Wifes new DD- Mini Countryman.

[Paul K]

All:

Wife had an '04 Mini Cooper S which we bought new. She liked it, but it was not the best in the winter, despite studded tires. Plus rear seat access was tricky. So we ordered her a Countryman back in October. Flew up to Portland today & drove it back. Obligatory pics...



After snow tires...





First impressions- This thing is huge! But that means it has plenty of room - and the rear seats are plenty spacious. Plus they slide, which is cool.






On the negative side, the push button ignition is a PITA, and you need a PhD before you can operate the stereo, but we'll get used to it.

I haven't driven it yet, but it felt promising from the passengers seat!

Cheers,

Paul.

[lisa_spyder]

Paul,

Saw one on the road here only yesterday. I pulled up next to it and it took a few seconds to register what was different . They certainly look to be sizeably bigger than the Coopers for sure.

Good looking thing though. I liked it .

[James Brown]

Looks like a PT cruiser.

[Stanley]

nice looking X3

[matthew-s]

I checked these out at the dealer a few weeks ago. I really liked what I saw - I was very impressed with the interior room. Enjoy it.

[Paul K]

Originally Posted by James Brown

Looks like a PT cruiser.

James:

Ouch!

Paul.

[NutmegCarrera]

Looks pretty cool to me.
I'd drive one. Hate seeing slushbox shifters in these, as so many US delivered cars have. (Glad she knows what to do with her left foot!)

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by James Brown

Looks like a PT cruiser.

Maybe from the front, but more HHR from the side and rear

[azasadny]

I was looking at MINI's when I bought my MazdaSpeed3 back in 2/07. There is only one MINI dealership in MI and they didn't have any turbos with manual trans, so I passed. If MINI sold the cars through the BMW dealers I would consider one, but the dealer is just too far away.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Funny, my GM contacts always referred to the HHR as the "Me Too Cruiser".

[targa911S]

My wifes PT is a POS. That looks like the box my 65 Mini came in. All wheel drive in a Mini HAS to be fun though.

[enzo1]

I like it..... PT Cruisers are UGLY, mini's are COOL, updates on what u like or don't like?

[Chocaholic]

Just bought an '11 Cooper S (turbo) 6 speed for weekend/airport car. Sold at the BMW dealership a few miles away. Didn't really intend to seriously consider it until I stopped by to look at a used 3 series on the lot. Took one for a test drive and I was hooked. The turbo pulls like crazy and it handles like a slot-car. Hit the "sport" button and throttle response tightens way up, as does steering feel. What a hoot...and cheap (leased for $289/mo). On the other hand, I expect I may rack up a few tickets along the way.

A Countryman would have been more practical for me (kids, stuff, etc.), but I couldn't get past the boxy look (to my eye). No snow to contend with here either. If so, the AWD would be a necessity. Yes, the sound system takes some getting used to, but after a bit of time, you'll have it down. Get behind the wheel and wind her up a bit. The boost is almost instantaneous as the seat-back lunges you forward. Very cool.

[Paul K]

All:

I drove it today. I like it, but it's nothing like our '04 MCS. Much, much bigger and although it has plenty of power, it doesn't 'feel' as powerful.

But then, they say that about the older vs. new 911s!



I still don't like the ignition system, but I'll probably get used to it. And the shifter feels strange- but I'll get used to that too. Overall, pretty happy- but it's really more important that Kathryn likes it- it's her car after all!

Cheers,

Paul.

[Tobra]

It does not feel as powerful? That is the heavy talkin'