Mini Countryman

stomachmonkey · 05-10-2018, 08:56 AM

Need to pick up a commuter DD.

Was looking at things like Ford Escapes.

Just need a small utility vehicle.

Stumbled across a low miles 2015 Countryman in the same price point as similar Escapes.

Thoughts?

Anyone have / had one?

stevej37 · 05-10-2018, 09:01 AM

Honda Fit with manual tranny.
Peppy, fun to drive, and lots of space inside.
I have one and with the seats folded down, a 7fter can lay flat out to sleep.

BeyGon · 05-10-2018, 09:02 AM

I rented one with the small motor for a week and it barley made it up the hills around here.

stomachmonkey · 05-10-2018, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevej37

Honda Fit with manual tranny.
Peppy, fun to drive, and lots of space inside.
I have one and with the seats folded down, a 7fter can lay flat out to sleep.

Not looking for a car.

And no manual tranny, this will be a commuter car.

I always prefer to drive a manual but not in Dallas traffic.

BTDTGTS and don't need another.

stomachmonkey · 05-10-2018, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeyGon

I rented one with the small motor for a week and it barley made it up the hills around here.

Mini?

N/A or with the Turbo?

Nickshu · Nickshu's Garage

I test drove a Countryman when they came out. I decided against one b/c it was so badly underpowered, hopefully they have increased the HP since then. Otherwise it's a neat car and definitely unique.

stevej37 · 05-10-2018, 09:13 AM

Honda Fit has more useable space inside than the Mini

stomachmonkey · 05-10-2018, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nickshu

I test drove a Countryman when they came out. I decided against one b/c it was so badly underpowered, hopefully they have increased the HP since then. Otherwise it's a neat car and definitely unique.

Normally aspirated or Turbo?

stomachmonkey · 05-10-2018, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevej37

Honda Fit has more useable space inside than the Mini

Good to know, thx.

But not looking for a car and space is not a factor.

Nickshu · Nickshu's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Normally aspirated or Turbo?

I believe it was a turbo.

onewhippedpuppy · 05-10-2018, 10:18 AM

I think the Fit is about as much of an SUV as the Countryman, but it's all a matter of opinion I suppose.

Do some research, the older Minis were not well made or reliable. Remember that at the core they're just a cheap BMW, which doesn't bode well for long term health. I had several pre-2010 Mini Coopers and while they were fun to drive the build quality was crap and they were terrible to work on. If you want a small SUV for a daily driver, there are much better options.

WPOZZZ · 05-10-2018, 12:43 PM

I have a base 2014 Countryman. Get the "S". The low end is missing in the base CM, and can get frustrating in traffic if not in the optimum gear.

astrochex · 05-10-2018, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Do some research, the older Minis were not well made or reliable. Remember that at the core they're just a cheap BMW, which doesn't bode well for long term health. I had several pre-2010 Mini Coopers and while they were fun to drive the build quality was crap and they were terrible to work on. If you want a small SUV for a daily driver, there are much better options.

2006 MCS owner here. Definitely do your research, they are BMWs after all so I would not be surprised if there is planned obsolescence designed into many of the Countryman's systems. Here is one source of info: https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/mini-countryman-2010-354/

stomachmonkey · 05-10-2018, 02:05 PM

Yeah think I’ll stick with the Escape.

I have a good relationship with the local GM dealer.

They’ve got an Escape on the lot that fits the bill.

Called him, told him what I’d pay out the door and he said fine, grab an Uber up and I’ll
Have it ready for you.

BeyGon · 05-10-2018, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Mini?

N/A or with the Turbo?

I think it was the three cylinder, no hills in Dallas are there, probably ok.

JavaBrewer · JavaBrewer's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Yeah think I’ll stick with the Escape.

I have a good relationship with the local GM dealer.

They’ve got an Escape on the lot that fits the bill.

Called him, told him what I’d pay out the door and he said fine, grab an Uber up and I’ll
Have it ready for you.

Good call IMO. I get the attraction to the Mini Cooper but the larger Countryman loses the visual appeal for me.

masraum · 05-10-2018, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JavaBrewer

Good call IMO. I get the attraction to the Mini Cooper but the larger Countryman loses the visual appeal for me.

I wasn't going to say anything, but since he's made a decision and you broached the subject, the "big" minis are definitely not my bag. Once they are big (like the big Fiat 500) they lose their cuteness and their proportions are all wrong. They should have changed the name to the Maxi when they made the big ones. I won't say what I really think for the folks that own them.

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

"Mini" and "Countryman" = oxymoron

Mini has all the expense and proprietary issues as a BMW. IMO I wouldn't own one out of warranty.

HardDrive · 05-10-2018, 06:24 PM

I have yet to find a single person who enjoyed a long term Mini ownership experience

masraum · 05-10-2018, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HardDrive

I have yet to find a single person who enjoyed a long term Mini ownership experience

Mini's seem to be like BMWs. Sometimes you get a good one and those folks are happy. If you don't get a good one, then they seem to be money pits.

When I bought my boxster, we were planning to go down to 1 car, so I looked at all sorts of sporty-ish other types of cars, BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Porsche, etc....

My "research" into BMW seemed to indicate that it was a crap shoot 50/50 if you got a good one or a bad one. The good ones are pretty good, the bad ones are really bad. I know there are fans, but it wasn't the right choice for me.