We can afford them we just don't want one even if you gave it to is. :lol: Really we (R53) are not jealous you are all welcome on M\A.
I could "afford" a Countryman as well... If I didnt need a vehicle to support all my other hobbies I may have looked into one, but it was pretty much Jeep or nothing. You just cant get a CM where I like to go. Personally I like them, chunky looks, sad faced back end, and all... Now the Paceman... What a let down from MINI! In the model year after the F(ugly)56 I suspect the standard MINI will have that same size and look, which is why I will never own a MINI newer than 2006.
My brother had a Countryman Justa as a rental when he was in town. I enjoyed the ride from the back seat and found it comfortable. His daily driver is a Mazda 3. He liked the Countryman enough that he's going to check one out.