Which Years Of Used MINI Cooper Countrymans Are Most Reliable?
The MINI Cooper has enjoyed considerable popularity since its relaunch by BMW in 2001. Its distinctive retro-inspired design, sporty driving characteristics, and compact size have appealed to a broad range of customers who want a unique vehicle that’s oozing with character. However, the MINI Cooper might not be for you if you want more passenger space and utility.
Enter the MINI Cooper Countryman.
A stylish, compact SUV that combines the iconic charm of MINI with the ruggedness and versatility of a modern SUV. It’s a solid choice for those who appreciate a MINI’s unique design and agile handling but need more space and utility for their adventures.
If you want to buy a used MINI Countryman, you have a couple of models to choose from across two generations. However, some model years are certainly more reliable than others. For today’s post, we walk you through all generations of this compact SUV to determine the most reliable MINI Countryman year and which ones to avoid.
THE MINI COOPER COUNTRYMAN YEARS TO AVOID
There are many sleek options available in the MINI line, but you want to make sure your model is reliable as well. Luckily, we’re here at CoPilot to help guide you away from which MINI Cooper Countryman years to avoid.
2011-2016 MINI Cooper Countryman
The first-gen MINI Countryman was essentially a bigger, pseudo-SUV version of the classic MINI Cooper. Early versions used to seat only four passengers, later upgraded to five. Like its smaller sibling, the MINI Cooper Countryman inherits the former’s fun-to-drive personality.
Avoid: 2011 MINI Cooper Countryman
The 2011 MINI Countryman breaks the MINI tradition by being able to actually accommodate a family. However, debut models tend to have various reliability woes due to the lack of large-scale testing. That’s the case with the 2011 MINI Countryman, as it’s one of the models that received the most complaints.
According to CarComplaints.com, the 2011 MINI Cooper Countryman received 40 complaints and no recalls. There was a report about an engine fire from a gentleman in Thailand, but we haven’t seen more complaints regarding this serious issue – so we’ll chalk it up to an isolated incident.
Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) documented 23 complaints for the 2011 MINI Countryman. A common thread among these complaints is the powertrain, with multiple owners recounting instances of power loss and steering wheel seizure. Unfortunately, this model was also prone to electrical issues, with reported cases of a non-functional panoramic sunroof, faulty windshield wipers, and failed sensors.
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Avoid: 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman
The 2012 model is not a good year for the MINI Countryman. In fact, we’ll go as far as claiming it’s the worst iteration of the compact SUV. CarComplaints logged over 60 complaints for the 2012 Countryman. Unfortunately, the 2012 MINI Countryman committed the cardinal sin of having engine and transmission issues. Numerous owners reported engine-related problems, including high oil consumption and overheating. In severe cases, this could lead to engine failure, which is a costly repair.
On the other hand, the NHTSA received 88 complaints for the 2012 Countryman, and the owners’ grievances were predominantly about the problematic engine and its cooling system. Owners have detailed severe problems ranging from engine fires to complete engine failure, suggesting that the 2012 Countryman’s engine was susceptible to overheating, no thanks to the faulty water pump.
Look elsewhere if you’re looking for the most reliable MINI Countryman year.
Buy: 2013 MINI Cooper Countryman
The 2013 MINI Cooper Countryman is one of the better years of the first generation Countryman. U.S. News named it the #1 Affordable Subcompact SUV and praised its agile handling, fun driving dynamics, and excellent safety ratings. It doesn’t have the most user-friendly infotainment system and potent engine, but the Countryman stands out with its higher ride height and available all-wheel drive.
However, there are a few areas to be mindful of. Some owners have reported mechanical issues, including engine and transmission problems. Some customers have also cited electrical issues and high repair costs. There’s also a recall involving the control module in the footwell that may short circuit.
Overall, 2013 is easily the most reliable MINI Countryman year, provided it’s a properly maintained unit.
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2017-Present MINI Countryman
Looking more like an SUV, the second-generation Countryman presents two engine options. It has a somewhat coarse 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder engine and a more powerful, highly engaging 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. Both front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions are available. Interestingly, the second generation of the Countryman dropped the “Cooper” part of the name.
Buy: 2017 MINI Countryman
The 2017 Countryman was fully redesigned, grew in size, and offered more interior space and advanced technology. It also benefited from the redesign, which brought mechanical changes intended to improve reliability and performance.
However, like all vehicles, the 2017 Countryman can have some issues. Some owners have reported electrical problems and premature wear of interior components. The NHTSA documented only five complaints for this model, which is either because it’s problem-free or it’s not a very popular car. We wager it’s a little bit of both.
Overall, the 2017 model is a solid candidate for the most reliable MINI Countryman year.
Buy: 2018 MINI Countryman
In general, the 2018 MINI Countryman received positive reviews for its agile handling, upscale and spacious interior, and potent available engines. Reviewers praised the 2018 Countryman for its sporty handling and comfortable ride quality. Although the base engine was generally deemed adequate, the more potent engines in S and John Cooper Works models offered a more spirited performance.
However, it wasn’t all positive. Some reviewers noted that the Countryman’s pricing was higher than some rivals, particularly when adding optional features. Furthermore, it had the signature MINI drawback of insufficient cargo space.
In terms of reliability, Consumer Reports gave a favorable rating of 5.0 out of 5.0 to the 2018 Countryman for reliability and a 3.0 out of 5.0 score in owner satisfaction. In addition, the compact SUV also performed well in many major trouble spots, including engine, engine cooling, transmission, drive system, electric system, suspension, and body hardware.
A used 2018 MINI Countryman may cost you between $17,500 and $32,988, so it’s not a budget-friendly option. However, the 2018 MINI Countryman has a lot to offer in terms of features and long-term reliability.
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