I'm seriously thinking of trading my 2006 Base Mini for a Countryman. YOU being a owner.. give me your Pros and Cons.
Thanks.

 

If you say please.

 

If you are a MINI affectionado, the CM is a logical step forward. You get most of the MINIness in a larger package. Think of it as dancing with a big boned gal that's light on her feet. On the other hand, the CM seems much closer to its Bavarian roots, so you have to love both MINI and BMW - which is a whole lot of baggage to fit in your boot. Quality seems to be an issue and price can get out of hand quickly. After 3 years, it seems they are still ironing out the bugs (IMHO). You'll be OK if your MINI experience has been good. However, if you are the least bit frustrated (like me), it's going to be difficult. See if you can find somewhere to rent one for a week, drive it like you drive your MINI, and then have a serious talk with yourself. Good Luck

 

The only con for me is the tiny gas tank, but then again I do a 110mi commute everyday.

 

HOLY CRAP

 

Con: Some CM owners don't add much worthwhile to the conversation.

 

Pro: ALL4, higher ride, room for two large golden retrievers,
Con: Larger size--not sure if I am allowed to park in compact spots

 

i strongly recommend both the sport suspension and 18 inch wheels ...
my all4 has both, my sister's has neither and it is like they are 2 different models instead of the same model with different options

get the xenon headlights

 

I've never had a Automatic Tranny... but my knee surgery might make me consider switching. Does the Automatic Tranny reduce the FUN factor?
I like the idea of 17 or 18 inch tires... would be easier to find.. (easier than 15's)

Have any common problems been found since the model was released?

Thank You for your input

 

If you do go the route of a Countryman, you might wanna wait a few more months until the refreshed Countryman hits the dealer.

http://www.motoringfile.com/2014/04/...ni-countryman/

 

All 4 has no torque steer

19's with run flats make it feel allot more current Mini.

 

I just bought my second CM - a CMS ALL4 (traded my Non-s). I had no problems with my '12 Non-S prior to trading at 26K. I'm still under 3K with the 2014 ALL4 which has been flawless to date.

I traded because I wanted AWD and more power. I don't recommend the Non-S--you can squeeze a little power from it, but have to drive it like you're mad at it with the gas pedal to the floor.

PROS: Practical yet still pretty unique in most areas I think. Comfortable for 4 adults--the back seat is quite usable. ALL4 is fantastic on wet, dry, and snow. Seems like they've worked through most of the bugs. Now lots of modding options available (if that's your thing). Mileage for me has been right around 30 mpg. Lots of low/mid torque.

CONS: Runflats. Rainy days when you open the door and water runs onto the seat. No jack included on the new models (I kept the jack from my '12 Justa).

 

Is your bum knee going to give you trouble as you enter and exit the Countryman with its higher sill?

 

actually the bum knee is giving me trouble getting in and out of my current Mini.... so I was thinking a Mini sitting higher off the ground would help.. and I could still have a MINI

 

An auto tranny will reduce the fun factor in any car, IMO, unless it's an ultra high-end ride like a Ferrari, Lambo or the like with an auto clutch and paddle shifters that move between gears in 50ms or less. Ratching through the gears is just too cool, especially with the smooth shifter Mini's have. And there's no finer feeling than nailing a perfect heel/toe downshift just as you are about to enter a corner The clutch is incredibly light on the CM, so I would hope your knee issue would not prevent you from driving an M6.

OP did not mention what trim they are looking at, but I would recommend two things:

1.get the S trim at least, and the JCW if you can afford it. Otherwise the CM is seriously underpowered. The JCW powertrain is much more than just a horsepower increase.

2.get the All4. BMW did a fantastic job with this true full-time AWD system, and it works incredibly well in inclement weather as well as on dry pavement in the twisties.

Finally, make sure you have a practical need for the CM. You will be trading in one sweet handling car. Mini marketing can say all day long that the CM has go-kart handling and that is just so not true in the real world. It's heavy. The sport suspension helps, and putting thicker rear ASB on and a front strut brace/bar help and make the car really handle nicely.....for a small SUV-we bought it because there is no more fun way to carry a bunch of stuff and people, as far as we are concerned.

BUT, to trade in a hardtop MC for a CM just to try something different....you might be disappointed.

There were definitely problems on the 2011/2012 models, no question. The 2013's improved dramatically, as a whole, based on the level of postings here and elsewhere regarding problems.

We have 13k miles and not a hint of any issue-not even a minor annoyance...

Good luck!

 

Sealy, kudos for a useful and objective post from a guy who's getting rid of his CM in a couple of months.

I "upgraded" from a 2005 MCS to a 2013 CMS in December 2012, mainly because I wanted 4 doors and a little more room to haul around my 1 1/2 and 4-year-olds. The car has met all my expectations and then some (particularly in being able to fit stuff I never expected, like our B.O.B. stroller); and, for me, the car is even more enjoyable to drive than my MCS. But I do worry about the reliability...

 

The sitting position should work well for you.

 

Best advice. Without the sport suspension, it drives like an oxcart propped on slinkies. Xenons are a must.

 

Unless the parking space size is ridiculous, the CM works well in compact spaces.

 

I just sold my 2006 Justa (today!!) and am awaiting arrival next week of my all4. Along with needing more room for carseats for the grandbabies (yes, I'm old), I also have a bad hip. We have had a loaner Countryman for a few days and I can tell you that it is WAY easier to get out. You are stepping down and out, rather than up and out. I find it much more comfortable.

I also like the fact that you are sitting up higher in general. I feel like I can see better . . . although the rear view is a bit obscured. It definitely feels like a MINI but a bit more refined. A tad bit smoother, but still very nimble. Hard to explain.

Overall, I am very pleased with this decision. I think it was a logical step for us.

 

and some don't smile

 

There are way more pros than cons. While you will trade off a small amount of the awesome MINI handling, you will never mistake it for anything but a MINI. Even the non-S without the sport suspension does not handle like "an oxcart on slinkies". It is very obviously a MINI and handles as such. They are very tossable, just like their smaller siblings, with a little more body roll (which you can fix with lowering springs and bigger roll bars).

A Countryman takes a little getting used to at first (but not much). Although it is the size of a VW Golf, which is rather small, it feels noticeably bigger the first time you drive one. The seating position is higher, and unlike the other models, you can see the bonnet when you sit behind the wheel. It's a bit slower, since they use the same engines but carry more weight. The most frustrating aspect is fuel capacity. The other models have a 13.2 gallon tank, while the heavier Countryman has a 12.4 gallon tank. Range is not nearly as good, but to me, it's a minor tradeoff. I opted for the auto this time. A few years back, when I had my manual R56, I broke my foot. I ended up having to trade cars with my mother for 5 1/2 months, since I couldn't press the clutch. Also, I've since gotten married and my wife does not like to drive manuals. The performance is not terrible (mine is a non-S, by the way), and I don't feel like I've lost anything by going with an auto. Plus, I live in South Florida and the stop and go traffic here is maddening at times, so I appreciate the auto when stuck in traffic.

I'm on my third MINI. The first was an '06 R50, and the second was a '10 R56 (non-S). There is a lot of Countryman (and non-S) hate on NAM and other forums out there for whatever reason (as a matter of fact, some have the attitude that if it's not an R53, it doesn't count, which is ridiculous). It's the best way to get a large dose of MINI-ness in a package that's compatible with families and friends.

 

Thanks to everyone who has replied. You've given my plenty of food for thought. What I'm looking at is the Countryman S, manual, Premium Package. I'm looking for a higher stance, more space to carry Sound Equipment, Instrument and 2 large dogs, while still enjoying the MINI FUN.
Although I LOVE my R50.. I'm not a spring chicken anymore.. getting in and out is difficult with a bum knee. :D

 

Ah, you will be very happy then. Sounds like you have definite practical reasons for a roomier ride. I am amazed at just how little I can fit into my R56. People say that Minis are getting bigger with every generation, but it's still a very small car...

 

Have the '14's and 15's gained advancements in sound deadening?