The (admittedly few) people I've known who had older Minis (including my brother's girl-friend) had a lot of trouble with them...one even needed a new engine prematurely. But, obver and above that.....Yes, you were correct that I posted an out-of-date photo for a 2025. Part of that was my fault....she apparantly did not have a new 2025, but one that was a couple of years old. I should have asked her what year it was....that was a mistake on my part, especially considering how many hundreds of reviews I've done in the past.

 

The Mini dealers are too far from me to just pop in and check it out; but I test drove the prior generation Countryman and the Clubman before I decided to go with an X1. Both cars were really nice, with BMW level quality throughout. I don't love the exterior styling of this Countryman, but underneath, it's an X1, and almost costs as much as an X1.

 

Which one would you buy if you had to pick?
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This is quickly out-growing it's name, Mini.

 

The Mini Hatch, which is the "OG" small car is still available and still small.

 

LOL - well I bought the X1.

The Clubman is being discontinued, so I'd have a hard time getting that car with the prior generation weaker engine and interior. So that would leave the Countryman, but it's so similar to the X1, for around the same price, I would still get the X1 because I love the X1 styling far and away over the Countryman. If the Countryman was $5K less than an X1, I'd consider it seriously.

 

The circle screen pleases me for some reason.....

 

It costs almost BMW money for a reason.

 

Even the money is NOT Mini. LOL

 

Not quite sure what you mean by that comment. It's true that the Countryman costs some significant $$$$...especially compared to older and/or lower-line Minis. But you seem to be getting what you pay for.

 

What I think he meant is mini car = mini price.

But it doesn't seem to work out that way. Lol

 

Historically my mother changed her cars every 4 or 5 years but she bought a Countryman in 2012 and loves it so much she still has it, Rock solid and rattle free it’s not needed any attention or repairs. It’s serviced once a year and passes its annual inspection without any advisories. Brilliant little car.

 

I thought these cars were British made?
Comparing to the BMW X1 now makes me think they are German.

I'm trying to keep up! 🐠
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BMW acquired Mini in 1996. They've been German for a long time now.

 

Yup. The last Rover-based Mini rolled off the assembly line at Longbridge (Birmingham) in October of 2000, after 41 years in production. The BMW Mini concept was revealed in 1997 and began production at Cowley (Oxfordshire) in July 2001. So still British-built, but very much BMW engineering. The latest generation has split production, with ICE continuing in Cowley, and BEV in China. The Cowley plant will start building the BEV variant next year.