Hello from VA
 

Hello All,
As I near retirement, I have the urge to own another car purely for fun. I've looked at a bunch of different ones but I'm down to maybe a C5 Corvette or a Mini Paceman Cooper S.
The Corvette has its quirks and that muscle car appeal, but the Paceman is far more comfortable and lots easier to get in and out of.
Am I correct in the nomenclature that Paceman is R61? I would definitely want the turbo S model but the ALL4 option isnt required (should it be?)
I'd love your feedback and knowledge on if the Paceman is a decent choice? What to look out for shopping? I would prefer the automatic vs stick (my wife can't drive manual)
Thanks in advance, gang!

Hello,

Paceman is R61

Go for the Cooper S All4 or the JCW(which is All4) = all wheel drive

Auto is ok, but might seem slow. Get a later year in production as it will have the better options. 2016 was the last year, 2013 was the first.

Since 2016 is the last year for the Paceman, I decided to expand my search to include the Countryman. Two more doors shouldn't diminish any of the fun I would imagine? I noted what looked like a major redesign in 2017 and some say the newer models have less of thst spacious interior MIni is so well known for? Is this the case? I have to admit the newer models look good and the addition of the 2.0T seems like a major plus. Did 2017 also get a better auto trans?

Yep, better transmission and better engine. More options and then you can get power seats (first time) and power lift gate.

JCW paceman and JCW countryman for the first generation are holding valve strong as they are the most wanted.