So here is the situation: desperately want to order an S ALL4... already have the configuration ready to go, just need to call the dealer with our OK to place the order. This is where my question of comfort comes in - the dealer didn't have an S ALL4 for us to test drive, only the base countryman which we test drove twice. We have 2 children (ages 8 and 10) who will obviously be riding in the back seats. I felt comfortable in the front seat and only cringed when we went over a massive section of horrible potholes, but I wanted to see what it would feel like being in the back, so I climbed in and we went over the same hideous potholes. It was pretty jarring, but I was OK with it. The kids claimed they felt fine, but they also LOVE the car and want us to make the purchase!

So is there anyone out there who can give us some advice: will the S ALL4 be even more jarring going over potholes, etc.? I just don't want our kids to feel car sick... this would be the car they would be riding in mostly. Husband has a Cooper Hardtop and they enjoy riding in that.

Is there anyone out there with young kids who bought a new countryman?

Thanks!

 

ALL4 with kids in back = ALL smiles. Mine love the rail. No regrets. Our roads in Virginia are laden with potholes as well. Moved on from a BMW.

 

Might want to consider ditching the runflats as others have reported it makes for a more comfortable ride.

 

Avoid the potholes and you will be fine

 

The suspension should be the same in both. Ditch the runflats, they'll make the ride rough.

 

17" wheels are also softer ride than 18", if you get the 17" without the sport suspension it should be fine.

All4 will not affect the ride quality at all, but it will be a little safer in rain or snow. It works fantastically on snow...

 

See my sig form same great tires when you ditch the run flats - WORLD of difference in the ride. Best test drive an S to see what we mean.......

How about some Rota RB's for the new rubber......

http://www.fastmini.net/rotarb.html

 

Get the ALL4 with 17" Wheels, All Season RFs, Sport Suspension...you will be fine.

 

Amen to that.

 

Sport suspension and 17" RFs....

Are you going to pay his whole family's chiropractor bills....

 

I would imagine the non-sport suspension is going to be much more chill over the potholes, right?

 

I would avoid sport suspension if you ware looking for a smoother ride.

 

I did 5 MINI Events, Numerous Snowstorms, Out Run a bunch of HBs & Clubmans, Maximus Potholes...I'm fine...and I've had back surgery.

I won't ditch the RFs until they go bald.