1 hour ago, oldstan said:

 

 

I just looked at the dimensions of the new MINI Countryman. Blimey! Thats remarkable!

 

It's honestly as tall, wide and long as any of the more obvious candidates spoken about here. I'm amazed.

 

It would be churlish not to, at least, go and have a look.

 

Thanks.

 

Incidentally, what's "semi-automaticdriving"

Semi automatic driving is basically what it says! On any road with defined edges, which a camera can identify, once activated the system will steer the car to keep it mid lane and also activate advanced cruise control which controls acceleration and braking to maintain a safe distance from the car in front up to your set speed. If the lane of traffic comes to a halt the system brings the car to a stop then as traffic starts moving it accelerates up to your set speed keeping a safe distance from the car in front. This is great in stop and go traffic as the car smoothly starts and stops automatically. The system requires you to keep your hands on the steering wheel, otherwise it beeps at you and flashes a warning to get you to put your hands back on the wheel. I honestly thought this was gimmicky until I tried it, also worried about its ability to see road edges and other cars in front. However it is impressively accurate and great on journeys to enable driver to relax and keep your attention on the road while not having to make continual speed/steering inputs. The other part of this is that on the Heads Up display as well as seeing speed etc the system warns you of any sharp bends coming up with a visual display and actually counts down distance to the bend, on windy roads I am not familiar with this is a very welcome assistance. Other systems too numerous to mention but it just highlights how things have moved on over the last ten years. 

I know it looks “big” but it shrinks around you and drives like a smaller car. Very mini’ish! Go try it.

Ah, I see. Thank you.

 

For some reasom (most likely an age related reason) I assumed it was a transmission thing and that the gearbox was, in some way, semi automatic, but on reflection I was barking up the wrong tree there.

On 18/01/2025 at 15:53, oldstan said:

Ah, I see. Thank you.

 

For some reasom (most likely an age related reason) I assumed it was a transmission thing and that the gearbox was, in some way, semi automatic, but on reflection I was barking up the wrong tree there.

Are you going to try one - incidentally I am in my late 70’s and soon got used to the Countryman and tech aids after selling my Yeti.

As mentioned, it would be wrong to discount the car now that you have highlighted that it's the size equivalent of other cars that I would seriously considedr (primarily the ones I listed earlier)

 

Several things did spring to mind after you spoke about the Countryman - for better and for worse.  By outlining them below I'm afraid I expose the mixed up and illogical state my frazzled brain is in. For example I like the (supposed and reputed) build quality of BMWs but have a very firm dislike of them  - but I will not go into any sort of detail regarding what it is that puts me off them for fear of causing offence.  And there is a strong link between Between MINI and BMW which I may not be disposed to overlook.

 

I've said for years how incredibly popular MINIs are on the road ... so they can't all be bad. But I've never yearned to own one.

 

I'm not at all sure I like the amount  and the design of the interior design and degree of technology.  It's not only me that's not keen on having to learn, and remember, how to control everything -  my Mrs would be worse than me and wouldn't be at all happy because, trust me, she's not good with new technology. And if I'm going to spend more on a MINI than I would on one of the alternatives I want to be happy and contented, and ditto the good lady.

 

I don't know how cheap or expensive the servicing and insurance and ongoing maintenace is.  I'm aware that BMWs have aspects of their maintenance that I wouldn't be happy to get the bill for. My neighbour has a Sport model 3 series and some of what he tells me I don't find appealing.

 

I'll be honest and say I foresee that the sense of familiarity that I had when sitting in the Karoq recently MIGHT be enough to draw me towards staying with something that feels psychologically comfortable. And financially I can see that a MINI is going to make a bigger hole in my pocket.....Skodas can attract at least four grand off list and the Main Dealer is handy wheras a MINI dealer isn't.

 

But I haven't, yet, been to look at one so it's early days.

 

Further thanks to yourgoodself and the others who have troubled to reply  so far.

Edited 20 January, 20251 yr by oldstan

Regarding the MINI Countryman.

 

Went into the BMW showroom at Exeter today. Quite a few BMWs in there looking very posh. Some of them looking spectacularly posh. Only three MINI's though. A convertible, A JCW Countryman and another that I've forgotten.

 

I only looked at the Countryman.  A few things jumped out at me.

 

Ihe interior was very dark with the headlining being so dark.

Everything seemed to be nicely built and high quality and a bit posh to my simple eyes.

Quite a lot of shiny things, including the bit under the sills which was gloss black.  Doesn't seem a good idea but looks flash.

Comfortable seats with plenty room to stretch legs in the front. The back didn't seem bad either. Nice steering wheel adjustment - although i could feel the drivers head rest on the back of my head and it didnt adjust - that would be an issue for me.

Because it was a John Cooper Works model it I presume it had more stuff on it than a more basic one. It all looked quite overwhelming to me, but I'm used toi a 2011 Yeti and a 2011 Hyundai i10

 

I fely uncomfortable in the BMW showroom and wasn't drawn to the ambience and atmosphere. 

 

There weren't enough plus's to outnumber the minus's and I won't be buying one.

 

But I appreciate the suggestion, Expat, and now know just how sizeable and sophisticated a MINI can be.

On 20/01/2025 at 22:55, oldstan said:

As mentioned, it would be wrong to discount the car now that you have highlighted that it's the size equivalent of other cars that I would seriously considedr (primarily the ones I listed earlier)

 

Several things did spring to mind after you spoke about the Countryman - for better and for worse.  By outlining them below I'm afraid I expose the mixed up and illogical state my frazzled brain is in. For example I like the (supposed and reputed) build quality of BMWs but have a very firm dislike of them  - but I will not go into any sort of detail regarding what it is that puts me off them for fear of causing offence.  And there is a strong link between Between MINI and BMW which I may not be disposed to overlook.

 

I've said for years how incredibly popular MINIs are on the road ... so they can't all be bad. But I've never yearned to own one.

 

I'm not at all sure I like the amount  and the design of the interior design and degree of technology.  It's not only me that's not keen on having to learn, and remember, how to control everything -  my Mrs would be worse than me and wouldn't be at all happy because, trust me, she's not good with new technology. And if I'm going to spend more on a MINI than I would on one of the alternatives I want to be happy and contented, and ditto the good lady.

 

I don't know how cheap or expensive the servicing and insurance and ongoing maintenace is.  I'm aware that BMWs have aspects of their maintenance that I wouldn't be happy to get the bill for. My neighbour has a Sport model 3 series and some of what he tells me I don't find appealing.

 

I'll be honest and say I foresee that the sense of familiarity that I had when sitting in the Karoq recently MIGHT be enough to draw me towards staying with something that feels psychologically comfortable. And financially I can see that a MINI is going to make a bigger hole in my pocket.....Skodas can attract at least four grand off list and the Main Dealer is handy wheras a MINI dealer isn't.

 

But I haven't, yet, been to look at one so it's early days.

 

Further thanks to yourgoodself and the others who have troubled to reply  so far.

Hi.

If you need any help with insurance at all for any vehicle you're looking at then please feel free to drop me a line.

Regards,

Dan.

Thank you.

On 21/01/2025 at 17:54, oldstan said:

Regarding the MINI Countryman.

 

Went into the BMW showroom at Exeter today. Quite a few BMWs in there looking very posh. Some of them looking spectacularly posh. Only three MINI's though. A convertible, A JCW Countryman and another that I've forgotten.

 

I only looked at the Countryman.  A few things jumped out at me.

 

Ihe interior was very dark with the headlining being so dark.    That’s why I bought the base C model and added a Level 2 pack to get ’toys’I wanted.

Everything seemed to be nicely built and high quality and a bit posh to my simple eyes. MINI came top, beating Lexus, in a recent quality review in one of the major car magazines.

Quite a lot of shiny things, including the bit under the sills which was gloss black.  Doesn't seem a good idea but looks flash. Again - that’s why I bought the base C model to avoid the flashiness.

Comfortable seats with plenty room to stretch legs in the front. The back didn't seem bad either. Nice steering wheel adjustment - although i could feel the drivers head rest on the back of my head and it didnt adjust - that would be an issue for me. - Again headrests in C model are much less prominent.

Because it was a John Cooper Works model it I presume it had more stuff on it than a more basic one. It all looked quite overwhelming to me, but I'm used toi a 2011 Yeti and a 2011 Hyundai i10

Yes, the John Cooper model comes with much I wouldn’t want.

 

I fely uncomfortable in the BMW showroom and wasn't drawn to the ambience and atmosphere. Isn’t there a dedicated MINI showroom near you? The one I use is totally separate from BMW and the people were very approachable and not BMW’ish at all!

 

There weren't enough plus's to outnumber the minus's and I won't be buying one. Fair play - it’s your choice!

 

But I appreciate the suggestion, Expat, and now know just how sizeable and sophisticated a MINI can be.

 

Edited 22 January, 20251 yr by Expatman

Grateful to you for taking the trouble to reply in such helpful detail, Expatman.

 

It's a bit of a shame they only had those three models.  You raise a fair point in asking if there's a MINI only showroom available to visit.

 

To be honest, there definitely WAS a MINI showroom on the Marsh Barton Estate, a feww hundred yards up the way, but it now sells something else.  I will double check to be absolutely sure.

 

From what you've said I may well not have felt so out of my depth in a more basic model, so thank you for reiterating that point.

I just checked online and it was confirmed that, following a re-furb with lots of shiny fittings and bright lights and massive windows .... that BMW and MINI share the same showroom and the lady that pointed me towards those three MINIs when I asked to see the new MINIs on show was entirely correct in doing so - and, in fact, that was the extent of their display of new models.

 

No, having spent a few moments summing up in my mind whether I want to follow that course, the answer is no.

MINI isn't for me.

 

 

Oldstan, have you had a look at the \Volvo XC40?

 

Colin

A very valid point, Colin.  I haven't looked at one in the flesh or driven one coz I sort of feel it's a tiny bit above my modest station. 🙂

 

The fact is I could have one without going without food or needing to send the Mrs out on the street but they seem a bit too pricey for me to be able to realistically justify.

 

I love the looks and the safety aspect and the high seating and would imagine they're quick, comfortable and lovely to drive.  But I've told myself I won't go over the £40,000 limit and it seemed most were. I didn't look all that closely but a quick glance didn't show me any brokers offering a discount. I guess there must be some though.

6 minutes ago, oldstan said:

A very valid point, Colin.  I haven't looked at one in the flesh or driven one coz I sort of feel it's a tiny bit above my modest station. 🙂

 

The fact is I could have one without going without food or needing to send the Mrs out on the street but they seem a bit too pricey for me to be able to realistically justify.

 

I love the looks and the safety aspect and the high seating and would imagine they're quick, comfortable and lovely to drive.  But I've told myself I won't go over the £40,000 limit and it seemed most were. I didn't look all that closely but a quick glance didn't show me any brokers offering a discount. I guess there must be some though.

I like the XC40 - it's a good all rounder.

 

I'd still have a look at the latest Dacia Duster though, if you like the less flashy.

I did go in to the Dacia dealer recently and there was a new Duster there. I had a decent look round. The sales staff were presumably all busy so I wasn't troubled by a young man with pointy shoes and all was fine . The only thing I wasn't keen on was the drivers seat didn't suit me as well as the Mini or the Karoq or the Puma but Id need to return to check that out. Not sure if lumbar support is available on some models.

It did tick most boxes and felt nicely put together and it can have an extended warranty which I liked.

I think the top model has heated seats, so maybe that has adjustable lumbar.

I bought an XC40 in November after 'doing the rounds' with likely candidates.

(XC40 B4 Ultra). Quiet, comfortable, well spec'd.

Yes, it was over £40k but agreed a competition beating trade on my Yeti. The Volvo clincher was their promotion at the time

which was 50% deposit (covered by the trade and some spare cash) with the balance over three years at ZERO% interest. (Audi et al take note!)

 

If you have set a £40k limit, why not try a dealer warranted pre-owned one and see what you think?

Edited 23 January, 20251 yr by Bexhillian

3 hours ago, Bexhillian said:

I bought an XC40 in November after 'doing the rounds' with likely candidates.

(XC40 B4 Ultra). Quiet, comfortable, well spec'd.

Yes, it was over £40k but agreed a competition beating trade on my Yeti. The Volvo clincher was their promotion at the time

which was 50% deposit (covered by the trade and some spare cash) with the balance over three years at ZERO% interest. (Audi et al take note!)

 

If you have set a £40k limit, why not try a dealer warranted pre-owned one and see what you think?

The financial road tax penalty of buying a car with invoice price >40k is something I wouldn’t live with. You end up paying an extra £410 a year for the first five years, so that’s £600 per year minimum - EVEN IF YOU BUY IT SECOND HAND  within those 5 years. I simply refuse to be ripped off by the government that much!

18 hours ago, Prezafab said:

I think the top model has heated seats, so maybe that has adjustable lumbar.

 

 

 

I spotted this in an RAC review of the new Duster.

 

The Duster’s driving position is more SUV-like than some of the car’s hatchback-on-stilts alternatives. Plenty of wheel and seat adjustment allows you to get comfortable easily, but the lack of adjustable lumbar support on any version is a shame.

 

Another, newer Yeti it is then !?

 

We got an SEL last time because we couldn't find an SEL Drive 4x4 TDi dsg for a price that wasn't insane, and we avoided the L&K just because of the panoramic roof 'risk'. I think the L&K is available with an electric drivers seat (as well as standard heated screen)

3 hours ago, Prezafab said:

Another, newer Yeti it is then !?

 

 

 

No, I fear not.  If they still made them then that would be very likely.  But if I went for a Skoda it would be the Karoq.  A 1.5 SE Edition with DSG in either silver or grey metallic and probably a spare wheel (either space saver or not, as the case may be)

No sunroof

No VarioFlex seats

Looks like they do black wheels or silver with fancy ugly wheel trims, so it would be the black.

Don't know about extended warranty. Apparently you can buy it at the time of purchase for £630 or wait until the three years is up - and the salesman said the latter option is still the same level manufacturers warranty and the cost depends on projected mileage. His opinion was that it was a waste of money.  My opinion is that I would be afraid the DSG went wrong out of warranty.

 

 

Edited 24 January, 20251 yr by oldstan

I've had an Audi courtesy car for the last 2 weeks with the same engine while my Audi is being fixed.

Very smooth, economical, not particularly quick but good enough.

 

On the warranty I bought the extended Audi warranty last year (fortunately!) Via the Audi website, and pay monthly for it. I wouldn't have any modern (ie expensive if something breaks) car out of the normal 3 year warranty without one.

2 hours ago, Prezafab said:

 

On the warranty I bought the extended Audi warranty last year (fortunately!) Via the Audi website, and pay monthly for it. I wouldn't have any modern (ie expensive if something breaks) car out of the normal 3 year warranty without one.

 

 

You said "fortunately".  Presumably something expensive went wrong... ?

 

Opposite the main dealer where any new Skoda would be srviced is a KIA dealer. 

 

I've had Hyundais but not a Kia.  The seven year warranty is, on the face of it at least, a distinct plus.  If I bought one today I'd be 81 when the warranty ran out.  something to consider .....

Fortunately in that dealers these days typically diagnose faults then replace whole modules or units, rather than repair them, and the amount of electronics & mild hybridisation affects all brands.

My Audi has been in for an extended period of diagnosis but is still running fine.

 

As an example, a faulty LED headlight would be over £2000 each, and that's dead easy to fit...I think a long warranty when you are getting older is a good point, provided you religiously take it back for servicing at the dealer, despite your mileage maybe dropping off. So you invest money in probably less than strictly necessary servicing, but you are protected from major failures.

Oldstan, new Volvo prices are fixed so no negotiation. They do regularly have the manufacturer promotions, such as the 50% down and the interest free on the balance. I have also seen £1,500 minimum off and two free services. If you go for the Plus model it comes in well under the £40K threshold [before any promotions] and has nearly everything you could want, including the heated front screen. 

In real terms it is little more expensive than a similarly equipped Karoq, and I would say more of a keeper.  My 2019 Audi A3 1.5L petrol is an absolute dream. I replaced my Yeti with this from new and I cannot fault it. When it comes to change the XC40 will be on my list as I would prefer a little more weight for towing.

 

Colin

Edited 25 January, 20251 yr by eribaMotters

All noted with much interest.

 

I should, really , have looked at one in the showroom ... I've driven through Marsh Barton a million times, I've no excuse.  (The most frequent place we visit on Marsh Barton is Makro, in order to get their sides of salmon)