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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:
Foxyloxy1plus1 · 16/12/2019 16:30

My Countryman was very uncomfortable and when I got it, it had runflats on, which made it even worse. It’s a good job it was still under warranty, because lots of little things niggled about it. The only good thing was that the people in the service centre were very polite and helpful.

My Skoda Karoq is the most comfortable car I’ve ever had. So much so, that when we gave a lift to our neighbours, they were impressed, they bought one too. It’s built on a Golf platform and much of the mechanics and electronics is the same. Cheaper than a Golf though and I love it.

SpeckledFrogsLog · 16/12/2019 16:33

Another vote for a Karoq! Excellent cars and incredibly comfortable Smile

Expressedways · 16/12/2019 16:34

SIL has one and we drive it when we go visit them. It’s a horrible, horrible car. I’ve had a golf before and they’re great, I would just go for that again or maybe an Audi A3 if you fancy an upgraded version of the same.

victoriashleigh · 16/12/2019 16:37

We’ve had two Minis (Clubman and now a beautiful 5-door hatch with loads of extras) and I, personally, do think they are stylish but we regularly drive 4/5/6 hours in them and find them comfortable. I don’t think you should buy something you find uncomfortable as you will most likely regret it.

19lottie82 · 16/12/2019 16:37

Don’t buy a mini, they’re utter crap.

msmith501 · 16/12/2019 16:47

Didn't Too Gear vote the Countryman one of the wise cars ever? Can't recall if it was to do with styling or comfort etc.

lisag1969 · 16/12/2019 16:53

I've just got rid of a Mini Countryman. Gone back to Volkswagen. A much better drive as well as so much more comfortable

lisag1969 · 16/12/2019 16:56

I've had. VW. Polo. Golf and now Tiguan. All great. Tiguan lovely for a family if you can get one. X

lisag1969 · 16/12/2019 16:57

Well actually any of them lovely for a family. If you don't have a big pushchair.

Shesalittlemadam · 16/12/2019 17:05

I have an Audi Q2 and I know a lot of people hate them but it's generally a good car. (I don't like the silver C-Pillar either but it can easily be changed to body colour)
I am very disappointed with the build quality though. It's a lot more plasticky than I expected. Doesn't have the heavy clunk when you close the doors like the Golf does or the higher spec Audi's although it is comfortable; although I personally wish I'd gone for the Q3.
Ultimately, it is a good car if you're getting it on a lease like I have done (Motability). I wouldn't recommend buying one

Original poster
myohmywhatawonderfulday · 16/12/2019 17:24

These are all interesting suggestions. I will have a look at the Skoda Karoq.

I think it's the run-flat tires that make the Mini uncomfortable. It felt really hard. I could feel every bump and we were driving on a normal town road. I don't think I would have noticed it so much if I had driven my fiat to try it out. It really was because the ancient Golf was so comfortable that it was really noticeable.

OP posts:
StatisticallyChallenged · 16/12/2019 17:30

We've just got a countryman and it's not uncomfortable at all, and we live on a cobbled road so you find out very quickly. Wonder what the difference is - ours is the all4 phev version

LellyMcKelly · 16/12/2019 17:35

Oh god, my DP has a Countryman and it was a complete bone shaker. We did a 400 mile trip and were absolutely broken by the end of it. He went out the next week and bought BMW - it’s so comfy I could sleep in it.

flouncyfanny · 16/12/2019 17:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

geekone · 16/12/2019 17:40

Jaguar e-pace Chequered Flag. Have a look it’s awesome!

Provincialbelle · 16/12/2019 17:59

Toyota / Lexus win all reliability surveys by a mile - have a look at the new Lexus UX

yellowallpaper · 16/12/2019 18:04

We used to have a genuine VW Beetle and loved it. Such fun to be in but a nightmare re comfort and maintenance. Now I just stick with boring and relatable cars

toodlethenoodle · 16/12/2019 18:09

I wouldn't consider a mini stylish sorry.

autumnkate · 16/12/2019 18:10

I love my Countryman! I don’t think it’s uncomfortable

misspiggy19 · 16/12/2019 18:11

It is an ugly car. Far better alternatives out there

newbingepisodes · 16/12/2019 18:12

Why would you! It's taken me an age of swapping cars to get one that's comfortable for my bad back! No way would I go on looks!

Ellathechristmasfairy · 16/12/2019 18:13

I stupidly brought a mini without test driving it, it was was in a showroom several hundred miles away so had it delivered, I fell in love with its looks and cuteness and thought I could tolerate the hard drive, nope, I only had it a couple of weeks when I pulled my back, every bump and jolt in that car sent me into spasms of pain. I now have a C class Merc and I feel safe, the kids have loads of room; it’s smooth and seemingly more economical than the mini. Don’t do it!

Allice · 16/12/2019 18:52

I have a Mini Countryman, I don't find it uncomfortable, it's my second one.
I'm selling it on Saturday to pay my daughters school fees and want to cry Xmas Angry

Teachermaths · 16/12/2019 18:55

Minis are not stylish. They scream "I give more shits about how I look than anything". They will be this generations Audi TT.

They are also tiny in the back if you have kids.

ChristmasSpiritsOnThRocksPleas · 16/12/2019 18:56

Minis are really unstylish. They were cool about 15 years ago and they never bothered to keep them that way. For comfort I would recommended a merc.

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