Petrol or diesel

Lum

Hintza wrote: »

The OP doesn't care they will sell it in 3 years.

In 3 years time it is likely that we are going to be seeing a lot more DPF failures and the problem becoming more widely known. Already it's been making mainstream newspapers, such as that Daily Mail article about the estate agent with the stupid diesel Jag. So it's a significant risk that the car will be impossible to sell in 3 years time.

NBLondon wrote: »

Do you need the 4x4 version? A FWD will be more economical if you are just bumbling about and don't need to drive on any unmade roads, wet grass etc.

Agree. The 4x4 isn't really going to help you on the snow either, if this is your reason for buying. If you are stretching your budget to the point that higher road tax is a significant concern then losing the 4 wheel drive system is an obvious thing to do as it just adds extra weight and more inefficiency to the drive train for not much gain.

That said, 4WD is more fun if you intend to hoon it a bit

AUNTYG

Want Countryman for the height of the car need height but dont want a big car so the Mini Countryman fits my needs and as for the 4 x 4 in the winter it's difficult to visit my parents in the snow etc so 4 x 4 will make visiting easier as oppossed to having to stay away. Thanks for all your advise I have now ordered my new car.

Lum

4x4 isn't going to help you so much in the snow as the handling and braking will be identical to the FWD version*, other than the extra weight will make these things worse, and it might be slightly easier to set off.

Maybe a bit late now, but save your money, and stick some winter tyres on the FWD version.


*all cars have 4 wheel braking and 2 wheel steering, regardless of whether they're 4WD or not.