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Used (R60) MINI Cooper Countryman - The maxi model for mini pricing. What to look out for and how much to maintain?

Dinesh Ā· Jan 9, 2023 02:55 AM

Used (R60) MINI Cooper Countryman - The maxi model for mini pricing. What to look out for and how much to maintain? 01

Being a premium offering always means having to delicately balance the lifestyle aspect thatā€™s to be expected with the product. The gist of it is that people who drop big money on your premium products do so not just for the product itself, but the image it portrays.

Itā€™s no different with cars. In fact, the premium segment operates more on ā€œperceived valueā€ rather than ā€œactual valueā€ and many of their clientele are perfectly comfortable with thatā€¦ even if the cars arenā€™t always.

Used (R60) MINI Cooper Countryman - The maxi model for mini pricing. What to look out for and how much to maintain? 02

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An example of that would be the MINI brand. The adorable hatch may have been borne from budget but its diminutive form blessed with it many endearing facets to all walks of life. Since being taken under BMW stewardship, Munich was smart enough to build on that lifestyle element that was already well established.

However, sticking to the 2-door hatch bodystyle didnā€™t sit well with the bean counters so something a little more practical had to be produced. We say practical in the loosest sense of the word as MINI design language would still languish a 4-door Mini to last among its peers in terms of practicality.

Used (R60) MINI Cooper Countryman - The maxi model for mini pricing. What to look out for and how much to maintain? 01

Nonetheless, itā€™s still a MINI. So, if you were seen in one, people might believe youā€™re cool.

The not-so-mini first-generation R60 MINI Countryman rolled out in 2010 as a compact SUV take on the brand. If you wanted something from the marque but really needed the extra room, Munich hoped youā€™d get one of these.

It proved to be a success for the marque globally and locally. That means plenty of used units in the market which can be had for Proton X50 money. Tempting indeed but what should you look out forā€¦ apart from your foot clattering into the bottom of the B-pillar during egress?

Used (R60) MINI Cooper Countryman - The maxi model for mini pricing. What to look out for and how much to maintain? 02

The R60 Countryman range in Malaysia

Malaysia got the Countryman (CBU) in 2011 in the customary Cooper and Cooper S trim at RM 249k and RM 286k, respectively.

Under the hood was the notorious Peugeot-sourced Prince (N16B16) 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four with 120 PS and 160 Nm of torque for the Cooper. Over in the Cooper S, turbocharging and direct-injection (N18B16) delivered a much more appropriate 184 PS and 240 Nm of torque.

Used (R60) MINI Cooper Countryman - The maxi model for mini pricing. What to look out for and how much to maintain? 03

A 6-speed auto was the only transmission of choice with power sent to the front in the Cooper and to all wheels in Cooper S via the MINI's ALL4. The latter utilised an electromagnetic centre differential to that diverted power to the rear only when required.

In order to bring the price down, the 2WD Cooper S was introduced in 2012. It saw a reduction to RM 268k.

Used (R60) MINI Cooper Countryman - The maxi model for mini pricing. What to look out for and how much to maintain? 04

However, the biggest reduction in price came with the introduction of local assembly (CKD) a year later. This saw the Cooper now priced at RM 219k with the Cooper S ALL4 going for RM 259k.

Also Read: Priced from RM 244k, new CKD 2021 MINI Countryman S and SE PHEV facelift launched in Malaysia

That wasnā€™t all she wrote though as in 2014, the facelifted Countryman touched down in Malaysia. It carried subtle visual updates and a better list of kit as well. The sole Cooper S trim was priced at RM 244k.

Used (R60) MINI Cooper Countryman - The maxi model for mini pricing. What to look out for and how much to maintain? 05

Cosmetic changes comprised a redesigned grille and LED fog lights as well as LED DRLs.

Power was still courtesy of the turbocharged 1.6-litre (N18B16) engine but with a pinch more punch at 190 PS (+ 6 PS) and 240 Nm of torque. This time though, it was purely a 2WD model.

Also Read: Used third-gen Mini Cooper F56 - The go-kart on steroids that punches above its weight. What to look out for and how much to repair?

2015 saw the line-up completed with the entry-level Cooper trim, priced at a nice, round RM 200k. It packed a new front grille, new 17-inch wheels and revamped gauges, switchgear as well as improved cabin insulation.

Used (R60) MINI Cooper Countryman - The maxi model for mini pricing. What to look out for and how much to maintain? 06

Mechanically, it was the same (N16B16) 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four with 120 PS and 160 Nm of torque

The second-generation F60 Countryman was launched in 2017.

Used (R60) MINI Cooper Countryman - The maxi model for mini pricing. What to look out for and how much to maintain? 07

Which variant to get?

Essentially, there are only 2 variants though one of them came in 2WD and AWD guise. Given that itā€™s a lifestyle statement, the Cooper trim should suffice unless you really need a little zing in your daily commute.

Market prices for both variants are relatively similar for pre-facelift variants. Therefore, maintenance costs should be the deciding factor here, given that the Cooper S will take a bigger bite out of your wallet.

Used (R60) MINI Cooper Countryman - The maxi model for mini pricing. What to look out for and how much to maintain? 08

Taking into account units that still qualify for conventional hire purchase loans, this guide will focus on R60 Countrymans that are under a decade old. That said, the best fit would be facelifted 2013 - 2016 units.

Used (R60) MINI Cooper Countryman - The maxi model for mini pricing. What to look out for and how much to maintain? 09

  • 2018 Mini COUNTRYMAN COOPER S E-HYBRID 1.5

    RM 167,900
    RM 1,772
    /month

    31,426 km

    5.5 years

    Petaling Jaya

  • 2015 Mini COUNTRYMAN COOPER 1.6

    RM 106,400
    RM 1,166
    /month

    65,839 km

    8.5 years

    Kuala Lumpur

  • 2019 MINI Countryman Cooper S Pure 2.0

    RM 183,200
    RM 2,095
    /month

    46,122 km

    4.5 years

    Petaling Jaya

Market prices of the Countryman

Pre-facelift 2011- 2013 units for the Countryman run between RM 68k and RM 75k for the base Cooper. As for the punchier Cooper S, youā€™ll be looking at a range of RM 68k to RM 100k regardless of the number of wheels driven.

Facelifted units between 2014 ā€“ 2016 command a higher premium. The Cooper hovers between RM 70k and RM 100k. On the other hand, you can find a Cooper S within RM 85k to RM 128k.

Used (R60) MINI Cooper Countryman - The maxi model for mini pricing. What to look out for and how much to maintain? 01

You might find that the pricing range stated here can vary quite a bit from your online browsing and thatā€™s due to the fact that parallel imported units were brought. Therefore, itā€™s pertinent we stress you opt for a MINI Malaysia unit if possible.

Also Read: Launched in Malaysia, 2021 MINI JCW Countryman facelift - This or Mercedes GLB 35?

As mentioned, the units to go for are the facelifted ones. A good service history is of the utmost importance and can be a good indication of the carā€™s condition.

Of course, Carsome carries a selection of Countryman models that are all Carsome Certified, meaning they've passed a 175-point inspection. Furthermore, each unit has undergone professional car refurbishing. Purchaing from Carsome includes a 5-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty.

Used (R60) MINI Cooper Countryman - The maxi model for mini pricing. What to look out for and how much to maintain? 02

Maintenance and common issues of the R60 Countryman

The basic running costs of the 2 variants are as follows:

MINI Cooper Countryman basic running costs  
Variant Cooper Countryman Cooper S Countryman
Road Tax (RM) 90 90
Tyre Size 205/55R17 225/45R18
Tyre Cost (per piece) 340 480
Battery Size (DIN 70 AGM) 1,100 1,100

Mr. Owen of independent specialists Munich Precision shared with us a bit regarding the Prince engines. The N16 and N18 powerplants were regulars in many models, hence the aftermarket is well-versed in their maintenance and common issues.

Used (R60) MINI Cooper Countryman - The maxi model for mini pricing. What to look out for and how much to maintain? 03

He reiterates that the Countryman is reliable and robust if routine maintenance schedules are met in a timely manner. Of course, the maintenance jobs should be accompanied by a quick check on the known issues to identify failures before they occur.

Stick to this table of basic maintenance for the Countryman and you should be fine:

MINI Cooper Countryman R60 maintenance costs
Maintenance / Interval Item Cost (RM)
Oil change (10k km) Engine oil and filter 450
Air filter (45k km) Engine air filter 100
Cabin filter (45k km) Dust and pollen filter 80
Brake service (45k km) Replace brake fluid 220
Transmission service (45k km) ATF oil and filter 900
Coolant (100k km) Flush and replace coolant 300
Drive belts (100k km) Replace accessory belts 400
Spark plugs (100k km) Replace spark plugs 400
Oxygen sensor (160k km) Replace O2 sensor 600
Timing chain (160k km) Timing chain and tensioner replacement 2,200

Used (R60) MINI Cooper Countryman - The maxi model for mini pricing. What to look out for and how much to maintain? 04

The Countryman does have a few known issues that buyers should pay attention to before purchasing one. That said, all of them are relatively easy on the wallet to repair or replace except for one.

MINI Cooper Countryman R60 common issues
Part Symptoms Cost (RM)
Thermostat Overheating / coolant leak 600
Water pump Overheating / coolant leak 1,100
A/C evaporator A/C not cool 2,200 (original)
Windscreen washer pump Windscreen washer not functioning 200
Engine leak Oil leaks at head gasket, oil filter gasket or oil sump gasket 1,600

Lastly, itā€™s best to treat the thermostat as a wear and tear item. That means replacing it around the 100k km mark for peace of mind.

Used (R60) MINI Cooper Countryman - The maxi model for mini pricing. What to look out for and how much to maintain? 05

Conclusion

As the market shifts towards compact SUVs, style does inadvertently play a part and perhaps in this sense, the Countryman was ahead of the game. Itā€™s a compact SUV; again we use the term SUV with great slack, thatā€™s trendy and fun to drive with that MINI go-kart DNA still very much ingrained in it.

Used (R60) MINI Cooper Countryman - The maxi model for mini pricing. What to look out for and how much to maintain? 06

For roughly Proton X50 or Perodua Alza money, you could find yourself in a used Countryman. It might be a huge trade-off because well know the MINI is dead last in terms of practicality but letā€™s be honest, not everyone prioritises that for a SUV.

And between that trio, thereā€™s no denying which one is going to turn heads anywhere you go.

Used (R60) MINI Cooper Countryman - The maxi model for mini pricing. What to look out for and how much to maintain? 07

 

Dinesh

Writer

ā€œBetter late than never.ā€ Some despise it, others begrudgingly agree with it but he swears by itā€¦ much to the chagrin of everyone around him. That unfortunately stems from all of his project cars not running most of the time, which in turn is testament to his questionable decision-making skills in life. A culmination of many wrongs fortunately making a right; much like his project cars on the rare occasions they run, heā€™s still trying to figure out if another project car is the way to go.

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