Countryman

Author
Discussion

iiyama

Original Poster:

2,201 posts

208 months

Sunday 7th October 2018
quotequote all
Looking for some advice on these cars as I know nothing about them!

Mrs wants to change out the Yeti and is drawn to the Mini, (laughable name for a Countryman I know!). Budget of around £10-£13k

Needs to be an Auto and she would prefer the same trim level that she has in the Yeti which is high; leather, sunroof, heated seats etc etc.

She is a low milage driver so I'm guessing the petrol engine would be preferable?

The only cars I'm finding with this sort of spec are All4's, this just seems to me to be weight and complication she doesn't need. So is FWD not an option?

Anything I should be looking out for when driving?

Any help and advice would be great.

Thanks peeps!

steve-5snwi

8,997 posts

100 months

Sunday 7th October 2018
quotequote all
The All4 system is similar to modern quattro systems in that its pretty much FWD all of the time. I agree its a little bit extra in terms of weight but the benefits will outweigh the weight penalty.

Spec wise, you will probably find they are better specced than Yetis and drive better, although the steering and controls will feel heavier in the Mini. Petrol is the one to go for and ideally the N18 engine.

Something like this would be nice although UKI tend to price the cars high but the specs and condition makes up for it.

https://www.ukisudbury.com/cars/mini/countryman/co...

iiyama

Original Poster:

2,201 posts

208 months

Sunday 7th October 2018
quotequote all
Cheers for the reply fella.

N18?

Pretty much the spec we've seen although because of the darker interior she wants a sunroof too! spin

Anything obvious to avoid if seen or heard?

steve-5snwi

8,997 posts

100 months

Sunday 7th October 2018
quotequote all
N18 is the engine, the N14 had issues with coking up and timing chain stretch. The N18 from mid 2010 on addressed most of these issues, the main one that affects the N18 - and the N14 is the high pressure fuel pump, they still fail and are £425 for the N18 from Neos, BMW are £700 now.

The sunroof does make a massive difference, my clubman has one and it does let some light in. The light beige interiors are not that common, oh and some Countrymans are only 4 seaters.

Don't discount mini dealers either they very often have stock thats not listed on autotrader.

iiyama

Original Poster:

2,201 posts

208 months

Sunday 7th October 2018
quotequote all
Appreciate the help mate.

So bottom line is better to go for late 2010, preferably 2011 onward.

Four seat is fine, not bothered about any more and to be honest didn't realise this was an option!

I'm starting to read that 18" alloys are best avoided due to harsh ride issues? Or is this a case of runflats being the problem?

She quite likes this one:-

https://www.luckydalecars.co.uk/used-cars/mini-cou...

Although its a run out from where we are based. However there seems to be a few floating about in that area.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Also found this place:-

Which is not so far from us:-

http://www.justminiuk.co.uk/

So may take a run down for a chat with 'em.


Slyjoe

1,520 posts

218 months

Sunday 7th October 2018
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Our 2018 1.5 petrol Auto is pretty thirsty - only get 31mpg, however I try to drive it - nice car and a lot of fun though.

iiyama

Original Poster:

2,201 posts

208 months

Sunday 7th October 2018
quotequote all
Yeti is returning about 35mpg, (1.2 auto), so a small drop won't matter; especially considering the miles she does!

steve-5snwi

8,997 posts

100 months

Sunday 7th October 2018
quotequote all
My clubby S on a 10 mile each way run would average 38mpg, now its doing 4 miles a day its low 30's, the wifes F57 auto (mines manual) averages 39 on a 6 mile round trip. On a run mine will sit around 45mpg.

The top Countryman is the same colour as mine, just ditch the runflats for a softer ride, oh and the blue one looks like it has a heated front screen.

MrBarry123

6,046 posts

128 months

Monday 8th October 2018
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steve-5snwi said:
The All4 system is similar to modern quattro systems in that its pretty much FWD all of the time. I agree its a little bit extra in terms of weight but the benefits will outweigh the weight penalty.
I believe that’s true of the current Countryman (F60) but not for the model the OP is referring to i.e. the R60.

The ALL4 system in the R60 Countryman defaults to AWD and gradually decouples the rear as the speed increases. This means it’s almost always AWD apart from when driving on the motorway.

http://www.motoringfile.com/2011/12/16/minis-all4-...

Gladly, when we had the spell of bad weather in March, the system proved itself hugely competent, even on summer tyres!