Yeah it's the same. One thing I've found out over the years is that Mini sales guys and service advisors tend to know a lot more about their products. Wish I could say the same for the BMW guys. But hey, that's why forums exist. Now if we could only get them to self educate by joining a few forums.........Phil

most of the time Countryman is being compared to Juke, why not test drive that, most people loved its lively character, you will stay under 25K with all the options. AWD should be great considering its a nissan so will reliability.
and with a quick search it looks like with intake and axleback you have 190+ hp at the wheels when the modding bug bites
Dyno'd Results - 195whp at the Wheels! - Nissan Juke : Juke Forums

I just can't get my eyes around the lines of this car...from the rear; ok. From the front; not gonna happen.

I'll have to make a pass through the KIA, Hyundai, and perhaps Subaru sites to see if I've missed anything.

N, first the 'three carseats' req: you want to be able to stuff 3 kiddie seats across the back seat? :confused:

That '35 mpg' goal: the cars that even list it via EPA Highway rating are few, let alone what anyone actually gets in regular/non-long trip driving, imo. Even in flat FL, a 20ish mpg when 'driving around' is cause for celebration, imo.

Our '10 Hyundai Tucson Ltd, FWD, is listed at '31 hwy'; I have never seen more than 27+ driving like gramps, on steady state highway trips. The EPA highway ratings are unobtainable these days in my opin, with the exception of a few hybrids and midgey cars.

As for shopping Kia, Hyundai, et al, only a couple of their midgey sedans have that mid 30 'rating', from memory.

As for car types to rec'd, I am stumped, esp with your initial $25G target...maybe something off lease or flipped, used in a reliable dlr?

Or, a Honda Fit? Drove one, remarkable 'packaging' use of space, inexpensive, great mpg with the 6 spd. Other than that, I dunno what to suggest.
GL, mD

In about 24 weeks, yup. :wow:
We are looking for a split-duty car; pick up the oldest at (fill in the blank), make a stop at Target, etc. For full boat outings, we'll use the big vehicle, with the oldest in the third row.

My X5 beats the EPA numbers, the GM product we have doesn't come close, so my hope is that the fudge factor will be less

Short list is the Countryman and Ford Focus. Cave on MPG and you can get the Mazda5. Or, cough up some more dough and get an Audi A3 with a 42mpg oil burner, but that forces you into an automatic slushbox.

The Focus really seems promising- I saw one (hatchback) parked in a driveway this past weekend and it is a very pretty car in spite of its Honda Crosstour taillights.

As a Cooper S owner, I can't refute that "general" statement! :)

Greg what problems have you had with your Mini?

Sorry, my bad typing at work. Let me restate, "I can refute that general statement". I have had zero problems in almost 3 years now :). Love my MINI. I have the John Cooper Works package installed now, and this thing just screams! LOVE IT!

You should speak with our friend who worked at BMW/Mini. While you had no problems, Mini's have a reputation for poor quality.

MotoringFile » Archive » MINI Comes in Last in JD Power Quality Survey

Fln8tive can make up his own mind, just giving him some info.