Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

That could work

MINI Countryman?

My 61 plate Cooper S has been brilliant for the last five years or so, apart from a clutch a few years ago it’s been almost faultless.

Am about to put it up for sale as I attempt to consolidate to just one car. Won’t be quite £5k but would certainly let it go for 6.

My other half really likes them. I’d quite like the smaller clubman but certainly the extra space would be useful, I think they’re a bit bigger inside (as well as out).
I’ll consult the queen of finances

Depends a bit which one you go for - the original Countryman like mine is quite a bit smaller overall than the new one, but still very decent inside.

Assume with a budget of £5k you are considering the first gen cars and similarly the early Clubman with the “third” door?

Exactly. 5 doors would be more handy but the 3.5ish door clubman would be my pick

The half door Clubman is really cool, such a shame the extra door is on the “wrong” side for the UK.

Not driven the early one but I imagine the boot is decent in the Clubman as well. The Countryman boot is on the small side though the rear seats do slide, split and fold which helps a lot.

i hate the ‘man’ part of countryman, it just seems gross

Possibly interested....more details please.

Countrythem/they ?

Countryfolk?

Wow .. lower Richmond rd
1930 Alfa

1 Attachment

61 plate MINI Countryman Cooper S in dark green with black bonnet stripes; 18 in wheels
84,500 miles; full cream leather; Chilli Pack
MoT in Dec; full history including the recent recall for, IIRC, a turbo cooling fan or something; had a new clutch and flywheel a few years ago (will need to check the paperwork)
Recently serviced, next service due in 20,000 miles or on time, which with the amount of use I am giving it will definitely arrive first!
Tyres are Falken FK510 with plenty of tread (ace tyres by the way)
Two keys, all the books, paperwork and kits - jack/tools/tyre weld/first aid, etc.
Locking wheel nuts (with the key)
Also includes a set of winter wheels and tyres - 16" steels with Goodyear M+S tyres, two almost new, two about half worn

Bad points:

1. I haven't washed it - I just walked out and took the pictures today
   
2. has a few chips and scratches, wheels would benefit from a refurb - it does live in London
   

2 Attachments

decent space inside if possible, at least 4 seats, hatchback style, petrol, ULEZ free, sub £5k, under 100k miles, good safety rating and something with some style or character

berlingo

I'd rather walk

rep

pls dont divulge trade secrets

berlingo

Can only be owned by a business here, otherwise I'd have bought one.

Aside from parking in a garage, other way do people protect their catalytic converter?

Run a cable from your house and wire it into the mains.

https://catloc.co.uk/

A family member got one of these, no idea if it's much of an actual deterrent though.

What are you parking options? Can you back it up right against a wall to make access to the cat more difficult?

Slam it, if they can’t get under it they can’t get the cat.

Or slam it just when it's parked. Bags yo

Although these pesky thieves often come equipped with trolley jacks

Welcome to try