To buy a Mini Countryman even thought its uncomfortable?

[myohmywhatawonderfulday]

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.

Lexus if you want bit different

I got a Mini Countryman about a year ago after 12 years of Golfs (2 cars) and much prefer the Mini. I don’t notice that it’s more uncomfortable and I drive on some pretty bumpy roads, but I don’t have run-flat tyres, so that may be why. I changed to the Mini because I wanted the all wheel driving (ALL4), and something with more ground clearance as we live rurally and often have to drive onto verges on single-track roads, but I didn’t want anything too big as our nearest town has tiny parking spaces. The inside space isn’t noticeably different to the Golfs’, and the boot space is fine, it’s narrower than the Golfs’ but taller, which can be more useful. I don’t think that mine looks like I’m just after the image, as it’s generally covered in a thick layer of mud

I have a countryman and it's fine to me? Even over potholes I don't notice.
For me it's economical and has space for 2 kids and a pushchair in the back. U

Sorry for the u at the end, kid headbutted my phone lol.

More fool you if you have money to spend on a car you don't like driving just because you like the look of it (personally, I think the countryman looks bloated and ugly)

Why not if you have the money?

I really don't get the love for Minis.
Spending thousands on something that isn't even comfortable sounds madness.
Just go buy a pair of shoes that are half a size too small...same sense but cheaper

Mine is comfortable for me, and as its a motability car I had the choice of many different cars, still love it which is why I'm getting another next year.

I don't know what a "chili pack" is and don't care enough to find out, I really loathe modern Minis for both looks and finish, but if it's a "sports pack" and/or gives you larger wheels (therefore thinner tyres), that'll be causing the uncomfortable ride. Find one with smaller rims and non-sporty trim and try that.

We're on our third Mini

Most Minis have run-flat tyres. they're as hard as nails and make the ride uncomfortable. Remove them immediately and fit normal tyres. It will be like driving a new car. Even my tyre fitter won't recommend run-flats.

I have no idea why people like minis at all

I used to have a Mini Cooper S Works. It was a wonderful little car. I have since driven a Countryman and wouldn’t consider buying one. All the discomfort with none of the fun.

Get a golf. If you want a fast one with a good driving experience and quality finish, get a GTD/E or an R model. Don’t expect a Seat to come anywhere close to these, although they might match an entry level golf.

My MIL has had a variety of minis in the nearly 15 years I’ve known her, and absolutely loves them. Not a car I’d personally want, but to each their own.

I’d always take comfort over style when it comes to cars, but then I’m used to a long daily commute.

Hi! So Iv had a countryman for 5 yrs. I got it when my eldest was 3, and I changed from a Yaris. I wanted something trendy (and I still think its is) and bigger than the Yaris, but nothing too big as we have a q7 (mainly hubby dearests car). This was my run around for school and work.

Now I have two little ones and my eldest is now 8. It’s a snug fit. And over time Iv realised its a hard car. You feel all the bumps and my gosh the engine sounds like a truck! The air con doesn’t track the kids at back in summer as the main vents are only in front! Doesn’t have Bluetooth for my audio. Iv wanted to change it for a while but everything I feel that is better has a pricier tag on it Volvo xc40 and Audi q5)... so I’m waiting it out...

So Iv test driven many many cars. The overacted ones are, Evoque - it feels far too light, the drive is bumpy and you just don’t feel the quality that you would expect from a Range!

Mercedes GLA- not sure how they can call it a mini SUV! It’s just a car that’s been raised by a few inches! It’s tiny inside! And far too dark with its tiny windows at the back! Awful for kids!

Audi q3- smaller than the countryman! Pointless!

Volvo XC40! Stunning! Comfy drive! Would love it!

BMW X1- made on the same chassis as a countryman. Feels too light and not so great round corners. Great space inside though...

Toyota chr- looks so cool. Toyotas I’ve found are always reliable and financially easier to maintain. But the windows at the back are useless for kids! They simply couldn’t see out of them! And it’s too dark in the back!

All my comparisons come against my countryman for practically, looks and price. And none of the above have come out miles ahead of my countryman. So I’m sticking to it for now.

Hope it helps..

@ MrsNuttyMummy have you looked at the Kodiaq? I just got one this year and love it. I almost got the XC40 but love that the Kodiaq is big but doesn’t feel it to drive (or park!).

Get a golf. If you want a fast one with a good driving experience and quality finish, get a GTD/E or an R model. Don’t expect a Seat to come anywhere close to these, although they might match an entry level golf.

What about the good old GTI?

GTD/E are slower if I remember rightly, and the R is a beauty but not cheap and defo on the hardcore side.

The 208 GTI (especially the Peugeot Sport version) is a great little hot hatch and very overlooked, hence cheap, with much better build quality than the standard 208.

I love the Mini’s ride. Other cars are too rolly and I feel car sick

I have a Volvo XC60. Seriously eyeing the XC40 for next time.

If you are considering a VW Golf, look at Seat Leon, you get higher spec for a lot less money, mine was a lower down the range model but still had built in Sat nav, automatic lights & wipers, cruise control & heated seats, it was built on the same base as Audi A3 & VW Golf, the sport back Leon is identical to the Audi A3 sportback but higher spec similar to S Line for a base model. But much cheaper to buy, Audi A3 S Line sportback prices start from £25,175, Seat Leon from £21,000.

OP fair play to you for coming on here and seeking advice etc - I agree with others that if it's too uncomfortable, why bother with it?

The Vauxhall Mokka must exist entirely for such reasons, I can't think of a more hideous car that epitomises so-called style (!) over substance.

The Golf, especially in 1.5 TSI spec, is all the car most folk would ever need. Tiguan is a great shout also if you need the SUV look or space; Karoq by Skoda is a good alternative also.

I wouldn't drive a car that gave me the arse-ache. I had bad experiences with a hired Micra, and a friend's Mini.

I am a city dweller and prefer a small car. My next one is probably going to be a fiesta, but if cash were unlimited I'd have a good look at the Mercedes A Class. DH drives a SEAT Leon, and it's both roomy and nippy, but for some reason I don't like the driving position.

I had a countryman changed last year to an evoque (yes I have v tacky car taste). It hadn’t occurred to me the mini was uncomfortable but the difference was so noticeable once I changed. Has massively improved my one hour plus commute to work to be in a comfy car. I wouldn’t have a mini again

If you fancy an SUV, I'm on my second Hyundai Tucson, I've got the premium 1.6 turbo model, it is very comfortable without feeling like a big car, has satnav, all round parking sensors, reversing camera, leather heated seats, loads of safety features like lane assist, overtaking warning, ,automatically slows down if it thinks you are too close to the car in front, electronic handbrake & holds at traffic lights or on hills without having to keep your foot brake on. I had wanted another Seat Leon but the ordering time was 14 weeks & I needed another car asap due to DWP taking my disability benefit off me, then winning my appeal. If you are buying second hand, look for ex motability cars because they normally have very low mileage & are dealer maintained. My last one had only done 11k after 3 years.

Mine goes back in May with less than 3k on it!

I don't really care what others think about what I drive. I certainly wouldn't be posting on here for opinions.

Buy whatever makes you feel good. For me smiles per gallon are far important than miles per gallon.