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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To buy a Mini Countryman even thought its uncomfortable?

103 replies

myohmywhatawonderfulday · 16/12/2019 15:49

So...last week the dilemma was that dh wouldn't go look at a Mini Countryman even though it was a beautiful example - Chili pack, low mileage etc.

We did go and test drive it. It looked immaculate. It had been looked after. It was the dream. But...I had fogotten how hard mini's are. I used to have a Mini and the feeling came right back.

This week's dilemma...So ..can I do it? Can I really go for style over substance? Can I buy it knowing that it's so uncomfortable?

Does a stylish and comfortable family car exist? I want something that looks like a mini and drives like a Golf.

OP posts:
EntirelyAnonymised · 16/12/2019 15:52

What’s wrong with a Golf? Well built, reliable, comfortable, reasonably smart looking, good trim levels, loads of choice on the second hand market.

MissConductUS · 16/12/2019 15:53

I would go for substance and reliability over style, but it's your money. Just bear in mind that you'll be stuck with it for years.

I drive 12k miles per year so comfort is important to me.

AudacityOfHope · 16/12/2019 15:55

Why would you buy something for daily use that's uncomfortable?

pinkcardi · 16/12/2019 15:55

Erm, no, I think you'd be daft to buy a car that you know is uncomfortable. What's the point in that?

Just buy a golf. They are good looking cars, and great to drive.

IWorkAtTheCheesecakeFactory · 16/12/2019 15:56

Can I really go for style over substance? Can I buy it knowing that it's so uncomfortable?

Of course you can. The question is - why would you? Confused I mean- they’re not even stunning vehicles to look at. Why on earth would you want to spend thousands of pounds to knowingly be uncomfortable?

IWorkAtTheCheesecakeFactory · 16/12/2019 15:57

Golfs also do really well in safety tests.

msmith501 · 16/12/2019 15:58

BMW 1 series? Similar car I think but I suspect way more comfy.

HomelessnessIsABigIssue · 16/12/2019 15:58

Not too keen on minis myself. Some are more comfy that others if you really must have one! Why not test drive a few?

PawPawNoodle · 16/12/2019 15:59

I'd rather have a Golf over a Mini any day - in fact, I do have a Golf and adore it. I think Minis are a weird shape and their interiors are absolutely hideous particularly the big circular monstrosity on the middle of the dash. I also refer to Countryman as Cuntyman when I speak about them

ghostyslovesheets · 16/12/2019 15:59

yeah not getting the obsession with the Mini - they are nice enough but not that nice that you'd sacrifice comfort for one?

I never found them uncomfortable to drive though - but I drive a LOT for work and wouldn't buy anything that was uncomfy

IHaveBrilloHair · 16/12/2019 16:00

I have a Mini and love it, will be getting another, updated one in May, (motability car), but no, I wouldn't get something you are uncomfortable in, that's completely nuts Xmas Confused

MerryDeath · 16/12/2019 16:00

i would never consider a mini stylish! if that's your bag get what you like 🤷‍♀️

EnglishRain · 16/12/2019 16:05

Hate VWs, my Mum used to only have a VW but they never lasted that well. I recently bought a new Ford Focus. So comfy, high spec and nippy. Loads of space too. Perfect family car.

Original poster
myohmywhatawonderfulday · 16/12/2019 16:05

@Polpotnoodle that made me lol!

Yes, I know you are all right.

I can't do it. I can't do it my children in the back.

I have never ever considered that they are anything other than the height of style!!

At the moment we have a Golf from the garage (because my real car is dying in the garage). Its done over 180K and it is so comfortable.

OP posts:
gothefcktosleep · 16/12/2019 16:07

Mercedes A class? I think they’re really smart.

IHaveBrilloHair · 16/12/2019 16:07

I got one because it's small and I can't park for shit btw, it is kinda cool as its a limited edition, but that's still not why I chose it.

CeeCeeEnnEss · 16/12/2019 16:08

Audi A3 or A4?

AudacityOfHope · 16/12/2019 16:09

I used to work with a woman twat who didn't have a car, she 'drove a mini' and didn't own a hoover she 'got the Dyson out'

Don't be that person Grin

IHaveBrilloHair · 16/12/2019 16:09

It is v comfortable for me too, and its generally only me in it, different if you have other people in it regularly, I think I've had people in the back maybe 5 times in almost three years.

Excited101 · 16/12/2019 16:09

DBrother has a Mini Countryman that I drive sometimes, I find it an utterly pretentious pile of crap tbh.

Original poster
myohmywhatawonderfulday · 16/12/2019 16:13

Great suggestions. I will look at the Audi and also the A-class. Thanks everyone.

Smile re 'that person'. I am not 'that person'. I wish I was sometimes (you know impulsive and in the moment) - I have too high a threshold for feeling responsible!

I am going to call them c*ntymans from now on to break my addiction to bubble like cars.

OP posts:
Nat6999 · 16/12/2019 16:20

Look at Seat Leon's, you get loads of equipment low down the range & even top of the range models aren't too expensive. You get the build quality of VW for a lot less money, they are reliable, comfortable & nippy.

LesLavandes · 16/12/2019 16:21

I used to own a Mini Countryman' all wheel drive with every extra. I them moved to the City so didn't need the 'all wheel' drive. I loved that car. V comfortable. I now have a Mini Clubman. Love that also

NKFell · 16/12/2019 16:23

I used to have an A3 and loved it. I'd also second the A-Class for comfort stakes and tbh I like Golfs, I've had two.

CuriousaboutSamphire · 16/12/2019 16:28

Crikey! When I was looking for a car I wanted anythng but a Mini. Then a salesman asked me to humour him. It's a brilliant little car, really comfortable and cheap enough to run.

Wonder what nakes the Countryman so uncomfortable?

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