New to this site and have been contemplating purchasing a Countryman. Clearly many here have purchased one already, but what are people's thoughts on waiting for the 2012 model in terms of the growing pains that can sometimes be felt with a brand new model of car?

Also - I've read that there is supposed to a bench seat to be introduced eventually in the U.S. Anyone have any more information on that in terms of timing for that? If anything, it would be interesting to see what it's like.

 

I pondered the question about the new model year car, like you. I now drive a CM. Here's the thread on that:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...del-fears.html

On the bench seat, I don't know if there is anything definite yet. Here's a long thread on the subject though:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ench-seat.html

 

Motoring File says maybe not until 2012 model year:

http://www.motoringfile.com/2011/03/...ench-for-2012/

 

It's an on-going conumdrum. I seem to recall that there are no significant changes in the near future. MINI is waffeling on the bench - things frequently get an "adjusted" introduction date. Also, they have a tendency to balance cost by taking things away when they add something new. If you need a new vehicle now and are happy with the CM now, you may want to take the leap. If you can wait a couple of months and like to gamble, you may want to hold out for the bench and whatever else may show up. There's really no good yes or no answer here.

 

I get why people want the bench, but honestly I feel it takes something away from the uniqueness of the car. The rear seat buckets were a huge draw for me. And yes I have a kid, and I hate having the car seat in the middle, not to mention I don't see there being room on either side for a normal size person if you have a car seat in the middle.

Bottom line is = no reason to wait IMHO