Used Mini Countryman 2010-2017 reliability review

What should I look for in a used MINI Countryman?

There are a few build quality issues to be aware of with the Mini Countryman – for example, the faux chrome – which is actually just a silver finish on plastic – can peel, and alloy wheels can show corrosion in the form of bubbling. Keep an eye out for these as you look around the bodywork.

If you’re looking at an All4 model with a manual gearbox, make sure you pay close attention to the clutch bite point. They have a habit of wearing their clutches out early, so if the one you’re test-driving is worn, make sure you factor in the price of a replacement in when you’re negotiating on price.

To date, there has been one recall affecting the Countryman, specifically models built between August 2010 and March 2013. This involved replacing part of the wiring harness with one fitted with better connector seals after it was discovered that moisture could enter the connectors and cause them to overheat, resulting in a fire.

Is a used MINI Countryman reliable?

There’s very little statistical data available on the Countryman specifically, but many of its more common problems are costly to fix. What’s more, the Mini Cooper hatchback got a below-average score in the What Car? Reliability Index, while in the JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study of 2016, Mini as a whole finished sixth from bottom. In other words, it looks like there are more reliable options out there.