I currently own a 2006 R50.. and is looking to add to the family. Im looking at a Countryman. I need your advice and insight.
What year has been the most reliable for the Countryman? Base or S? Are their standard problems threw the years?
Honestly, I dont like the newer years of the Countryman... too big and seems like the fun fact has been removed. So Im leaning toward the cut of year of 2016.
Any insight you can give, while I search for my next MINI family member would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks!

 

Another subject that has been discussed a number of times in this forum..... just reading the titles of the threads in this forum will give you a good idea on the problem areas and what to expect but in any event;

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-reliable.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rading-up.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ntrymna-s.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...e-i-order.html


And if you actually looking at buying new from a dealer, this is a great thread: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-the-deal.html

 

Interesting.... a NEW Countryman is not a option. Bigger isnt better... and all the new MINIs lack options... once upon a time you could get BRG is a Base model... now you HAVE to buy the S.
Ive owned my MINI long enough to understand that some engines are better than others.. and some models have more problems than others.. which is why I inquired.
So... what year did MINI make the Countryman Bigger?

 

The first generation of the Countryman (R60) was produced from late 2010 to 2016. The 2nd generation Countryman (F60) was introduced in early 2017. Wikipedia - Countryman

 

I have a 2012, purchased used 6 months ago. I also have been in a few new Countryman, one of which I drove for a week. All of my experience has been in S -ALL4 trim.

If you already own a Mini you are aware of the quirks. I love my car. I have three kids, and when needed they all fit fine. It is a joy to drive and given the amount of hiking I do the ALL4 has been much appreciated.

Get the S trim for a bit more fun.

I did not find the new ones so compelling that I considered buying one, but it was still fun and a bit more refined. I like the look of the R60 more and find the more basic but still nice interior (no Nav) more to my liking. My Mini has all the options, I love the panoramic sun roof!

Good luck in your search. If you can afford it....get and extended warranty.

Frank

 

 

 

I've been driving a '06 R52S for that many years and my co-pilot went on line and spec'd out her '15 CM justa. I drive her's mainly when it needs gas. From the R52, the CM is a whale. It could just as well be Detroit iron though it is very comfortable, stable and in sport mode it tries to keep up with it's room mate.

 

 

Had a '13 CMS All4. The only thing that drove me nuts was the stalling. I've been driving standards since I was 15 (36 years if you're counting), and I had NEVER stalled a car as much as that R60. Really my only complaint.

 

 

 

Dissenting opinion here:

I had a 2005 R52 (convertible). Loved it. I mean LOVED it. Hated to see it go and still have second (or rather second thousand, ha ha) thoughts about it two years later. When the Countryman first came out I went and tested one and really liked it. I knew it would be the car that would replace the convertible. In December 2016 I got the Countryman (R60). I'm now 55 years old. I always felt younger in the convertible (obviously). With the Countryman, I feel 55. I'm still a bit disappointed in it. It's just not what I was hoping for. Not nearly as peppy (I have the S ALL4..but it's automatic) and doesn't have the cool exhaust sounds. I know I can do both but it's not worth extra money for me to do that. It is roomy though and easy to get four people in it so there is that. However, those four people cannot all have luggage in the trunk. The trunk is smaller than most sedans. A few other things I don't like either but you're heard enough, mostly minor things that annoy me. All that being said, it's not horrible, just not what I was expecting. I think going from smaller Mini (isn't that redundant?) to a Countryman just makes me miss my old Mini more. I've driven other SUV's (rentals) and my wife has a Jeep and I don't feel that way when driving them. They are what they are. The Countryman isn't a Mini to me. Just a smaller SUV with the name Mini on it.

Funny, my wife likes the Countryman more than I do. But she doesn't drive it as much or the convertible either. Glad I didn't wait until the F60 though. I really do not like the look of those at all. More of a BMW look and you might as well spend the extra money for a BMW at that point.

Steve

 

 

I figured it was a too each their own kind of thing. I thought about a tune but not worth the money, to me, just for that. Glad someone is happy going from the original to the Countryman!
Steve

 

 

 

I do have the 18" but they are run flats. I was waiting for them to wear down a bit before swapping them out. I thought that 18" were rougher than 17"? And do you drive in the snow with those? (Probably should move this to another thread, you can PM me instead if you want).

Thanks - Steve

 

And, for what it's worth, I think my wife's Jeep Wrangler is an extremely fun ride. In fact, I find it more enjoyable than the Countryman in many situations. :-)

Steve

 

I highly recommend the tires I mentioned...the Michelins are exceptional tires. I haven't been caught in any snow "yet" but they are great on dry and wet roads for sure....handling & feel is so much better than the stock Continental runflats it's not even close! You will like them better for sure when the time comes. My Sis has a Wrangler and I agree they are a hoot to drive.....we have a Liberty and an old Grand Cherokee "Orvis" edition (which I love, but it's seen better days!) The Wranglers keep their value also!