Hi,

I have a 2007 Cooper Justa that I am giving to my wife and am looking for a Countryman for myself. I located a 2011 Countryman S ALL4 with 30K miles (black exterior with red line interior), manual tranny, offered for $24K by a Volvo dealer. Comes pretty loaded (premium package, xenon, navi). Carfax shows it has been on the market for 3 months now, had 2 owners, and shows no accidents reported.

I wanted to get a piece of mind from the board whether I should be concerned about something when checking it out tomorrow. Price looks way too reasonable and 3 months on on the market seems suspicious, granted how good this car is optioned out.

Thanks!

 

Danger! Danger!
All4 and manual is a horrible combination. Check this thread out:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ly-clutch.html

Clutch was updated as of November 2013 but not sure how you would tell if the one you are considering has the updated parts. Maybe go to a MINI dealer and have them pull the service history via the VIN.

Incidentally, there's a 1 owner certified 2012 CM All4 manual for sale at the MINI dealer in Reno. The previous owner couldn't stand the damn clutch.

http://www.miniofreno.com/VehicleDet...-NV/2014336223

 

Almost describes the the CM S All 4 I traded in about 3 months ago- since it is a manual transmission ask if the clutch has been replaced as that is/was a big issue on 2011's and 2012's. There were other warranty issues that maybe someone else on this forum can explain. The "rap" sheet of what they did to my 2011 CM was 3 pages long. I am sure all issues were taken care of, but decided to trade it in without even driving her back home.

Good Luck
Ms Brit

 

stay clear of that combo. "11" + all4 + manuel = clutch issues. If you decide to get it at least you know what you are in for, so the price should reflect this ..

 

Guys, thanks for pitching in. I am reading up on clutch and other issues and have second thoughts now. Seems 2013s had those issues sorted out but unfortunately a new CM is outside my budget.

 

Seems like 2013 updated clutch resolved the issue. Since the car I am looking at is a 2011 with 30K miles, it still has 2 years and 20K miles of factory warranty left. I wonder even if I do end up stuck with clutch issue, and even if I fail to convince MINI USA to fix it under warranty, is it still a worthwhile purchase for $24K.

I like my Justa a lot and like Countryman even more. Our family is growing so unfortunately a hardtop or Clubman is not an option.

 

If you are buying it from a MINI dealership, you can always see if you can get the clutch replaced as part of the deal. Make sure you get that in writing and be diligent about matching part #'s. A few people have gotten their 2011's clutch replaced under warranty with the new part # and has had great success.

 

I for one love my CMSA4 with manual. The warranty issues were completed without issue, and it's been very reliable.

I've been lucky not to have the smelly clutch issue, but I've improved the clutch feel with the oxspeed BOV spring. It helps the turbo spin up faster to deliver power at slightly lower RPMs. And I've ordered the torque arm inserts, which should make the clutch response more consistent.

I think if you like your test drive, and the carfax is clean, go for it.

 

If you are dead set on the CMS All4, go to a MINI Dealership and see what they have in the way of a used one. The dealership I deal with sells used MINI's (that are under a certain age and mileage) as "certified" and my previous CM was sold with and extended warranty included (100,000 miles).

MsBrit

 

I just bought a 2011 CMS All4 Manual and the clutch has been fine ,so far, obviously it's been a problem for many, just beat the price down to cover the possibility you'd need a clutch

 

I have never been one to advocate or purchase extended warranties, but in the case of the CM, I think it is solid advice. When I had the CM it was in the shop more than the other three out of warranty cars combined. Oh, and the carfax does not show every trip to the shop. The one on my former car which I posted above only shows the dealer oil changes, not the recalls and leaks.

 

Mine was from a dealer and CPO which extended warranty to 6yr/100k , I would agree go to a MINI dealer the price you quote is not so great a MINI dealer couldn't meet or beat it.

 

Three of the last 4 cars I've purchased new were in the first year of that model, and I purchased extended warranties - I've come out even or saved myself some serious money by taking that approach. You can think of the 2011 CM as first year of the model and, while many problems have been identified and dealt with under warranty, there may be more discoveries to be made. I think the advice of seeing if you can get a similar car through the a MINI dealer with extended warranty included could be very useful.

As for concern about getting a 2011 - my experience is that, if it's up to date (including the '13 clutch), you should do fine.

 

Thank you all. After some hesitation, I am a proud owner of 2011 CMS All4 Manual now.

I did a test drive and clutch seemed fine, although not as smooth as BMW or Audi I testdrove few days before. Also, there is drivetrain whine when stepping on the gas - I doubt that is normal...

Things that eventually swayed me to purchase were: 1) reasonable price of $23.2K; 2) 1 year left on factory warranty; 3) car is loaded with almost all the options. Even if I do have to pay down the road for some repairs (like updated clutch), I am fine with that as I think I got this car for a very reasonable price.

I decided to pass on their $4K extended service plan. I'll drive this car for a week and then will take it to MINI dealer to have them check it out. I'll post some pics later.

 

Congratulations and I hope the clutch treats you better than some of us.

 

This car is fun. Liking the turbo engine. Clutch oddly catches right somewhere at the top, not in the middle, have to adjust my habits a bit.

 

no doubt you will enjoy the ride. motor on............. just keep an eye on that clutch.

 

Well, I got new flywheel and clutch replaced under warranty and could not be happier. But drive train whine is still there. My gut feeling it is either driveshaft or differential. Taking car back again.

Also, during last visit dealer replaced driver's lumbar, a speaker, FRM module, a bunch of light bulbs, a water pump, some sensor and damaged electrical harness, and steering wheel trim. Kinda scared to think what it would cost if warranty did not cover all this.