Hello forum. I am a soon to be a 2012 Mini Cooper countryman s all 4 owner. I have never driven nor ridden in a Mini Cooper and I have a few questions.
1- what should I expect? Is it really that go kart feel? Is the power okay enough to drive at somewhat high speeds? Is the car big enough for 5 people to sit comfortably? ( anything else you’d like to post about this car and what I should expect would help a lot)
2- what are some problems the 2012 mini encounters? Should I be looking at a specific mileage when things start going downhill? I’m buying used so what should I be on the lookout for?
3- lastly I have always been intrigued by the minis appearance but is there other cars like the mini that would have more power? Or if anyone has upgraded or added additional things under the hood would you be willing to share how to increase horsepower/ torque while keeping other features safe from damage?

any comment/ opinion/ response helps!! Thanks guys

 

The countryman is not going to feel like a go kart, You will need to drive a hardtop for that feeling.

Most of your questions are subjective and you should be able to get your answers during the test drive. I don't think any MINI will sit 5 adults comfortably.

If you are worried about power, look for a JCW, they will start with the most power and you can still mod it later if needed.

 

I have driven that car, and I think it's grossly under-powered. Hopefully with a tune it can be improved... Now take it with a grain of salt, my daily is a 400Hp BMW and my weekend car is 526Hp Shelby GT350.
I ended up buying a 2012 Cooper S for my wife, and it's ok... not very fast either, but much quicker than that countryman, which is like a bus.