Here's Why the Mini Countryman Is Better Than You Think
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Date: 2019-10-25
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Comments and reviews: 10
Jason Sypher
I wouldn't buy the Countryman, too expensive and it looks like a pulled molar. But I purchased a MINI five door this year and I simply love the car. I was less enthusiastic about too many MINI gimmicks and actually preferred the basic model which downplays some of the 'fun' 'zaniness' in favor of continuum. A base model five door is lower and less airy than the Countryman and comes in around 24K. I wasn't in the market for an expensive car and feel that most of the MINI fluff can be stripped away leaving the essence of what makes these cars great at a very competitive price. Firstly and foremost it feels like a CAR. My MINI is a manual and that feature, combined with the lightweight body, responsive steering, stiff suspension and quick acceleration/braking make this a total driving experience that would be hard to find at this price-point. Everything about the car build feels solid and well thought out. As you pointed out, it is very nice to see and feel the work they put into making this car, itself, and not just a rehash of all the other cars at it's price-point on the market. After owning the car for nine months I still smile every time I get in it. I still turn and look at it every time I park it. And that is what I really wanted, a car that engaged me for not a lot of money. I don't pretend it's a performance car or even a car-enthusiasts choice. I enjoy it because it does so many things well in a totally engaging package. The gas mileage is also above 35mpg average which is icing on the cake. MINI's do seem to rub some people the wrong way. Perhaps it feels unsubstantial or flakey. But my experience here in NYC has been excellent. And I can park this on the street in spots that most cars cannot hope to get into. For those who just can't imagine buying a car with such a stylish artsy interior not to worry, you get used to it quickly.
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I wouldn't buy the Countryman, too expensive and it looks like a pulled molar. But I purchased a MINI five door this year and I simply love the car. I was less enthusiastic about too many MINI gimmicks and actually preferred the basic model which downplays some of the 'fun' 'zaniness' in favor of continuum. A base model five door is lower and less airy than the Countryman and comes in around 24K. I wasn't in the market for an expensive car and feel that most of the MINI fluff can be stripped away leaving the essence of what makes these cars great at a very competitive price. Firstly and foremost it feels like a CAR. My MINI is a manual and that feature, combined with the lightweight body, responsive steering, stiff suspension and quick acceleration/braking make this a total driving experience that would be hard to find at this price-point. Everything about the car build feels solid and well thought out. As you pointed out, it is very nice to see and feel the work they put into making this car, itself, and not just a rehash of all the other cars at it's price-point on the market. After owning the car for nine months I still smile every time I get in it. I still turn and look at it every time I park it. And that is what I really wanted, a car that engaged me for not a lot of money. I don't pretend it's a performance car or even a car-enthusiasts choice. I enjoy it because it does so many things well in a totally engaging package. The gas mileage is also above 35mpg average which is icing on the cake. MINI's do seem to rub some people the wrong way. Perhaps it feels unsubstantial or flakey. But my experience here in NYC has been excellent. And I can park this on the street in spots that most cars cannot hope to get into. For those who just can't imagine buying a car with such a stylish artsy interior not to worry, you get used to it quickly.
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Christina Sanchez
Hey Our husband and I are mini enthusiasts and have owned a few different models ranging from the sporty 2 door hardtop Cooper S to the new 2019 Countryman and I will definitely say that for us, minis are worth the price if you want a fun, quirky, zippy driving experience that smiles while you do it. It would have been interesting to see you review and score the Yin Yang special editions of the 2019 Countryman. They have better quality design, features, etc. for less than what you said that one cost. Depending on the type of 2019 Countryman you can get some additional features like power seats, driver profiles that auto adjust you seat, mirrors, a/c settings, etc, foot wave powered trunk opening, and more I know a lot of mini followers don't care for the basic bigger minis like the 2019 Countryman, and I use to be one of them, but they really come in handy if you want to have a family but don't want to give up your mini. Plus, if you're patient and know how to deal with salespeople, you can get a good price for the nicer upgrades
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Hey Our husband and I are mini enthusiasts and have owned a few different models ranging from the sporty 2 door hardtop Cooper S to the new 2019 Countryman and I will definitely say that for us, minis are worth the price if you want a fun, quirky, zippy driving experience that smiles while you do it. It would have been interesting to see you review and score the Yin Yang special editions of the 2019 Countryman. They have better quality design, features, etc. for less than what you said that one cost. Depending on the type of 2019 Countryman you can get some additional features like power seats, driver profiles that auto adjust you seat, mirrors, a/c settings, etc, foot wave powered trunk opening, and more I know a lot of mini followers don't care for the basic bigger minis like the 2019 Countryman, and I use to be one of them, but they really come in handy if you want to have a family but don't want to give up your mini. Plus, if you're patient and know how to deal with salespeople, you can get a good price for the nicer upgrades
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Brandon Fortenberry
Honestly now getting a used one is a bargain. The 2 main chief complaints is the cost and the motor. If you can get one used do it, I wouldn't want a new one at the price the JCWs sell for. The 2nd part is about the motor reliability. This doesn't use the old N14/N18 french motor which was a nightmare of a motor. It has the B46/B48 which has earned a reputation of reliability. People have been going over 100k miles with these motors (2016+, 14-15 had some recalls. The dealerships have been losing money in the service department because the F series motors have been stout. For my input I have had the motor tuned from 32k->65k miles with no major issues. Having well over 300hp/350tq to the crank in my 3 door hatch I will say that it moves pretty damn quickly for a MINI
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Honestly now getting a used one is a bargain. The 2 main chief complaints is the cost and the motor. If you can get one used do it, I wouldn't want a new one at the price the JCWs sell for. The 2nd part is about the motor reliability. This doesn't use the old N14/N18 french motor which was a nightmare of a motor. It has the B46/B48 which has earned a reputation of reliability. People have been going over 100k miles with these motors (2016+, 14-15 had some recalls. The dealerships have been losing money in the service department because the F series motors have been stout. For my input I have had the motor tuned from 32k->65k miles with no major issues. Having well over 300hp/350tq to the crank in my 3 door hatch I will say that it moves pretty damn quickly for a MINI
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Gregory Timmons
After watching Scotty Kilmers video regarding some of the sketchy underhood engineering such as a pully that pushes against another to turn instead of by belt i have to say thanks but no thanks. Having not seen under the hood of one myself i imagine it must be a lot like my friend's V6 Audi Allroad. V6 crammed into a barely big enough area and rather far forward as is the firewall. No engine crammed rearward under a deep dashboard. Oh no, far from it. Zero room on each side of the Allroad engine. Sparkplug changes must take place from under the car but no kidding. It is the shortest space with the most forward firewall and engine i have seen in ages.
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After watching Scotty Kilmers video regarding some of the sketchy underhood engineering such as a pully that pushes against another to turn instead of by belt i have to say thanks but no thanks. Having not seen under the hood of one myself i imagine it must be a lot like my friend's V6 Audi Allroad. V6 crammed into a barely big enough area and rather far forward as is the firewall. No engine crammed rearward under a deep dashboard. Oh no, far from it. Zero room on each side of the Allroad engine. Sparkplug changes must take place from under the car but no kidding. It is the shortest space with the most forward firewall and engine i have seen in ages.
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Noortwyck
Here's the obvious problem Doug. you review cars that are on loan to you. Now Id be pretty pissed if I ran a dealership, agreed to let you review something from my lot, for you then to trash it n Youtube. This we know could never be an option. So it's no surprise that the vast majority of your reviews are glowing - including this one on a car that's an abominationYou're good at this. but how much better would it be if you could tell us what you really think.
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Here's the obvious problem Doug. you review cars that are on loan to you. Now Id be pretty pissed if I ran a dealership, agreed to let you review something from my lot, for you then to trash it n Youtube. This we know could never be an option. So it's no surprise that the vast majority of your reviews are glowing - including this one on a car that's an abominationYou're good at this. but how much better would it be if you could tell us what you really think.
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Tomáš Kot
Funny how manual trans. is hard to find in a new car in the USA, while in the central Europe manual is still the common and typical way and you usually get just one engine option with automatic for every car model. And the most expensive one. Moreover - many people consider automatic transmission to be boring and only for lazy people who cannot drive (this is not my opinion.
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Funny how manual trans. is hard to find in a new car in the USA, while in the central Europe manual is still the common and typical way and you usually get just one engine option with automatic for every car model. And the most expensive one. Moreover - many people consider automatic transmission to be boring and only for lazy people who cannot drive (this is not my opinion.
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Jennifer klaphake
Hey buddy, use some common sense about power seats. If you know anything about cars, you should know that power seats require heavy motors and gears that require bigger seats. Given the size of this car, the option of manual seats makes sense. From a practical standpoint, for the long term, its also one thing less that will break.
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Hey buddy, use some common sense about power seats. If you know anything about cars, you should know that power seats require heavy motors and gears that require bigger seats. Given the size of this car, the option of manual seats makes sense. From a practical standpoint, for the long term, its also one thing less that will break.
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Guilherme De Souza
My countryman is currently taking a giant shit on me. First the valve cover gasket took a shit, filled my spark plug hole full of oil. Changed it all, afterwards my oil pressure sender/switch/sensor took a shit together with my oil pump. Yeah. it has a nice interior but changing the pump and sensor will be over 2500 for me. Oof
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My countryman is currently taking a giant shit on me. First the valve cover gasket took a shit, filled my spark plug hole full of oil. Changed it all, afterwards my oil pressure sender/switch/sensor took a shit together with my oil pump. Yeah. it has a nice interior but changing the pump and sensor will be over 2500 for me. Oof
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Jason Craig
I think you reviewed the wrong model, the JCW IS to expensive for what it is. Step it down to the Mini Countryman S ALL4, you take off thousands of dollars, yes some HP and you get a power seat We have one, and honestly its more fun to drive and feels quicker off the line than my Ram 1500 HEMI.
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I think you reviewed the wrong model, the JCW IS to expensive for what it is. Step it down to the Mini Countryman S ALL4, you take off thousands of dollars, yes some HP and you get a power seat We have one, and honestly its more fun to drive and feels quicker off the line than my Ram 1500 HEMI.
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Hayden Boaler
So you take it miles down a dirt road and it stops without reason, how are you going to fix it? Suddenly all the knobs, switches and flashing lights don't seem such a good idea compared to an easily fixed simple vehicle. Vehicles like this are made to show Murphy's Law is alive and well.
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So you take it miles down a dirt road and it stops without reason, how are you going to fix it? Suddenly all the knobs, switches and flashing lights don't seem such a good idea compared to an easily fixed simple vehicle. Vehicles like this are made to show Murphy's Law is alive and well.
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