Newb here and looking for advice. Been looking at minis on line and went to dealer yesterday to see firsthand. Loved the size of the countryman but also loved what mini has done with 3G hardtop. What is consensus on new 3G hardtop? Better? Is it worthwhile to go 4wd? Does it add to the handling performance? We would not be going off road, but do get a lot of rain in western wa state and a little snow. Is the Cooper works package worth it? While I want the MPG's, I do not think I would be happy in anything but an S or Cooper works. 6spd or automatic? Is the auto Fun to drive? Thanks for helping me gain some insights!
Welcome to M/A the FUN Mini site. The Jury is still out on the 3rd Gen MINI because not many real car owners have them yet. I am not including the Press because they can never be trusted and are paid to like everything.
Welcome to M/A If I was buying a MINI it would be the a MINI rather than a Countryguy. Proper tires are all that is required for your driving conditions. A MINI is going to be much more fun to drive that a lifted wanna be SUV. Good luck with your choice.
Totally agree with Crashton. Hardtop + spare set of rims with Blizzaks for winter. Have a set for my R50, and it never let me down thru the worst winter we've had in years. It only lost grip one time, and that was my fault for pushing too hard.
Yup, a MINI with good snow tires is really a MINI snowmobile with Heat and a Radio. Its really fun passing stuck SUV's on little or big hills. :lol:
Welcome! As the driver of a "slushbox" MINI (this was Herself's only requirement on this car, and She is to be obeyed,) I'd say they're not bad as those things go, but I would much prefer having a 3rd pedal version. The more involvement in a car this fun the better!
welcome and take it from me...go with the hardtop. I went from a hardtop to a countryman (because my son was born) and now just went back to a hardtop. A hell of a lot more fun to drive and more enjoyable experience. Yes it is a little tight with my 2 year old son in the back, but only for my my wife in the passenger seat. Good thing she is only 5'2". LOL!!!
The Mini automatic driving experience is highly underrated, as long as you understand and use manual mode.