To ALL4 or not that is the question

[macp]

So after much research I think we are going with a countryman 2.0 Cooper S in auto. I also like the JCW but I think overall the Cooper will be easier to live with day to day. We are looking at an F60 from 2017 to 2019 vintage. But is it worth sticking out for an ALL4 equipped car. Or just buy the nicest with the best spec. And don’t worry about 2 or 4wd.

Also is there any other specifications worth looking for.

Thankyou in advance.

[macp]

I’m thinking now screw it I will just go ALL4. I guess the extra weight will increase fuel consumption slightly. And there will be additional maintenance costs for the transfer box etc. But we just came out of an Evoque so there we go

I am of course interested in any experience anybody might have of the system in any of the mini models it’s fitted to.

[JustADay]

I’ve had a 2017 Clubman Cooper S All4 for almost 3 years now. I still love the car and would quite likely replace it with the same model if it was stolen/ written off, but would I go for All4 again? Honestly, I’d probably not seek one out, although I wouldn’t avoid one either.

The grip off the line is great- even in the wet you can dump the clutch in first and there’s no real traction issues. It’s also quite satisfying to put the power on around a tight corner and it not complain, especially after coming from a Focus ST previously! That being said, the extra weight and inefficiencies are definitely noticeable. Most of the car’s use for me is on dual carriageways and motorways and it’s only averaging 34mpg- real world the 2wd appears to get nearer to 40mpg.

I’m not certain the higher running costs are quite worth the performance benefit, but this being Pistonheads if I was to have a choice between 2 identical cars, one 2wed and one 4wd, I’d probably still go 4wd evem though it’s maybe not worth it!

[macp]

A perfect response Thankyou. Pretty much boils it down for me. I’m thinking it makes it more attractive for resale too. So have you had to have the haldex serviced yet ?

We are going auto too by the way.

Edited by macp on Monday 9th October 14:33

[JustADay]

Without wishing to jinx anything, I’ve not had any work done on the haldex yet. I’m not sure when any routine servicing falls for this but the car’s almost 6 years old now and is on 64k and under Mini servicing it’s not been asked for yet (although it was on 32k when I got it).

[macp]

I was reading a technical post on the ALL4 system. I also read that it’s a really robust system. Apparently built to take something like 300 ft/lb of torque.

Edited by macp on Monday 9th October 14:58

[Elliot2000]

JustADay said:

Without wishing to jinx anything, I’ve not had any work done on the haldex yet. I’m not sure when any routine servicing falls for this but the car’s almost 6 years old now and is on 64k and under Mini servicing it’s not been asked for yet (although it was on 32k when I got it).

It’s not a haldex system - so no extra maintenance listed for it