Newb here and looking for advice.

Been looking at minis on line and went to dealer yesterday to see firsthand. Loved the size of the countryman but also loved what mini has done with 3G hardtop.

What is consensus on new 3G hardtop? Better?

Is it worthwhile to go 4wd? Does it add to the handling performance? We would not be going off road, but do get a lot of rain in western wa state and a little snow.

Is the Cooper works package worth it? While I want the MPG's, I do not think I would be happy in anything but an S or Cooper works.

6spd or automatic? Is the auto Fun to drive?

Thanks for helping me gain some insights!

 

There is no consensus there! There's plenty of us who really like an enjoy our F56s, but a lot of more 'purists' that dislike the larger look and new comfort features over leaving the driving characteristics exactly as they were.

I will say the F56 is a great car for the money, for me. The interior is excellent, the engine is wonderful.

As for AWD over FWD, I'd say that one is really up to you and your comfort level. I live in one of the snowiest, rainiest places in the nation and didn't have many reservations getting the FWD F56. I find snow tires overcome a lot

The F56 auto is a rather impressive transmission, it makes smart shift points, and if you get the S and JCW wheel you can get paddle shifters. But that over manual, another big personal preference. I'd recommend test drivers all around!

JCW performance is only available on the Countryman for what you're looking at, its not out on the F56 yet, so I cannot comment on that. I will say, test drive the Justa (base, non-S) before deciding though. The 3 cylinder engine is winning a lot converts. It has a great sound and performance and some folks over on the F56 specific forum have switched from previous S models to this Justa because of it.

 

Wait...Don't buy anything!

The F56 is in its first year of production and usually the first years of any generations have problems...

 

Well, first year of production, its already entered its second model year though! 2015 models are all you can get now for F56, 2014 model year production ended in June. Feel free to debate whether 3 months of sales of the 2014 model year counts or not

 

I can only comment on the manual vs auto question. It really comes down to your driving style. Are you driving a manual now? Do you commute to work every day? In any event, we have the auto in ours and love it. If I want to hot rod it, I just use the paddle shifters and/or kick it into sport mode. Sport mode changes the shift points, zooms pretty good.

 

well, lot going on here.

F56 vs. CM. I actually would not be comparing these two cars for purchase-they are for two completely different buyers. With the CM, I think you have to have a a practical requirement for 4 doors, larger boot, full-time AWD, etc. That same person would never be considering an F56 because it has none of the practicality. Now I will admit right now, i like nothing about the F56, the looks, driving dynamics, interior, none of it. But if you are buying a Mini for the pure fun of driving, a hardtop is a better option every time. I know this from experience as we have both.

M6 vs Auto: no contest. If you can't drive an M6, learn. The Mini autos are sloppy. Paddle shifters? Hardly. the shifts take forever (I have driven an auto F56 and CM, both loaners). You will realize this as you are heading for a great curve in 5th gear and have to get down to 2nd gear. It is such a blast rowing through the gears in a Mini with an M6-fantastic shifter and transmission in these cars.

 

I would suggest requesting an extended test drive. Depending on the dealerships, many larger ones have a line of new Mini's for their service fleet. This way you may be able to take it for a day or two to really get a feel for it. Usually just paying for gas (and of course, using your own insurance).