I'm looking for a crossover or similar sized car with NAV under 30K. Would the Mini Countryman be okay for me?

(I'm very petite, under 5 feet, and some of the crossovers are too huge for me.) I went to the dealership yesterday and almost all the Countryman cars they had in stock were in the 35 range. Also, if I'm looking for an automatic car and don't care for the four wheel drive, how much does base model vs S matter? I would appreciate any help I can get! I plan on purchasing within the next week.

Oh, and the dealership only had 2012 models there. Why is that?

 

I've had my automatic non s Countryman since June and I love it! I paid well under $30k for mine. Not too many bells and whistles but I'm happy with my options.

This is my second MINI and likely won't be my last. I would have preferred a stick but the dealer didn't have an so I got the automatic. I like it and think the sport button makes it even better.

For me personally I didn't even want/consider getting an "S". I live in Northern VA and sit in a lot of traffic and I've just never been one to floor it. I also plan to keep this car well past the warranty. I had my last MINI for 7 years and the reliability of the justa vs "S" is better from what I've seen.

Also mpg was important for me. My previous MINI got over 400 miles per tank I knew with a bigger car I'd be giving that up but I didn't want to spending a ton more on gas. I'm not sure if the same is true for the "S" models but my base model only requires mid grade. My previous justa required premium. So even though I only get 350 miles out of tank now I pay alil less now when I fill up.

They just started taking orders for 2013's but I'm not sure when they're gonna end up on the lots. Hopefully that means you can get yourself a good deal on a 2012.

Something else to consider is the color of the interior side panels. I almost bought one with the blue but ended up decided on the polar beige because of the ambient lighting. I know it's silly but I really like the ambient lights.

 

have to consider the juke and cx-5 as well.

the countryman adds up in price in a hurry. you'd be looking at over 30 with all4 and NAV and nothing else. They nickel and dime you to death.
To save money a base model could be purchased, but takes a lot of the MINI fun away. the resale would also be far less.


2013 models haven't been announced, except by price and color. you can't play with a configurator yet.

 

before i bought mine i was also considering these two vehicles as well as a wrx. the mini won, the cx-5 was second.

 

CX-5 was second for me too, could get it loaded for what I paid for my MINI Countryman S, but still prefer the MINI, just more fun to drive. My wife liked all the bells/whistles on CX-5. Juke was cool but needed 4 doors. I did buy the S with automatic, no nav but I already have a garmin so didn't need it built in. very few options beyond the automatic tranny and a few other bits. around 28K.

 

Pretty sure it has 4 doors. Ugly as sin, though.

 

Get an all4...the base isn't great...the S has too much torque steer...I think all minis should be awd because of their torque steer

 

keep checking at the dealer!

my dealer runs their demo/loaner cars for about 2,500 miles and then sells them at a good markdown

most of them are all4s with a lot of options, most with automatics

my dad bought his cms al4 with 2,600 miles, it was the least equipped of the demo/loaner fleet and it has xenon headlights, automatic, auto climate control, backup alarm system and flat load floor

he got over $5,000 off list and was out the door under $30,000 including the tax, title, license etc etc

scott

 

[QUOTE=SunnySideUp;3613756]I've had my automatic non s Countryman since June and I love it! I paid well under $30k for mine. Not too many bells and whistles but I'm happy with my options.

Also mpg was important for me. My previous MINI got over 400 miles per tank I knew with a bigger car I'd be giving that up but I didn't want to spending a ton more on gas. I'm not sure if the same is true for the "S" models but my base model only requires mid grade. My previous justa required premium. So even though I only get 350 miles out of tank now I pay alil less now when I fill up.]

Isn't it all Countryman models require premium-grade gas? I just ordered one base model. I am wondering whether it is stated somewhere in the manual that it only requires mid grade, or it is just acceptable but not recommended. I am afraid that if they found I didn't use the gas recommened, they won't offer the service in the warranty.

 

[quote=nzxos;3614541]In the book it says "91 is recommended with a minimum of 89". I asked around and all the responses I got back were that 89 is fine. I asked on the message board and the dealer. Car seems to run just fine.

 

I run the high-grade only. Minimum is just that, the lowest acceptable grade, I'd rather spend a few bucks more per fill up and insure my car has the better octane rated fuel. I think it comes down to what your comfortable with and how you see/feel the performance is/isn't affected.