Hi. Since our Passat wagon has 100k on it we were looking for our next car and my wife thought it was time we had something fun to drive. Well, after driving the Countryman I'm smitten. My wife has yet to drive the car but if she can see over the hood-she's 4'11"- it's a lock.

After looking at the list of options I'm convinced the airlines took lessons from Mini-BMW.

Anyway, I'd really appreciate input on FWD vs. All4. We live in the Seattle area and are used to driving on snow but no longer go into the mountains in winter. I've also read the Mini does have good traction in snow. Primarily, I'd value an opinion on whether overall handling differs between the two drive modes. I'd read one review suggesting FWD as a way to lessen the weight.

Thanks for your input

 

My husband is on his second Mini, (not 4 wheel drive), and I am awaiting the arrival of my new Countryman (i am currently driving a 2006 cooper). The only problem we have had is the low clearance. We live in PA and had a lot of snow this winter. Otherwise traction is very good on snow and slush covered streets. We had a lot of snow this winter, and got around just fine. But like I said, if its deep, its a bit low to the ground for those ice ruts that form in the middle of the roads. However, the Countryman is slung a bit higher, so I think that will be a great help. I was really bitten by the CM bug when I first drove one. I was afraid it would be so large as to not have that famous MINI "go-cart" handling; but I was not disappointed and ordered one right away. We really need a 4 door car and I am glad this one is now available. Good luck with your decision. Once you own a MINI, you will never consider another make vehicle again. They are QUALITY. My new Counrtyman should arrive in the states this week, and i hope that the dealer prep is completed by May 13.

 

Thanks. I did meet a guy in a parking lot who agreed the FWD had great traction and only complained the car became a snowplow if the snow was over 4" deep.

 

Have lived in Tacoma and am now near Portland. Have an '07 MCS and had various 4-wheel drive vehicles. I have run the cycle of weekly/monthly/seasonally/rarely trips to the mountains.

IMHO save the expense and weight of the All4 and stick with FWD. For the few snow days on the west side you'll do fine.... unless it gets deep or we are blessed with ice. Then you want to park any nice car so the crazies don't hit you!

 

I see you have an alarm, which I'll need. Is this the OEM or after market?

 

It is OEM. It is the cleanest install.