R60 New guy from Ohio
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 13
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From: New Philadelphia, Ohio
New guy from Ohio
I want to start by thanking you folks for giving me some info about the CM. I have my sights set on an ALL4 with a 6 speed. I plan on getting one this summer, as my daughter is going to be 16 and taking my car.
I am new to this brand, so I wanted to get info on the issues with the car, and some of the things that you can't live without. I spent most of my lunch hour yesterday looking at old threads, and got most of my initial questions answered.
I live in New Philadelphia, Ohio, and will be working with the Mini dealer in either Cleveland, Pittsburgh, or Columbus. They area all 100 miles or so from home, so I just need to figure out which one I would rather deal with. If you have any insight, I am all ears.
Thanks again for letting my join up, and I look forward to learning a bit about the Mini brand.
Rob
I am new to this brand, so I wanted to get info on the issues with the car, and some of the things that you can't live without. I spent most of my lunch hour yesterday looking at old threads, and got most of my initial questions answered.
I live in New Philadelphia, Ohio, and will be working with the Mini dealer in either Cleveland, Pittsburgh, or Columbus. They area all 100 miles or so from home, so I just need to figure out which one I would rather deal with. If you have any insight, I am all ears.
Thanks again for letting my join up, and I look forward to learning a bit about the Mini brand.
Rob
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Joined: Mar 2014
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Welcome! I am a relocated Ohian (Boardman, Ohio) living in Boston. Ran the Foodservice at Malone University and Mount Union. Used to hit New Philly for some Amish home cooking. I have had my mini all4 for a month. I love it more everyday! The only 2 choices I question are not getting the navigation and cloth seats. The Leatherette may be a little sweaty in the summer.
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 13
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From: New Philadelphia, Ohio
Tygerman,
Thanks for the welcome. I am on the fence about Nav for the car. I just sold my Acura TL with Nav, and rarely used it. My wife wants the lounge seats for ours. Not sure of the $2K add on, but I will figure it out. One of the things I am having a hard time wrapping my head around with Mini is the staggering number of choices. While it is fun to go online and make a dream car, you really need to do some homework to help determine if it is worth it.
Thanks for your input, and I will post a photo once I get my car in a few months.
Rob
Thanks for the welcome. I am on the fence about Nav for the car. I just sold my Acura TL with Nav, and rarely used it. My wife wants the lounge seats for ours. Not sure of the $2K add on, but I will figure it out. One of the things I am having a hard time wrapping my head around with Mini is the staggering number of choices. While it is fun to go online and make a dream car, you really need to do some homework to help determine if it is worth it.
Thanks for your input, and I will post a photo once I get my car in a few months.
Rob
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Joined: Mar 2014
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If I was still in Ohio, I would never use the Navigation. I have been in New England for nearly 3 years now and use my phone GPS every weekend. There are still far too many new places I want to go and the Navigation would be easier than using the phone. 1.5k easier, that is debatable. I would certainly opt for the Leather/cloth combo for 1k.
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 488
Likes: 11
From: District of West Augusta
Welcome to NAM! I'm sure you'll enjoy your new Countryman-to-be. I dealt with MINI of Pittsburgh for the two MINI's that I bought there. Sadly my MA is now in Florida so I cannot personally speak to sales experience with any of the staff. I have also used MINI of Pittsburgh for my routine maintenance, and they seem to have done a more than adequate job.
As far as features pro and con: get the Xenons, I did not and regret it. Heated seats are really nice especially after leaving a restaurant in January after a big meal! IMHO spend some time researching NAM for CountryMan clutch issues. I do not know whether they have solved the problem or not. There were tons of posts about clutch problems for the early models, and that's why I have an automatic. I really like the All4-S to get around in the snow if you're considering that. If you're wondering, we bought the CM off the lot configured as seen below. I find the sunroof pretty much useless.
As far as features pro and con: get the Xenons, I did not and regret it. Heated seats are really nice especially after leaving a restaurant in January after a big meal! IMHO spend some time researching NAM for CountryMan clutch issues. I do not know whether they have solved the problem or not. There were tons of posts about clutch problems for the early models, and that's why I have an automatic. I really like the All4-S to get around in the snow if you're considering that. If you're wondering, we bought the CM off the lot configured as seen below. I find the sunroof pretty much useless.
Last edited by Llanrhaeadr_Cymru; Apr 29, 2014 at 11:53 AM.
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 13
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From: New Philadelphia, Ohio
Welcome to NAM! I'm sure you'll enjoy your new Countryman-to-be. I deal with MINI of Pittsburgh for the two MINI's that I bought there. Sadly my MA is now in Florida so I cannot personally speak to sales experience with any of the staff. I have also used MINI of Pittsburgh for my routine maintenance, and they seem to have done a more than adequate job.
As far as features pro and con: get the Xenons, I did not and regret it. Heated seats are really nice especially after leaving a restaurant in January after a big meal! IMHO spend some time researching NAM for CountryMan clutch issues. I do not know whether they have solved the problem or not. There were tons of posts about clutch problems for the early models, and that's why I have an automatic. I really like the All4-S to get around in the snow if you're considering that. If you're wondering, we bought the CM off the lot configured as seen below. I find the sunroof pretty much useless.
As far as features pro and con: get the Xenons, I did not and regret it. Heated seats are really nice especially after leaving a restaurant in January after a big meal! IMHO spend some time researching NAM for CountryMan clutch issues. I do not know whether they have solved the problem or not. There were tons of posts about clutch problems for the early models, and that's why I have an automatic. I really like the All4-S to get around in the snow if you're considering that. If you're wondering, we bought the CM off the lot configured as seen below. I find the sunroof pretty much useless.
I have read up on the clutch problems on the early CM's and it sounds like they corrected it in late 2012. The main reason for my interest is the fact I can get AWD with a stick. I have a motorcycle to ride in the summer, and want a fun car for when the weather is not warm and sunny. I have also seen where folks are not too crazy about the sunroof. I have had them in every car I have owned for the last 15 years. while I don't use them often, I like having them. I now have 2 votes for Xenon bulbs. My Acura and my bike both use HID, and I surely like that better. Will make sure to check that box when the time comes.
Thanks for the thoughts,
Rob
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 13
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From: New Philadelphia, Ohio
If I was still in Ohio, I would never use the Navigation. I have been in New England for nearly 3 years now and use my phone GPS every weekend. There are still far too many new places I want to go and the Navigation would be easier than using the phone. 1.5k easier, that is debatable. I would certainly opt for the Leather/cloth combo for 1k.
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5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 615
Likes: 1
From: Columbus, OH
Hi, and welcome! We live in Columbus. If you are going to buy from MAG in Columbus, I would highly recommend Chad Freeman in Sales. A genuinely great guy who will talk about everything under the sun......and also Minis!
Our service is also done there. Igor services both of our cars, and he is fantastic. talks to us about what he's doing, answers any questions, invites us back to the service bay to check things out with their work, etc.
Yea, Nav is a hot button issue for Mini owners. We got it on our CM JCW, but not on our MCS JCW. The CM is our "road car", and we like seeing where we are in the center of the dash on a large display rather than a small display on a smart phone. We like to get out and just drive to nowhere, and it's great to see what we are and how to maneuver our way back home through back roads.
My wife checked virtually every option box when we ordered the CM, so I can speak from experience with just about everything available on the car!!
Can't live without (in no particular order)
*M6 transmission obviously
*Cold weather package...living in Ohio, not even a question. the seat heaters are fantastic. Will cook you if left on high. I use them after I play golf for my back. By the time I get home, I am as good as new!
*All4 a fantastic full time AWD system that works in bad weather but also really holds the rear end planted to the pavement during "spirited" driving through the twisties.
*Panoramic Sunroof. Even if you are the type of person who never opens a sunroof, this is great option as it really makes the CM seem bigger inside, and all of that glass really brings the outside in...
*Xenons
*Lounge leather. Yea, I know it's $2k, but wow, is this high quality leather, very thick with a nice matte shade to it, and incredibly comfortable....the red piping looks great...
*H/K audio upgrade. an excellent buy for $750. Loads of clean power and the subwoofer really hits hard. I have heard from many others who say the stock stereo leaves a lot to be desired, but I don't know from experience as both of ours have the H/K. Yea, I know, some of the kids around the forum think the H/K system is lame, and say nothing but an aftermarket system with 5000 watts will do, but for my 52 year old ears, I think it's really great.
*backup sensor/assist. A MUST on a CM. yea I know people say Minis are small and anyone who can't park one w/o sensors should buy another car, blah, blah blah. Fact is, the back sill is extremely high on the CM and you have very limited vision out the back window. you could back up into a bollard at a shopping mall and not see it in this thing.
Nice to haves:
*Nav. I actually have the Mini-Garmin remote GPS on my MCS that mounts to the left side of the tach using a Mini mounting bracket. I can see it great through the steering wheel, and it looks stock.
The early CM's (2011/2012) unfortunately, did have issues, and many posts here will attest. I think most everyone agrees they got these worked out by 2013. We have about 15k miles on ours and not a hint on any issue whatsoever. We love this ride....just an all around cool car!
Our service is also done there. Igor services both of our cars, and he is fantastic. talks to us about what he's doing, answers any questions, invites us back to the service bay to check things out with their work, etc.
Yea, Nav is a hot button issue for Mini owners. We got it on our CM JCW, but not on our MCS JCW. The CM is our "road car", and we like seeing where we are in the center of the dash on a large display rather than a small display on a smart phone. We like to get out and just drive to nowhere, and it's great to see what we are and how to maneuver our way back home through back roads.
My wife checked virtually every option box when we ordered the CM, so I can speak from experience with just about everything available on the car!!
Can't live without (in no particular order)
*M6 transmission obviously
*Cold weather package...living in Ohio, not even a question. the seat heaters are fantastic. Will cook you if left on high. I use them after I play golf for my back. By the time I get home, I am as good as new!
*All4 a fantastic full time AWD system that works in bad weather but also really holds the rear end planted to the pavement during "spirited" driving through the twisties.
*Panoramic Sunroof. Even if you are the type of person who never opens a sunroof, this is great option as it really makes the CM seem bigger inside, and all of that glass really brings the outside in...
*Xenons
*Lounge leather. Yea, I know it's $2k, but wow, is this high quality leather, very thick with a nice matte shade to it, and incredibly comfortable....the red piping looks great...
*H/K audio upgrade. an excellent buy for $750. Loads of clean power and the subwoofer really hits hard. I have heard from many others who say the stock stereo leaves a lot to be desired, but I don't know from experience as both of ours have the H/K. Yea, I know, some of the kids around the forum think the H/K system is lame, and say nothing but an aftermarket system with 5000 watts will do, but for my 52 year old ears, I think it's really great.
*backup sensor/assist. A MUST on a CM. yea I know people say Minis are small and anyone who can't park one w/o sensors should buy another car, blah, blah blah. Fact is, the back sill is extremely high on the CM and you have very limited vision out the back window. you could back up into a bollard at a shopping mall and not see it in this thing.
Nice to haves:
*Nav. I actually have the Mini-Garmin remote GPS on my MCS that mounts to the left side of the tach using a Mini mounting bracket. I can see it great through the steering wheel, and it looks stock.
The early CM's (2011/2012) unfortunately, did have issues, and many posts here will attest. I think most everyone agrees they got these worked out by 2013. We have about 15k miles on ours and not a hint on any issue whatsoever. We love this ride....just an all around cool car!
Neutral
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 9
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I will have to try out the leather/cloth at the dealer when we get there. That is such a tactile decision, I really need to experience the differences in seating before checking the box. By the way, we vacationed in NE a few years ago, and it is really cool up there. Once you are out of the Boston Metro it is really small town/calm. I wouldn't want to live there (taxes) but it is nice to visit Maine.
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: New Philadelphia, Ohio
Hi, and welcome! We live in Columbus. If you are going to buy from MAG in Columbus, I would highly recommend Chad Freeman in Sales. A genuinely great guy who will talk about everything under the sun......and also Minis!
Our service is also done there. Igor services both of our cars, and he is fantastic. talks to us about what he's doing, answers any questions, invites us back to the service bay to check things out with their work, etc.
Yea, Nav is a hot button issue for Mini owners. We got it on our CM JCW, but not on our MCS JCW. The CM is our "road car", and we like seeing where we are in the center of the dash on a large display rather than a small display on a smart phone. We like to get out and just drive to nowhere, and it's great to see what we are and how to maneuver our way back home through back roads.
My wife checked virtually every option box when we ordered the CM, so I can speak from experience with just about everything available on the car!!
Can't live without (in no particular order)
*M6 transmission obviously
*Cold weather package...living in Ohio, not even a question. the seat heaters are fantastic. Will cook you if left on high. I use them after I play golf for my back. By the time I get home, I am as good as new!
*All4 a fantastic full time AWD system that works in bad weather but also really holds the rear end planted to the pavement during "spirited" driving through the twisties.
*Panoramic Sunroof. Even if you are the type of person who never opens a sunroof, this is great option as it really makes the CM seem bigger inside, and all of that glass really brings the outside in...
*Xenons
*Lounge leather. Yea, I know it's $2k, but wow, is this high quality leather, very thick with a nice matte shade to it, and incredibly comfortable....the red piping looks great...
*H/K audio upgrade. an excellent buy for $750. Loads of clean power and the subwoofer really hits hard. I have heard from many others who say the stock stereo leaves a lot to be desired, but I don't know from experience as both of ours have the H/K. Yea, I know, some of the kids around the forum think the H/K system is lame, and say nothing but an aftermarket system with 5000 watts will do, but for my 52 year old ears, I think it's really great.
*backup sensor/assist. A MUST on a CM. yea I know people say Minis are small and anyone who can't park one w/o sensors should buy another car, blah, blah blah. Fact is, the back sill is extremely high on the CM and you have very limited vision out the back window. you could back up into a bollard at a shopping mall and not see it in this thing.
Nice to haves:
*Nav. I actually have the Mini-Garmin remote GPS on my MCS that mounts to the left side of the tach using a Mini mounting bracket. I can see it great through the steering wheel, and it looks stock.
The early CM's (2011/2012) unfortunately, did have issues, and many posts here will attest. I think most everyone agrees they got these worked out by 2013. We have about 15k miles on ours and not a hint on any issue whatsoever. We love this ride....just an all around cool car!
Our service is also done there. Igor services both of our cars, and he is fantastic. talks to us about what he's doing, answers any questions, invites us back to the service bay to check things out with their work, etc.
Yea, Nav is a hot button issue for Mini owners. We got it on our CM JCW, but not on our MCS JCW. The CM is our "road car", and we like seeing where we are in the center of the dash on a large display rather than a small display on a smart phone. We like to get out and just drive to nowhere, and it's great to see what we are and how to maneuver our way back home through back roads.
My wife checked virtually every option box when we ordered the CM, so I can speak from experience with just about everything available on the car!!
Can't live without (in no particular order)
*M6 transmission obviously
*Cold weather package...living in Ohio, not even a question. the seat heaters are fantastic. Will cook you if left on high. I use them after I play golf for my back. By the time I get home, I am as good as new!
*All4 a fantastic full time AWD system that works in bad weather but also really holds the rear end planted to the pavement during "spirited" driving through the twisties.
*Panoramic Sunroof. Even if you are the type of person who never opens a sunroof, this is great option as it really makes the CM seem bigger inside, and all of that glass really brings the outside in...
*Xenons
*Lounge leather. Yea, I know it's $2k, but wow, is this high quality leather, very thick with a nice matte shade to it, and incredibly comfortable....the red piping looks great...
*H/K audio upgrade. an excellent buy for $750. Loads of clean power and the subwoofer really hits hard. I have heard from many others who say the stock stereo leaves a lot to be desired, but I don't know from experience as both of ours have the H/K. Yea, I know, some of the kids around the forum think the H/K system is lame, and say nothing but an aftermarket system with 5000 watts will do, but for my 52 year old ears, I think it's really great.
*backup sensor/assist. A MUST on a CM. yea I know people say Minis are small and anyone who can't park one w/o sensors should buy another car, blah, blah blah. Fact is, the back sill is extremely high on the CM and you have very limited vision out the back window. you could back up into a bollard at a shopping mall and not see it in this thing.
Nice to haves:
*Nav. I actually have the Mini-Garmin remote GPS on my MCS that mounts to the left side of the tach using a Mini mounting bracket. I can see it great through the steering wheel, and it looks stock.
The early CM's (2011/2012) unfortunately, did have issues, and many posts here will attest. I think most everyone agrees they got these worked out by 2013. We have about 15k miles on ours and not a hint on any issue whatsoever. We love this ride....just an all around cool car!
Awesome response. Thanks for all the data, and the referral to MAG. I am really excited to get going on having one of these cars, but my wife wants to wait until later in the summer. My daughter turns 16 this summer, and the car I am driving now will be handed down to her. It's an old Honda Civic, which will make a great 1st car for her, but is not exactly fun for me to drive. I had an 06 Acura TL that I sold last fall that was a hoot to drive, and I know the Mini is leaps and bounds more fun.
The advice you offered is exactly what I was hoping to get. I read about all the problems with the early CM's and got a little nervous. I am a Honda guy for the last 20 years and I have a certain expectation with the build quality. Hopefully the Mini is up to it, because I am really on board with getting one.
I will have to take a day soon and visit one of the Mini dealers within earshot of us. One of my concerns is the distance to a dealer from where we live. Columbus is a little over 100 miles from New Philly, Cleveland is 85, and Pittsburgh is about 80. Tygerman earlier recommended the Pittsburgh dealer, but in looking at where they are, it is on the other side of PGH ,and the service department is closed on Saturdays. Not good for me, since I am about 90 minutes from the west side of town. Don't want to take a vacation day to get an oil change.
As for the options on the car, I spec'ed one out online a couple days ago. I didn't originally check the nav, but pretty much everything else on your list was checked. It makes for a little more expensive car, but I won't be happy unless I get everything I want in it. I was not originally onboard with the Xenon lights, but that is consistently talked about as a must have. That's why I joined the forum, to get answers to questions I didn't know I had yet.
Thanks again for all your input,
Rob
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 13
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From: New Philadelphia, Ohio
Minnie (I know, my wife is not very creative), will get plenty of small coastal town mileage this summer. We rent, state taxes are less than Ohio. If we buy a house, I am not sure how that will shake out. Took us nearly 3 years to sell our Ohio house. Not ready to become a homeowner again just yet. Probably buy another mini before another house.
As for taxes, I have come to understand that the property taxes in NE are noticeably higher. I am sure they get their fair share
. AS for buying versus renting, you pretty much have no choice but to buy around here anymore. With all the Utica shale folks here, rent has about tripled in the last 3 years. You can buy a house for less than the folks are paying to rent it. Since they are all part timers here, no one wants to buy. thanks for all the advice, and happy motoring.
Rob
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 615
Likes: 1
From: Columbus, OH
I am sure you will have a great time checking out those little towns. That is the kind of travelling I do on my Motorcycle. Its so much more interesting to go somewhere for the sake of going, not because you have a reason to be there.
As for taxes, I have come to understand that the property taxes in NE are noticeably higher. I am sure they get their fair share. AS for buying versus renting, you pretty much have no choice but to buy around here anymore. With all the Utica shale folks here, rent has about tripled in the last 3 years. You can buy a house for less than the folks are paying to rent it. Since they are all part timers here, no one wants to buy.
thanks for all the advice, and happy motoring.
Rob
As for taxes, I have come to understand that the property taxes in NE are noticeably higher. I am sure they get their fair share
. AS for buying versus renting, you pretty much have no choice but to buy around here anymore. With all the Utica shale folks here, rent has about tripled in the last 3 years. You can buy a house for less than the folks are paying to rent it. Since they are all part timers here, no one wants to buy. thanks for all the advice, and happy motoring.
Rob
Rob, if you end up with a CM you will have to come down to MOTD next year(Minis on the Dragon). I am down here now. My first time coming to MOTD, we have always brought our bikes down in years past. About 700 Minis coming down this week and weekend....going to be a great time.
I came down early this week in our R56, my wife arrives this afternoon in the R60 CM. I have already run the Dragon 8 or so times over the last couple of days and it's a great car for these roads.
We came down last September with the Countryman after I put the thicker rear ASB and front strut/brace bar on it, along with the Michelin Super Sport tires. The CM is an absolutely hoot in All4 trim on these roads here.
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 13
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From: New Philadelphia, Ohio
Rob, if you end up with a CM you will have to come down to MOTD next year(Minis on the Dragon). I am down here now. My first time coming to MOTD, we have always brought our bikes down in years past. About 700 Minis coming down this week and weekend....going to be a great time.
I came down early this week in our R56, my wife arrives this afternoon in the R60 CM. I have already run the Dragon 8 or so times over the last couple of days and it's a great car for these roads.
We came down last September with the Countryman after I put the thicker rear ASB and front strut/brace bar on it, along with the Michelin Super Sport tires. The CM is an absolutely hoot in All4 trim on these roads here.
I came down early this week in our R56, my wife arrives this afternoon in the R60 CM. I have already run the Dragon 8 or so times over the last couple of days and it's a great car for these roads.
We came down last September with the Countryman after I put the thicker rear ASB and front strut/brace bar on it, along with the Michelin Super Sport tires. The CM is an absolutely hoot in All4 trim on these roads here.
I need to ride the dragon on my bike sometime. I will definitely look into a club when I get my CM. I did that with my bike, and it makes the ownership experience so much better. I am 99% on board with the CM, I just need to get comfortable with not having a dealer close. It checks the boxes for fun, AWD, manual, and creature comforts. It also gets better gas mileage than some of the other cars I have looked at. Unless there is some major issue with a dealer, or they find out the cars explode after 18 months of ownership, I am pretty sure I am getting one.
Thanks again for your insight,
Rob
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