Used MINI Countryman (Mk1, 2010-2017) - What should you look for?

Overall, the MINI Countryman Mk1 has been a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to durability. The car doesn’t have many major common faults and the only recalls were issued relatively early into its production run. However, the MINI has had middling results in our Driver Power owner satisfaction surveys, so it may not be the easiest SUV to live with.

Common used MINI Countryman problems

Cabin lights

The reading lights on the MINI Countryman Mk1 can turn on by themselves when the car is locked. They can be turned off again, but you’ll have to do this manually.

Boot floor

It’s worth holding out for a MINI Countryman Mk1 with the optional false floor kit, which was a £155 optional extra when the car was new. Retro-fitting this is possible, but it can be quite costly.

Interior trim

Rattling noises are a not-uncommon issue on the MINI Countryman Mk1. Sounds are most likely to emanate from the dashboard and the door cards.

Alloy wheels

The two-tone alloy wheels on the MINI Countryman Mk1 are prone to corrosion, especially if they’ve been cleaned with chemicals. On many Countrymans, these will have now been replaced under warranty.

Clutch wear

Early all-wheel drive ALL4 models can suffer from premature clutch wear. This issue was rectified on MINI Countryman Mk1’s from November 2012 onwards, which used a stronger clutch.

Chrome trim

The exterior chrome trim is actually plastic, and its coating can peel over time. While this doesn’t compromise the car mechanically, it makes the MINI look a bit tatty.

Recalls

To date, the MINI Countryman Mk1 has been subject to two safety recalls – both in response to short circuits that could result in a fire risk. The first recall was issued in January 2012, which only concerned the sporty Cooper S and John Cooper Works models, and the second recall in August 2013 was for the Cooper SD diesel versions of the MINI Countryman Mk1.