15,000 miles in our 2018 JCW Countryman has taught us a lot. For one run-flats aren’t impervious to screws. Also that six speed manual we were excited? Turns out it’s the worst manual MINI offers (that’s still more fun than the auto). Yet this JCW Countryman has been in many ways the best MINI we’ve ever run.
2018 JCW Countryman: Quality
15,000 miles doesn’t tell you all you need to know about longevity and quality but it’s worth noting that we not only haven’t had a fault of any kind but there’s not even a hint of a knock, vibration or rattle anywhere. The material quality of the F series cars is known to be dramatically better what came before it and the Countryman is the best line-up.
The only issues we’ve had have been electrical with the infotainment randomly rebooting randomly a couple times with seemingly no reason. But that’s hardly a real issue. Gone are the days when you had to turn the music up to drown at the rattles (our R50) or check your oil at every fill-up (R56).
Runflats: Not Tough as Nails
Or screws as it turns out. That sad sound of “the thump” meant something fairly serious was going on with the left front. A quick look and there it was – what looked to be a sheet-metal screw lodged squarely into the tread. And while some would say it was salvageable, MINI strongly suggests you replace the tire entirely with a puncture like this. So a quick stop into MINI of Chicago and we were back on the road.
The whole experience left us with mixed feelings about run-flats. That one tire was near $300 – almost double what it would have been was it a standard tire. That extra cost really comes down to convenience. Without the ability to drive on it with quickly decreasing pressure there would have been a tow and a ton of wasted time.
The other downside to run-flats is how they feel. Just a few weeks prior we had swapped our non-runflat winter tires for the run-flats and were immediately reminded of how they dull initial turn-in and some feel. Again, are they worth the trouble? It all comes down to what you’re willing to live.
<p>You say it’s the worst manual MINI offers. Is it the same as a Clubman? Is the worst manual still more fun than the auto?</p>
<p>Yes and yes! I neglected to add a link to the story I did awhile back that goes into more detail on the transmission. In short it’s not as good as the Getrag on all other MINIs but it still brings a lot of engagement to the experience. I’d get it again</p>
<p>I drive and 18 Countryman S all 4 on 19″ wheels and had the summer run-flats switched off in December for a set of Michelin Pilot sport As3+ love the ride inprovement. I did get the spare kit from Out Motoring to give me peace of mind. also 18,000+ (not the cars fault) trouble free motoring</p>
<p>That’s a good call.</p>