Hello all,

I was just wondering if the newer Mini Countryman are reliable? I know it might be too early to say if they are reliable or not but just curious on your thoughts and experience. I am looking at 2015 models or newer. I found a 2016 Countryman that I really like but not sure if I should buy it (car has 4500 miles on it). I've read that older Minis are very unreliable but I'm not sure if these problems got resolved in newer models. On Consumer Affairs website, Mini has very poor reviews which has me a little concerned. Although most of those reviews are for older models. On Consumer Reports website, they have Minis ranked 14 which is not bad I guess but I think that is for 2017 model.

Also, do newer Minis have BMW engines in them, Peugeot, or something else? Would like to know.

Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks


Consumer Affairs Link:
https://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/mini.html

Consumer Reports Link:
http://www.consumerreports.org/car-r...they-stack-up/

 

MINI F56 Hardtop
MINI F55 5-Door
MINI F54 Clubman
MINI F60 Countryman

The above are all reliable, based on 3rd Generation platform, have BMW engines, etc.

Any MINI that's not an F-series MINI, I would not recommend, as F-series MINIs are THAT MUCH better, in my opinion.

For Countrymans, that means that only the brand-new 2017 Countryman qualifies.

 

My opinion is that all modern cars are more becoming more unreliable simply due to their increased complexity. And when things break, you can't easily fix them since so much is controlled by computers and electronics which makes a trip to the dealer almost mandatory. In that regard the F series will be worse that the R series over time.

If reliability is a top concern, get something with a good warranty. That is the only certainty you will have. I just got a CPO '14 Countryman S and I have 2 years of full warranty left. A '15 or '16 should get you 3 or 4 years.

 

Thanks for your replies. Sorry but I just started getting interested in MINIs so I'm a little clueless.

So would a 2016 Countryman be considered an F60? Or is it just the 2017 model that is F Series? What Series is 2016 model? I don't know what the differences are between series.

 

Prior to 2017, it was the R60. The Countryman is the last MINI model to adopt 3rd Generation architecture. Go to a MINI dealership and compare them. You'll easily see the changes.

The new Countryman literally only just came out this month.

 

I'm not saying R60s are bad, but having had my F56 for nearly 3 years already, I personally would never consider an R60, when I know how much improved the F60 certainly is.

 

It's a machine with moving parts, pressurized liquids and electronics and electricals in a harsh environment. No brand is immune to issues, including Toyota.

Get a warranty on a lower mileage example if out of pocket expenses worries you.

 

I would stay away from the R models. We just had to file a lemon claim on a 2012 CM S All4 which Mini of Peabody bought back in full due to the clutch constantly smelling like it was burning. In the 5 short months we had it, it spent over a month in the shop. My wife liked the way the car drove, so we got a 2014 CM S All4 which was a CPO with 25K miles. We have had it less than 2 weeks, and it is on its second trip to the dealer due to the doors not functioning in cold weather. Build quality seems pretty poor.

 

Not all R60's models are bad so I'll disagree with the insinuation that they are nothing but problems. If you are looking for a non-turbo model with an automatic then it has very few of the problems the turbo / standard tranny models have. My R60 base auto from 2011 hasn't had a single major issue other than standard maintenance work since new and it now has about 72,000 miles / 116,000 kms on it.

That said, if reliability is your major concern then buy a Honda Civic or a Toyota Corolla.

 

This is like asking someone 'how long is a piece of rope'!!! You're going to get so many different opinions. Personally I'd never touch a third generation Mini, not because of their reliability, but because I think they're horrendously ugly. But that's just me. The first and second generation both have their own reliability issues, but as long as I own Mini's they'll always be first generation models.

 

mikey_t - I would agree. We are just having issues with the Countryman right now. My wife had an 03 Cooper S Hardtop that we sold with 150K miles that had very few issues, and she recently sold a 2012 JCW that was a fantastic car. Both manuals and very reliable for the time we owned them. The JCW did have a very annoying rattle in the steering column that Mini USA was helping us out with but that was it. She only sold it due to the harsh VT dirt roads that we now live on. Mud season would have likely done it in.

 

Every generation BMW MINI has had issues with varying degrees of severity. Come to think of it the original Mini's had reliability issues as well. The most recent generation had an issue with crankshaft end play and BMW had/has to replace LOTS of engines. If you do get a MINI maintain it properly and you'll be good. Just keep a credit card ready in case anything bad happens. N'er know.

 

This R60 hate.......
Just My Opinion. 11 or newer. No n14 if your new to MINI. If you love the older MINI look than buy which ever you please, along with some wrenches and a case of beer. Something will brake on all MINI s Even the F series....

That being stated. MINI on my bad brothers. Personally I ve never been happier with a car.
2011 R60 Countryman S // Quad Bucket Seats ! Around 45k. Recently bought a extended warranty 4 Years 60k. So peace of mind until 104k.

This is the only year to buy. But i am bias.


PM

 

Thanks for everyone's feedback on this. Somewhat mixed opinions but very helpful.

 

I had a 2012 A4 S for 5 years (50K Milles) with no issues, but have a friend that got a 2011 and that car was a lemon since the beginning.
Right now I just got a customized 2017 A4S and the MINI Connected dashboard is already failing... literally the next day I got the car. My car has been 2 weeks at the shop because new pieces/units are not available and MINIUSA can't get one in the country yet. The mechanical part of the car is super sweet, the new platform totally makes a difference.
I still recommend MINI though, this is my third for a reason.