We got rid of the our 4Runner and got a countryman. I’ve been impressed a number of times by the MINI. A week ago we were driving in the rain in northwest Oklahoma, and visibility was low. Our two year old got car sick (because she couldn’t see out very far I assume). I had to pull off the little two lane highway but couldn’t see. Once I had pulled off I could tell I was in deep mud. I opened the door and saw our wheels buried. I was honestly afraid we were stuck, because a lot of 4x4s would have struggled out of the mess I had gotten us into, but when we hit the road again, the Countryman had no issues. I felt the All4 engaging. I was shocked at how easy it was, because I was in a situation where I could have buried us up to the frame. I saw a small patch of gravel about 10 feet in front of us, and I thought if I could get to it, I’d be able to turn back onto the road. The All4 really works well, and we made it out easily.
Fun vid. As a Mini Countryman owner for 18 months now I can say I really enjoy this car and have had zero issues with it... I do get a little tired of the people that have never owned or even driven one spouting out negative comments.. well "I heard this" . Just don't comment because I'm sure there are people that can do the same for your chosen vehicle.
My Cooper S r53 is a champ! A lot of people say that Minis break down a lot, especially the older ones like mine, but I’ve put 12,000 miles on it in addition to the 76,000 it had and it has no current problems or any problems since 2004 when brand new. It’s running as reliably as a Toyota Camry. Minis are not bad cars at all. 👍
@@sebastianasian That was a recall...most people have no issues. The issues with the Mini were over exaggerated in the media because Mini was a British automaker reemerging on the US market so from 2002 - 2007 they were under a lot of scrutiny. You know automakers usually run smear campaigns on foreign competition. No telling what dirty tricks GMC did to deter Mini buyers. GM hates foreign automakers so much that many foreign automakers wont even work with GM. All the foreign automakers run to Ford for design and performance help.
The thing is that most modern All Wheel drive systems that can transfer torque are very good at their job and with some properish tires can pull off impressive feats off-road, and many of these latest crossovers will get you to places you did not think they could as TFL has consistently proved, their limiting factor is usually the ground clearance and the approach and departure angles. Even simulated low range boxes (Like the Cayenne, Touareg, Levante and the likes) which is just basically the ECU of the car forcing the gearbox into first gear for max torque will work wonders. I'm becoming more and more impressed by the day on what manufacturers can make their Crossovers do with simple electronic trickery and a bog standard all wheel drive system
Most crossover people don't even know what capability their crossover can do so they don't go off road. Most of them live in a city where there is no off road. Some people are scared that their vehicle will not be able to do that. But actually the vehicle can probably do more than they think it can.
That awd system is very capable if you put some slightly more agressive tires it would be great off road the tires spun a few rotations and the system sorted it out
Last October that I bought my 1.5turbo ALL4 countryman and tested it in snowy conditions., it felt like it's all4 drive worked better than the AWdrive of my previous SUV and ever since I've been looking for a review to confirm this.Thanks a lot TFLcar!!!(btw no issues at all for me too-11500km so far)
My 04 Disco had engine issues at 40K. Switched to LR3 and was much happier. But I must say I still get muddy in the first gen 2012 Countryman S. It's been a moderate trail vehicle and a superb daily driver.
Used to own one of the original Mini Coopers. Loved that car. Very fun to drive. The BMW versions are not bad but cross overs are not really minis. I have driven a Countryman though and it was still fun to drive.
I have a 4 series Gran Coupe with xDrive and I live in Norway, the car just doesn't get stuck in snow or on ice no matter what. I got winter tyres, of course. Will always opt for xDrive.
I loved my 2011 mini country man and. It was great in snow and lucky we had the extended warranty. The issue is once the warranty went out, it became very expensive to maintain. We sold it after 60K.
Please trust me-he can more, than that. I use him in -50C amount 3 years and make trip 3000 km one way from Yakutia to Baikal and back. Just one incident - 100 km on punctured RunFlat tire. Very strong chassis, but bad electronics in lowest temperatures
Didn’t know the countryman was the biggest mini. I always thought it was the clubman with the barn doors for family stuff. Interesting. I really like the minis but have heard their reliability are not that good.
Reliability used to be worse right after BMW took over but it's definitely gotten better - hard to tell though since the newer generation isn't old enough to show major problems yet
We live in the woods in N. Minnesota, lots of snow! Our MINI is a blast to drive in fresh snow - the key? Nokian snow tires! Hands down the best winter tire there is. The Finns know how to make a snow tire - they invented them. We have also used Nokian all season tires, which are very good too!
saw a comment have to drive it home love the production quality of videos. TFL is the place for me anything and everything Vehicle related keep it up everyone
I can't believe that you actually wrote in the heavy dust on the Countryman's rear bumper !! Really? I was surprised that the Mini followed the Discovery up through that articulation test, well done!
First time today I noticed in any of your videos, but your color grading is great, none of that overly saturated green stuff (that what made me notice).
Great review, well done! How did the 2wd Mini Cooper make it to the mine? Is there an alternative route? It seemed like the route tested the off road capabilities and a low clearance/2wd car wouldn’t have a chance. But there it was at the top. I have had an 08 Cooper for 10 years and it has been very reliable and has only been in the shop twice (both less than $400).
Roman, pease buy an old civic. I'm not a fan of them - but I still hear "my civic can do that"... Take it alone on each trip to show if it can or can't would be awesome and it will give real world perspective.
What’s the song playing in this video? Also what a sick Mini Countryman. I wish I could own a Mini Countryman but I’ve got a 2004 Mini hardtop in red and black with white hood stripes with black edges.
Interesting video!. 5 Stars. Was thinking about the 'potholes' in the video. The ones I comes across on my daily On-road commute are at least thrice as deep (and large).
Does putting the Disco into Low Range lock the center diff and/or vice-versa? If not, it would have been nice to see it try to go up in all four "settings".
Great video but question is that a new Mini? Cause if so it is not considered a Crossover anymore it's unfortunately a SUV due to it's larger size, just saying but keep it up.
Cool review .... don’t care for mini’s ... not about to steal someone’s sunshine, they love the mini community, good on them.... as for me ... I’m surprised they still make them
Good looking recovery Rover👍... but are you guys taking bets on when it well end up on a tow truck? 🤦♂️🤣🤭kidding That mini did pretty good ... I like that idea of a dedicated drivers-side, side window visor.
After a $5000 clutch replacement on SWMBO Mini Cooper S Countryman All4... it's going bu-bye in 14 months. Probably a Subaru or Chevy Bolt lease next. No more BMWs in Mini drag. Our wallets won't allow it.
Depends of the manufacturer... Rav's4 has an awful traction control system. At the speed he was going up with the Mini, the Rav4 would have been stuck, as the traction control doesn't really stop the spinning wheel to send all the necessary torque to the other wheels. Take a Subaru, and would have been same as Mini in that case.
![Mini Clubman vs Countryman - Which is the best ?! [Buyers Guide]](/img/n.gif)
We got rid of the our 4Runner and got a countryman. I’ve been impressed a number of times by the MINI. A week ago we were driving in the rain in northwest Oklahoma, and visibility was low. Our two year old got car sick (because she couldn’t see out very far I assume). I had to pull off the little two lane highway but couldn’t see. Once I had pulled off I could tell I was in deep mud. I opened the door and saw our wheels buried. I was honestly afraid we were stuck, because a lot of 4x4s would have struggled out of the mess I had gotten us into, but when we hit the road again, the Countryman had no issues. I felt the All4 engaging. I was shocked at how easy it was, because I was in a situation where I could have buried us up to the frame. I saw a small patch of gravel about 10 feet in front of us, and I thought if I could get to it, I’d be able to turn back onto the road. The All4 really works well, and we made it out easily.
Fun vid. As a Mini Countryman owner for 18 months now I can say I really enjoy this car and have had zero issues with it... I do get a little tired of the people that have never owned or even driven one spouting out negative comments.. well "I heard this" . Just don't comment because I'm sure there are people that can do the same for your chosen vehicle.
i feel the same way about mine man
My Cooper S r53 is a champ! A lot of people say that Minis break down a lot, especially the older ones like mine, but I’ve put 12,000 miles on it in addition to the 76,000 it had and it has no current problems or any problems since 2004 when brand new. It’s running as reliably as a Toyota Camry. Minis are not bad cars at all. 👍
Because you had 18 months? 'I heard engine/tranny blew around 60k' so you are not there yet...
@@sebastianasian That was a recall...most people have no issues. The issues with the Mini were over exaggerated in the media because Mini was a British automaker reemerging on the US market so from 2002 - 2007 they were under a lot of scrutiny. You know automakers usually run smear campaigns on foreign competition. No telling what dirty tricks GMC did to deter Mini buyers. GM hates foreign automakers so much that many foreign automakers wont even work with GM. All the foreign automakers run to Ford for design and performance help.
The thing is that most modern All Wheel drive systems that can transfer torque are very good at their job and with some properish tires can pull off impressive feats off-road, and many of these latest crossovers will get you to places you did not think they could as TFL has consistently proved, their limiting factor is usually the ground clearance and the approach and departure angles. Even simulated low range boxes (Like the Cayenne, Touareg, Levante and the likes) which is just basically the ECU of the car forcing the gearbox into first gear for max torque will work wonders.
I'm becoming more and more impressed by the day on what manufacturers can make their Crossovers do with simple electronic trickery and a bog standard all wheel drive system
Me: *wonders if I can take my Countryman on a specific road in Colorado You guys: *take a Countryman on that exact road
which road is it? i'd love to take my countryman down it too
I thought Montezuma was in Arizona?
I wish more people took crossovers off-road like you guys.
Teddy's Lift World - We exist... but crossover drivers not afraid to go off-road are exceptionally-rare.
Most crossover people don't even know what capability their crossover can do so they don't go off road. Most of them live in a city where there is no off road. Some people are scared that their vehicle will not be able to do that. But actually the vehicle can probably do more than they think it can.
"Mini dipping"
Whoever thought of that needs a damn raise. 😂😂
This is such a wholesome channel. Just a dad and his son doing what they like. Beautiful and entertaining.
I gotta say, as he's gained experience, Tommy's gotten really good as a reviewer. Good video!
Rytime I agree wholeheartedly. I enjoy the videos that Roman and his son Tommy do together!
Thommy is easily my favorite of the crew
That awd system is very capable if you put some slightly more agressive tires it would be great off road the tires spun a few rotations and the system sorted it out
The camera work with the drone was beautiful.
Last October that I bought my 1.5turbo ALL4 countryman and tested it in snowy conditions., it felt like it's all4 drive worked better than the AWdrive of my previous SUV and ever since I've been looking for a review to confirm this.Thanks a lot TFLcar!!!(btw no issues at all for me too-11500km so far)
The AWD of the Mini's is really good. Super good no matter the surface or challenge
Because it’s a tiny car, a tiny car always work well in snow, except for deep snow where ground clearance can be an issue.
It’s pretty cool when dad & son spend time together sharing the same passion and enjoying the moments.
My 04 Disco had engine issues at 40K. Switched to LR3 and was much happier. But I must say I still get muddy in the first gen 2012 Countryman S. It's been a moderate trail vehicle and a superb daily driver.
Used to own one of the original Mini Coopers. Loved that car. Very fun to drive. The BMW versions are not bad but cross overs are not really minis. I have driven a Countryman though and it was still fun to drive.
Glad to see all 3 vehicles made it to the top. That mine looks like it was hit by both a tornado and a fire!
The quality of your videos over the past year have tripled I love it.
The rain at the end with the drone shots looked cool.
I’ll get me the 2020 JCW Countryman with 306bhp and I know it will make me happy like my ABARTH does 😎 great review
That girl in the light blue mini is so me lol. 😂
Emily Marion-Walker nice so cute
Great to see 2 British classics Mini and the Disco being driven in the USA.
I own a fwd mini cooper non s with a lift and mudding tires it works great, yall need a little more faith in the mini for basic offroading lol
Just got my first Mini--Countryman S, All 4 like this one. Taking it camping for the first time in July.
I guess that proves BMW X-Drive works well.
they got that from LR.
I have a 4 series Gran Coupe with xDrive and I live in Norway, the car just doesn't get stuck in snow or on ice no matter what. I got winter tyres, of course. Will always opt for xDrive.
Greetings from Montreal. Great video. A friend owns this model. Not cheap. Car payment,insurance ,indoor parking and gas, just under $1000.00 a month.
Tommy is definitely the better Off-Roader of the crew, seems there's nothing he can't make work
I loved my 2011 mini country man and. It was great in snow and lucky we had the extended warranty. The issue is once the warranty went out, it became very expensive to maintain. We sold it after 60K.
Give it a snorkel and some K02 tires. :)
I like your enthusiasm and faith in the Mini ! LOL
I Have a fwd minicooper nons with a lift and achiliese mud tired works great, just need the snorkel
Please trust me-he can more, than that. I use him in -50C amount 3 years and make trip 3000 km one way from Yakutia to Baikal and back. Just one incident - 100 km on punctured RunFlat tire. Very strong chassis, but bad electronics in lowest temperatures
Which one
Have owned 3 MINI total. Wife has a ‘14 Countryman S and I traded my ‘12 Hardtop S for a JK Rubicon two months ago. Good and fun vehicles.
Didn’t know the countryman was the biggest mini. I always thought it was the clubman with the barn doors for family stuff. Interesting. I really like the minis but have heard their reliability are not that good.
You are correct, the countryman is the biggest.
Reliability used to be worse right after BMW took over but it's definitely gotten better - hard to tell though since the newer generation isn't old enough to show major problems yet
sirabdude14 Gen 3 out since 2014, and reliability as good as Honda's now.
@@darexdarex yeah I haven't heard of many people having major problems with the F56s yet
Very good news since they're loads of fun
since 2014?????? because it's only 4 years old WTF
8:12 OMG, that girl is so BUBBLY ! Just hearing her cheered me up, LOL. That's such a nice trait.
8:30 That Jurassic Park music . . . LMAO.
My mini 2 door is a beast in the snow... surprisingly
We live in the woods in N. Minnesota, lots of snow! Our MINI is a blast to drive in fresh snow - the key? Nokian snow tires! Hands down the best winter tire there is. The Finns know how to make a snow tire - they invented them. We have also used Nokian all season tires, which are very good too!
Really REALLY good drone work at the end of this video. You guys are getting better and better. Keep up the fantastic work guys! ( and girl )
saw a comment have to drive it home love the production quality of videos. TFL is the place for me anything and everything Vehicle related keep it up everyone
Cool video. Love the dramatic music and the sweeping shot of the mine.
Just ordered a 2" lift to throw on our all4 S model countryman. Mounted up some AT Yokahama tires. Excited!
This is like watching a short film titled MINI. Wonderful. What an Idea. Love from India. Keep Going. Cheers.
I can't believe that you actually wrote in the heavy dust on the Countryman's rear bumper !! Really?
I was surprised that the Mini followed the Discovery up through that articulation test, well done!
Good review as always and fun adventure! Nice to see the father-son dynamic
Song @ 3:25
Hurt To The Bone - Daniel Gunnarsson
Mini was in rally wasn’t it
My respect for Mini is resolved.
Great video as always.
Love that Pinzgauer!
First time today I noticed in any of your videos, but your color grading is great, none of that overly saturated green stuff (that what made me notice).
Thanks
Great review as always. That car's front grill look like it's so sad🙁😂😂
The end of the video was so amazingly dramatic haha
Great review, well done! How did the 2wd Mini Cooper make it to the mine? Is there an alternative route? It seemed like the route tested the off road capabilities and a low clearance/2wd car wouldn’t have a chance. But there it was at the top.
I have had an 08 Cooper for 10 years and it has been very reliable and has only been in the shop twice (both less than $400).
Music is all over the place
Great video and review. I agree with the other comments about the beautiful camera work. Great entertainment.
Roman, pease buy an old civic. I'm not a fan of them - but I still hear "my civic can do that"... Take it alone on each trip to show if it can or can't would be awesome and it will give real world perspective.
Should be called Death Trap Mine, great video production TFL!
Mini needs to make a production model of the Mini JCW Rally that can compete with other off road cars.
Very fun and loving father/son relationship! 😃👍
Ooh the Muzak at 3.20-3.45....wonderful! Who IS it?
What’s the song playing in this video? Also what a sick Mini Countryman. I wish I could own a Mini Countryman but I’ve got a 2004 Mini hardtop in red and black with white hood stripes with black edges.
Lucas Gorham ooooh fancy
I wondered that too. Used Shazam and looked it up. Daniel Gunnarsson - Hurt To The Bone th-cam.com/video/-cyOHGu-SMs/w-d-xo.html
I live in New Jersey and I noticed must test vehicles have New Jersey plates why ? Lol
That’s we’re Mini’s US HQ is located.
Tony Man BMW North America is located at Woodcliff Lake NJ!!
Many automakers register their cars in NJ because it's a major port of entry from Europe.
Bruce Solomon I don’t know if this is a contributing factor but for all new cars we don’t need inspections for 5 years
Yea I have noticed that as well, not Mini only but the majority of brands
I held my breathe when the mini cooper went though the water creak.
Minis are super cute cars
John Cooper Works would be the Raptor of Mini Coopers.
Good review, nice camera work.
Interesting video!. 5 Stars. Was thinking about the 'potholes' in the video. The ones I comes across on my daily On-road commute are at least thrice as deep (and large).
I wonder how many of the clip on jack points stayed on that hard top . they are 50 bucks a pop and are the lowest point of the underside.
Does putting the Disco into Low Range lock the center diff and/or vice-versa? If not, it would have been nice to see it try to go up in all four "settings".
Too bad that you didn't take a few seconds to mention the relationship between the Countryman and the Pinzgauer shown in the video (hint: Steyr).
This car isn't made for off-roading. I think the AWD system is made to help you in slipery conditions. Anyway it's a good video. Cheers!
Jorge Tamacas They mention that in the video. Both last gen of All4 and this gen are pretty impressive!
Great video but question is that a new Mini? Cause if so it is not considered a Crossover anymore it's unfortunately a SUV due to it's larger size, just saying but keep it up.
Cool review .... don’t care for mini’s ... not about to steal someone’s sunshine, they love the mini community, good on them.... as for me ... I’m surprised they still make them
MINI is almost in rank with something like Ponzi scheme how ureliable are they. Just unbelievabe. complete rip off
My wife has owned 7 various Mini's. One. 2 x Cooper S 1 x JCW. 1 x Paceman . and now a Clubman. Only one of the Cooper S's went in for warranty work
The ONE No wonder you guys have no problems she swaps those as socks. Divide these number of cars by 10 years
wellwh0 2 Minis here 50k each, only coilpack in one and thermostat in the other. Everything else has been a dream!
U never speak of WHAT 4wd system any car has... Haldex? Symetrical subaru style? etc etc etc...
Good looking recovery Rover👍... but are you guys taking bets on when it well end up on a tow truck? 🤦♂️🤣🤭kidding That mini did pretty good ... I like that idea of a dedicated drivers-side, side window visor.
that disco sure is cool.
6:34 when the camera drop
me: "oh help i'm falling"
Why most of the countryman's rear mufflers got the yellow stain on?It doesn't look nice???
After a $5000 clutch replacement on SWMBO Mini Cooper S Countryman All4... it's going bu-bye in 14 months. Probably a Subaru or Chevy Bolt lease next. No more BMWs in Mini drag. Our wallets won't allow it.
Name of the song at 3:25 please?
Amazing video
The BMW X1 drive system 💃
Is the mini countryman all4 a good starter car
Totally expected the "Disco" to break down, it's what they're good for
absolutely brilliant !!
Please take the volvo cx40 on gold mine hill through the 3 obstacles!!
We'd love to see that!!
Why do all your manufacturer cars have New Jersey plates?
I think you should put the Cummins 2.8L in the Land Rover. It will put you a little bit more in the hole but it will be awesome
Abandoned mine! All very Scooby Doo
I'm not a Mini guy. However, this example is probably more than enough for most people.
Father-son combo is far more entertaining...
with that title I was sure it was Sarah! 😀
Little Mini! 😂
I love modern traction control! No need for locking anything when you have brains on your side.
In my R60 TC is a pain, it will cut engine power and make you stall. Awesome to see it's far smarter in the F60!
Depends of the manufacturer... Rav's4 has an awful traction control system. At the speed he was going up with the Mini, the Rav4 would have been stuck, as the traction control doesn't really stop the spinning wheel to send all the necessary torque to the other wheels. Take a Subaru, and would have been same as Mini in that case.
I love minis just expensive to maintain
How mini 3 cylinder all4 will cope with this off-roading?
ivan mamedov any that have traction control
Why would anyone get the 3 cylinder?
You havent driven it Zevi.
Lets see the Discovery vs the Cherokee up Gold Mine Hill 👍
Nice Mimi
The mini did the hill easier than the disco
omg flying the drone in the rain???
8:45 TFL World HQ
The 4 in “All4” looks exactly like the 4 in RAV4
Jacob Shreve Except you will see a car with All4 farther into a trail than a RAV4
So, the Mini's AWD system seems to be better than the Discos? Lol
You need some offroad tires on that mini..
It's a SUV, not a 4Wheel Drive, not a Cross Over.
Any chance I could get the name of the song at 3:25?
All I need.