Been awhile since I've posted.... Just came to terms on a 2013 CMS All4. Trading my much loved '06 MCS with only 55k miles. Anyone else make a switch like this? Thoughts?

 

I had both. The CM was gone in 18 months, the R53 is still in the garage.

The CM is a good practical car but does not have the charm and quirkiness of the R53.

Not sure if you're getting a manual or automatic, but the clutch was the reason I ditched the CM. 30 years of driving stick shifts, 25 of which have been in San Francisco and the CM is the only car I have ever hated with a manual. It could not even go up certain streets. If you're in the flatlands, probably will never notice, but if you have stop and go on steep grades, get the automatic.

 

I just sold my 2010 clubman yesterday. I have it since was new in 2010. Had only put 15k miles on it. In exchange, I ordered my jcw CM in June. Should be expecting delivery late July.

Lucky u for to drive ur CM now! I am very jealous!!!

Congrat btw!

 

Traded in our 05 MCS for a 13 CMS and are loving it. We also have a 13 MCS convertible. They are totally different cars and not just in size but also handling. We all know that the CMS is slower in acceleration in comparison to the MCS (due to the extra weight). The suspension and steering on the CMS is much less tight. It takes away some of the fun factor but the advantage is that it can be tolerated better on long trips because its a softer ride. Of course having 4 doors and a larger cargo area make this a much more practical car. It's nice to have a car that's a real head-turner and practical at the same time.

 

I had a 2006 R50, and then a 2010 R56 (non-S). I traded the R56 in March for a 2012 CPO Countryman (also non-S).

There are differences for sure. A little more body roll (but nothing extreme), and the seating position is higher. Even though the Countryman is still a very small car (it's the size of a VW Golf, really), it feels huge at first when compared to the other MINIs. However, you get used to it quickly and you will find that the Countryman is every bit a MINI. It's very tossable and has lots of MINI charm and character. The non-S cars do not have the reliability issues that the S models have. They're somewhat slower off the line, but once moving, the handling is the same (same suspensions unless you get a JCW). I got mine with an automatic, because my wife does not like to drive a manual, and I often get stuck in stop and go traffic. It's still lots of fun, and very much a "real" MINI (because you'll hear some knuckle draggers try to argue otherwise).

 

Missed my Clubbie S I had put 55K for about a day. I love my CM.