Looking to buy a Mini Countryman but which model and year?

[Martylaa]

So I'm looking to buy a Mini Countryman, I'd like a sportier version of this car and I've seen the John Cooper Works look rather good as do the reviews. Is it worth it or should I consider a Cooper S instead?

Also I don't want a new one so thinking of maybe looking for a model between 2019 and 2021 with relatively low mileage and FSH. I could go to maybe a 2024 ,model if I really needed to, but ideally I'd like to stick to a limit of say £25k.

Any thoughts?

[hammo19]

2.0 Cooper S Sport. The JCW has very hard suspension. As soon as you get one change the run flat tyres for normal it will improve the ride substantially.

[Martylaa]

Thanks for the advice.

[nordboy]

I had a hatch Cooper S and now have a Countryman JCW. The ride on the Countryman is so much better than the hatch. It's a daily for me and there are absolutely no issues with the suspension or ride.

Mine is a 2021 with a good spec, and as i've just ordered an Ev, I'll genuinely be gutted so see it go. I really enjoy driving it, i was going to get the clubman JCW (now that is quite a harsh ride, way different to the Countryman) but after i drove the Countryman i was amazed at how much fun it is to drive.

It's basically a M135i in a mini. It's deceptively quick and handles really well for a SUV. As i said, i'll be selling mine soon and be sad to see it go.

[Martylaa]

nordboy said:

I had a hatch Cooper S and now have a Countryman JCW. The ride on the Countryman is so much better than the hatch. It's a daily for me and there are absolutely no issues with the suspension or ride.

Mine is a 2021 with a good spec, and as i've just ordered an Ev, I'll genuinely be gutted so see it go. I really enjoy driving it, i was going to get the clubman JCW (now that is quite a harsh ride, way different to the Countryman) but after i drove the Countryman i was amazed at how much fun it is to drive.

It's basically a M135i in a mini. It's deceptively quick and handles really well for a SUV. As i said, i'll be selling mine soon and be sad to see it go.

Thanks, if I'm being honest I do prefer the look of the JCW but I did hear things said online about the ride but good to hear from an owner to say different, I need to test drive a JCW and a Cooper S Sport...

[nordboy]

Martylaa said:

nordboy said:

I had a hatch Cooper S and now have a Countryman JCW. The ride on the Countryman is so much better than the hatch. It's a daily for me and there are absolutely no issues with the suspension or ride.

Mine is a 2021 with a good spec, and as i've just ordered an Ev, I'll genuinely be gutted so see it go. I really enjoy driving it, i was going to get the clubman JCW (now that is quite a harsh ride, way different to the Countryman) but after i drove the Countryman i was amazed at how much fun it is to drive.

It's basically a M135i in a mini. It's deceptively quick and handles really well for a SUV. As i said, i'll be selling mine soon and be sad to see it go.

Thanks, if I'm being honest I do prefer the look of the JCW but I did hear things said online about the ride but good to hear from an owner to say different, I need to test drive a JCW and a Cooper S Sport...

I've had a hatch JCW previously and the ride was very harsh, when i went back to a mini, that's why i went for the cooper s hatch as the ride was much better for day to day.
So I was apprehensive when I test drove the Countryman JCW, but it's absolutely fine, the ride is even better than the CS Hatch, I think it's because it's a different style of car and the suspension just feels far better. Then select all the sport modes and it becomes a great beast to drive. It covers ground deceptively quickly and is FAR more fun to drive than I thought it would be. It really does have the Mini fun.

I'd keep it if I could, but the wife would divorce me if i did.

[Rob 131 Sport]

Martylaa said:

So I'm looking to buy a Mini Countryman, I'd like a sportier version of this car and I've seen the John Cooper Works look rather good as do the reviews. Is it worth it or should I consider a Cooper S instead?

Also I don't want a new one so thinking of maybe looking for a model between 2019 and 2021 with relatively low mileage and FSH. I could go to maybe a 2024 ,model if I really needed to, but ideally I'd like to stick to a limit of say £25k.

Any thoughts?

Whilst not quite the same, I replaced Mrs 131 Sports 2018 Mini Cooper Clubman with a BMW 118i M Sport last year.

I would have a look at a 21 / 22 BMW 128i M Sport as opposed to the Mini.

[Martylaa]

Rob 131 Sport said:

Whilst not quite the same, I replaced Mrs 131 Sports 2018 Mini Cooper Clubman with a BMW 118i M Sport last year.

I would have a look at a 21 / 22 BMW 128i M Sport as opposed to the Mini.

Thanks, but I only like cars that I'm sitting in an elevated position, my Better half has a 2 series BMW and it feels like getting in and out of a go-kart...