2nd Gen R60 Countryman Countryman S vs Justa Countryman

Discussion in '2nd Generation: 2007+ R55 through R61' started by xeres, Sep 11, 2016.

  1. xeres

    xeres New Member

    Aug 31, 2016
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    I am in the midst of looking at several used/new Countrymen. My selection is limited as I want the manual transmission and, in the USA, most are ordered as automatics. I want an S -- but there are several vehicles that are base CM models with the manual transmission that meets other requirements (DH wants the sunroof). How much of a real world difference would there be given the two engines? (I'm not planning to take the car on the track).

    This car is primarily for after-hours/weekend driving (I walk to work). I live in a high valley (surrounded by twisty mountain roads :wink: ) If it helps, I'm coming from a TDi/manual for the past 15 years.
     
  2. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

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    Here is the info...
    I haven't driven either... actually bought a TDI to replace my MINI...wanted the tq...pre diselgate....
    Anyway the non-s cars tend to reliable, and cheaper to operate....but even at sealevel folks complain of them being kinda slow (even in the lighter hatchbacks)...and the extra weight isn't going to help the feel, nor the elevation...
    The cooper, aka Justa ( for just a cooper) can be a blast to drive in some cases..
    Go drive one of each...even if they don't meet your specs...just so you know.
    Me...the carbon issues in the "S" resulting in walnut shell blastings, and HPFP failures made the gen 2 prince cars a "no go" for me....also some oil consumption issues and timing chain issues can be an issue....so records are a huge plus, as us a warrenty....many folks dump them when oil consumption starts....so be careful....many cars had early clutch issues...the original factory clutch was a bit under sized by many accounts...
    There were several updates to the motors...the the years of the cars are important....
     
  3. caseydog

    caseydog Well-Known Member

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    Your 2000-ish TDi probably doesn't have the oomph of a new TDi, so the base model engine might work for you. You'll have to learn a new shifting routine, since the MINI will want to wind up more than your TDi did.

    But, given the CM is a bigger and heavier model than your basic Cooper, I have to think it is slower than the base Cooper loaners I have driven, and those cars didn't suck, but I prefer my CooperS (R56).

    If it were me, I'd hold out for an S. I think you will like the mid-range torque of the turbocharged engine on those mountains. You'll have to keep the revs up with the base engine, which means more shifting.

    As for oil consumption, all MINIs do that, and it is not ridiculous. I have 101K miles on mine, and haven't dumped it, yet. The R56 timing chain issue is covered by a recall, so if it hasn't been done (probably has by now), it's a free fix.

    I get 30 MPG average around Dallas in my CooperS. You probably won't get that in a larger, heavier CM -- base model or S.

    That's my 2-cents. You do need to drive some cars before buying one.

    CD
     
  4. Motoring Magic

    Motoring Magic New Member
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    Motoring Magic Owner, Ventura County's ONLY MINI s
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    get an S-JCW if you can swing it and live in a snow climate

    I own a MINI specialist shop and own a Paceman S (2 door version of the countryman) get an S at the least. you will not be sorry you held out for the extra power. a 2015 or 16 would be best but a 13 or later is great!
     
  5. xeres

    xeres New Member

    Aug 31, 2016
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    The Countryman I drove was an S but an automatic which, honestly, was a tad sedate. You are right about the shifting -- that is what sold me. When I drove a 2013 Cooper S (a convertible) -- I was in love. Even an older Clubman S felt great going uphill with a gear to spare. My most recent TDI was a 2008 -- not quite ancient but Dieselgate pretty much took a new TDI off the table.

    I'd be fine with the 2-door but the DH wants a 4-door (so I am considering the 4-door hardtop). It all depends on what is out there - I'm looking for 2014 and up. I am in no hurry (much to every sales person's dismay).

    Thanks for the feedback... It's what I hoping to hear!
     
  6. xeres

    xeres New Member

    Aug 31, 2016
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    #6 xeres, Sep 11, 2016
    Last edited: Sep 11, 2016
    Thanks -- I was wondering about the 2013's. The DH was reading that there was a refresh in the cabin design between 2013 and 2014 but I haven't found anything to make a difference to me (aside from the center rail between the back seat). I have seen 2013's with a bench rear seat. For me, it's not a deal breaker as I won't be sitting in the back!

    JCW -- I wish! Weather wise, just wet or occasionally icy roads in the valley. I can see the snow on the mountains -- and take the 4WD SUV if needed. (NW Cal).
     
  7. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    Welcome to M/A!:Thumbsup:
     
  8. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Welcome to MA! I have driven both, get an S.
     
  9. eMINIparts

    eMINIparts Well-Known Member
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    What he said......
     
  10. xeres

    xeres New Member

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    #10 xeres, Sep 18, 2016
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2016
    Well, I did it. I bought a CPO 2013 Countryman S All4 with a manual transmission. We drove it home today, or to be more accurate - I drove it home.

    Caravaning with DH -- 20 miles from home our project vehicle, a EuroVan, had a serpentine belt failure. The very first picture is waiting for the AAA tow truck.

    [​IMG]
     
  11. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

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    Congratulations on your new purchase and welcome to Motoring Alliance !!
     
  12. caseydog

    caseydog Well-Known Member

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    Hey, great news. I think you made a good choice. CPO cars cost more than regular used cars, but you get that warranty, which can pay for itself in the end. It has for me, twice. My second Audi was a CPO car, but some nimrod in a Ford Expedition folded that car up talking on the phone instead of driving, so I never got to use the warranty.

    I'd love to have a Eurovan Westfalia. The prices are just too high on those things for me to justify. I hope your breakdown didn't cost you too much.

    CD
     
  13. papa-j

    papa-j Active Member
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    Congrats on the CM-S. Nice color. Good luck with the VW, hope nothing bigger was affected.

    My favorite thing on our 2012 CM-S is the Sport mode, but mine's an automatic tranny.
     
  14. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Congrats on the New Mini. Red the fastest color!
     
  15. xeres

    xeres New Member

    Aug 31, 2016
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    It's a GLS (passenger van) not a Westfalia because we also find the cost too high to justify. We installed the bed from a 1993 EuroVan and a supporting plywood floor with vinyl flooring. My hope was to turn it into a Weekender (pop top no kitchen) but other projects have taken priority. And, the new car is a lot more fun to drive...
     

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