getting an end parking spot at all times, which of course is not possible. The doors are obviously smaller on the Clubman, so not that big of a deal I would assume. Ironically in the article you posted the reviewer praised the way the doors open. It's one of the main reasons why I decided I couldn't stand the Element! And then add the 17 mpg gas situation. So I finally decided to part with my baby (R56) and buy the Countryman as it's bigger and still obviously a Mini. I'll be trading my Element once the CM arrives. I got the bike lift and bike rails option for the CM - won't be as easy as my Element, but it'll do.

Thanks for the article!

The decision was made for me:

When I arrived at the dealership(s), I found out that the X1 they had had was only there for a day and no longer available. It's literally on tour...BMW dealership to BMW dealership. So I wasn't able to see it in person. I didn't even want to drive it (I already know how a BMW drives - wonderfully), just wanted to look at it and compare it to the Mini CM (realizing they're not exactly comparable) and make sure I didn't want to order it instead. I needed to make sure that I still wanted the CM with the X1 xdrive now going into production. But, it wasn't there for me to physically review, so I walked upstairs (at our dealership(s), BMW is downstairs and Mini is upstairs) and ordered the CM.

I brought my build sheets for both the X1 and the CM with me...not knowing which one I was going to be putting a deposit down on before I left. Saving some money at least!

Thanks for all the feedback everyone!