3 Mini Cooper Countryman Model Years You Should Avoid

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Mini vehicles are an acquired taste. Most people love them or hate them, and for some folks, it’s love at first sight. That said, the brand makes some tiny models. Even its SUV, the Mini Cooper Countryman, is, well, mini. These petite vehicles aren’t for tall people, but they hold a certain appeal that can’t be denied. However, before rushing out to purchase one of these zippy crossovers, you should know which model years to avoid.

Never buy these Mini Cooper Countryman model years

Few vehicles on the road don’t have at least one model year that critics can’t recommend. And for the Mini Cooper Countryman, it’s 2011, 2012, and 2013 models. According to CoPilot, “The run from 2011 to 2013 was a little rough for the Mini Countryman as each of these year models had serious engine issues. 

“The 2011 and 2012 both have engine failure issues and are prone to catching on fire, and this sort of catastrophe makes them worth avoiding at all costs. The 2011 also has difficulty shifting gears and has had a report of an oil filter housing gasket leak. The 2012 year model also had a turbo failure around 80,000 miles.”

Though CoPilot recommends the 2014 Countryman, Consumer Reports named Mini the least reliable car brand in the U.S. that year. This revolved heavily around costly transmission problems.

This can be sort of depressing because even older Countryman models tend to have plenty of the tech features that drivers want while remaining affordably priced. But there are plenty of other Mini Countryman model years that don’t cost much but still have good reliability ratings.

RELATED: Is the 2021 Mini Cooper Countryman a Reliable SUV?

Now that you know which Mini Cooper Countryman models to avoid, here are some models you should consider buying. CoPilot highly recommends model years 2010 and 2014 through 2020. 

Consumer Reports isn’t so enthusiastic about the Countryman and typically gives it low to average reliability ratings. In fact, most model years score only 1 to 3 in reliability. 

That’s not exactly confidence-inspiring. Still, Consumer Reports shows rather high scores for owner satisfaction. So what does that mean for you? If you purchase a Mini Cooper Countryman, you’ll probably be happy with it, even if the critics aren’t over the moon.

Is the 2021 model worth buying?

RELATED: ‘Playful’ Mini Cooper Countryman Pulls Onto This List of Sporty SUVs

The Mini Cooper Countryman has come a long way over the years. The 2021 model offers an all-wheel drivetrain, sure to please drivers. It’s also rather comfortable, a nice change for Mini.

However, there isn’t much in the way of standard driver assists. Expect forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. That’s not much, especially for a brand owned by BMW.

And if you’re interested in the Countryman plug-in hybrid, you should be aware of a major recall. Debris on the battery is causing many Countryman models to go up in flames. If a Countryman PHEV is parked in your garage when this happens, your house could burn down along with the SUV.

Mini isn’t messing around and is taking steps to correct this safety issue. With that being said, the 2021 Mini Cooper Countryman seems to be holding its own. Only time will tell if it lives up to the Mini name, but so far, it seems to be doing well. 

The post 3 Mini Cooper Countryman Model Years You Should Avoid appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

How and Why Tesla Won’t Use Bitcoin Anymore and Why It Gobbles Electricity

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Tesla founder Elon Musk can spin on a dime. He can whipsaw from one extreme to the other in record time. Like today, when he announced Tesla will no longer accept the cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Just last month he announced Tesla would start accepting it for purchasing cars. So what’s up with all of this?

First, here’s Musk’s announcement: 

Illustrative image of two commemorative bitcoins seen in front of the Tesla car logo| Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images

“Tesla has suspended vehicle purchases using Bitcoin. We are concerned about the rapidly increasing use of fossil fuels for Bitcoin mining and transactions, especially coal, which has the worst emissions of any fuel. Cryptocurrency is a good idea on many levels and we believe it has a promising future, but this cannot come at a great cost to the environment. Tesla will not be selling any Bitcoin and we intend to use it for transactions as soon as mining transitions to more sustainable energy. We are also looking at other cryptocurrencies that use <1% of Bitcoin’s energy/transaction.”

Mining Bitcoin uses an enormous amount of electricity

Electricity generation plant
Steam rises from the Etiwanda Generating Plant behind power lines near Rancho Cucamonga, CA. | Getty photo by David McNew/Newsmakers

So how can a virtual currency be using even a spot of energy? Mining Bitcoin actually uses an enormous amount of electricity, and here’s how. When a Bitcoin transaction is made it has to be verified. That means “miners” have to solve cryptographic problems with computer computations. These computations take an enormous amount of processing power.

Each transactional puzzle or problem becomes more complicated. With Bitcoin becoming more and more popular there are more people making transactions, making for more verification, and thus, more computational power. That means more electricity to solve the problem. 

Experts estimate Bitcoin mining eats up more electricity than whole countries

computer computation generation
An employee wearing a protective face mask inspects mining rigs mining the Ethereum and Zilliqa cryptocurrencies at the Evobits crypto farm in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2021 | Akos Stiller/Bloomberg via Getty Images

So here’s the bottom line; experts estimate that Bitcoin mining eats up more electricity than whole countries. And some of that power is generated by burning coal. It has become a transference of pollution where one seemingly benign act causes pollution somewhere else. 

In 2019 the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Alternative Finance estimated Bitcoin’s electric consumption as more than Switzerland’s. That was in 2019. Since then it has more than doubled that amount surpassing Sweden’s consumption. 

The Mother Jones site uses the example that Bitcoin consumes so much power in a single year it could power all of the tea kettles in the UK for three decades. Not years, but decades. 

Musk always touts cryptocurrency speeds up green energy investment

Bitcoin mining
Two technicians inspect Bitcoin mining at Bitfarms in Saint Hyacinthe, Quebec | LARS HAGBERG/AFP via Getty Images

Musk has always touted that cryptocurrency speeds up the green energy investment because it steers those investments into renewables. But the amount of pollution and waste generated by mining Bitcoin can be seen at Greenidge Generation in New York. This is a natural gas-powered electricity generator that has become a Bitcoin mining operation. 

The plant was ready to shut down due to not enough demand for electricity. In 2019 it converted to mining Bitcoin as a way to stay in operation. A year ago it was estimated to be using over 14 megawatts of power. That’s enough to generate about $50,000 Bitcoins a day. Today that would be over $300,000 a day. 

Solely used for Bitcoin mining, last year the plant emitted 220,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, puked hundreds of billions of gallons of hot water into the local trout stream, and burned billions of cubic feet of fracked natural gas. Today Greenidge is permitted to emit 580,000 metric tons every year. And it is looking to expand its operations. All from Bitcoin mining. 

Musk and Tesla got hip to the behind-the-scenes power consumption

killowatt usage meter
Close-up of the maze of wires and Kill-A-Watt electric use monitor showing the power consumption of a computer engaged in cryptocurrency mining; electric monitors are commonly used by miners to monitor the profitability of their mining operations | Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

So it seems that Musk and Tesla got hip to the behind-the-scenes power consumption necessary to mine Bitcoin. As he and his company have shown in the past their desire to clean up the environment, accepting Bitcoins blows in the face of that endeavor. And there are plenty more Greenidge plants around the world.

So on the surface, it seems crazy to think that digital anything can generate greenhouse gasses or add to our environmental woes, now you know. It is one of those dirty little secrets you’re not supposed to think about. 

The post How and Why Tesla Won’t Use Bitcoin Anymore and Why It Gobbles Electricity appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV Review: 4 Pros and 3 Cons

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV isn’t the SUV that you used to know. It’s really stepped up its game since it was reintroduced in 2019. After spending a week with the magnificent Lincoln Aviator Hybrid, there are notable features to love and three potential drawbacks to consider. 

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV review 

2021 Lincoln Aviator | Ford

I was equipped with the 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV Grand Touring model with a few luxury packages that brought the MSRP up to $85,000. That sounds like a lot, but the SUV comes with a ton of comfort and convenience features to provide luxurious value. 

During our week together, I looked for any excuse that I could to drive it. It’s so much fun and provides practical uses for road trips and daily drives. This Lincoln Aviato model went all over South and North Carolina until the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack ruined the fun. 

Four Lincoln Aviator hybrid pros 

1. The Lincoln Aviator provides tons of space 

It’s baffling that the 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV has three rows because it doesn’t feel heavy and feels smaller than it actually is. However, you can access up to 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space begins the third row and up to 77.7 cubic feet of cargo space total. 

With the third-row seats folded down, I felt like I had an abundance of space to enjoy: my luggage, dog, and more fit without any stuffing. Plus, the layout has tons of storage trays and cubbies for organizing your smaller items. 

The center console is deep, the glove box is huge, there is a storage bin between the captain’s chairs in the second row, and everyone has access to cup holders. Also, I found a large in-floor storage compartment in the rear! 

2. The 2021 Aviator is comfortable 

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator Interior with leather seats and captain's chairs in the second row
2021 Lincoln Aviator Interior | Lincoln

RELATED: The 2021 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring Beats Out a Handful of German Rivals

The power seats in the front row are heated and ventilated. Plus, you can adjust the seats in tons of different ways to be comfortable. I even played with how much the edges of the bucket seats hugged me. 

I sat in the second row and felt very relaxed, enjoying the center console providing space away from the other seat. The third-row seats also recline at a relaxing angle, and the panoramic sunroof offers a massive view of the sky. 

The massage seats are very strong and relaxing. I leaned back for a total relaxation massage as a passenger while stuck in traffic. It was the most relaxing traffic jam of my life. Plus, the interior is peacefully quiet with a smooth ride. 

I’m usually a podcast person, but the Revel Ultima 3D Audio System is so epic. You can feel like you’re at a concert while driving. The Active Air Monitoring System kept the air fresh, and the sunshades prevented too much sunlight from entering the cabin. 

3. The tech is out of this world 

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator Head-Up Display showing travel speed, fuel, and more
2021 Lincoln Aviator Head-Up Display | Lincoln

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV has an optional head-up display that shows you your speed, the speed limit, and more on the windshield behind the dash. You never have to take your eyes off the road to see crucial driving information. 

There is a button for everything, including the power liftgate. The third-row seats fold flat with the touch of a button, and the second-row seats automatically slide forward. You can control the shade for the sunroof from the second row too.

You can change the ambient lighting color, and sometimes when you approach the car, a Lincoln logo lights up on the ground, helping you see in the dark. The adaptive headlights turn around curves and much more. Of course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. 

I felt safe too. I had to drive on I-85 in a thunderstorm, but the Lincoln felt stable and reliable. When I was parked and loading up directions and a podcast for a drive, the Driver Attention Warning sounded an alarm to ensure I was paying attention! 

4. The Lincoln Aviator has strenght

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV has a 13.6-kWh battery pack, 75-kW motor, and a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that combine to serve up 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds. 

Plus, it can be equipped with all-wheel drive, meaning it’s prepared to tackle snow and other slippery conditions. The Aviator PHEV can tow up to 5,600 lbs, and the gas-powered model tow up to 6,700 lbs when properly equipped. 

The potential Lincoln Aviator PHEV cons 

1. The seats are limited

I’m 5’1” and realized that I fit in the front seats. Usually, seats are way too tall for me, and that’s good because I’m shorter than the average driver. But passengers around 5’7” were only a few inches from hitting their heads on the roof. Edmunds agrees about the lack of headroom. 

The third row also seems to be limited in space. I sat back there and felt comfortable, but even with the second row pushed forward, my knees hit the back of the seats in front of me. This row is for tiny kids only! 

2. The wireless charger was in a weird spot 

This is a little subjective, but the wireless charger is in the center console. That means you have to put your phone away for a wireless charge. Also, the Lincoln doesn’t have Wireless Apple CarPlay. 

I wouldn’t mind putting my phone away with wireless Apple CarPlay, but the navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity work fine. You don’t need to plug your phone in to use it. This is just a personal gripe. 

3. Getting used to the brakes takes time 

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV driving down a road near water and mountains
2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV | Lincoln

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV has regenerative braking. It’s really cool to come to a smooth stop and have a message appear on the digital gauge cluster telling me how much charge I just gained. 

However, it’s tricky to figure out how to brake in the best way possible for the best charge. The brakes are confident and responsive but can be grabby too. It’s the one thing that I’m still trying to master!

The post 2021 Lincoln Aviator PHEV Review: 4 Pros and 3 Cons appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Why the 2022 Genesis G70 Wagon Won’t Come To US

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Genesis has just debuted the gorgeous wagon version of the G70. We should call it Shooting Brake because that’s what they are called in Europe. Anyway, wagons like the G70 still sell in Europe while in the US it seems only we scribes like them. 

That’s because we rave about how they look and how functional they are, while buyers shy away from them. Genesis knows this and so to compete with Audi, BMW, and Mercedes in Europe, it needs a wagon. But in the US, not so much. 

Genesis is a player in the German luxury market with its G70 Shooting Brake

2022 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake wagon | Genesis

So parent company Hyundai is saving its resources for bigger fish here. It is establishing that Genesis is a player in the German luxury market with its G70 Shooting Brake. And that is a shame. 

The Mercedes C-Class Estate, BMW 3 Series Touring, and Audi A4 Avant, are all wagons currently available in Europe. And none of them are sold here. The A4 Allroad, which is a slightly lifted Subaru Outback-like Avant, is available, as is the E-Class Estate from Mercedes. 

There is nothing available from the Euro Big Three in the G70s class in the US

2022 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake wagon front detail
2022 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake wagon | Genesis

RELATED: The Genesis G70’s Biggest Hurdle Is Its Lack of Popularity

But the Shooting Brake is not currently available in a lifted form and is slightly smaller than the E-Class Merc. So there is really nothing available from the Euro Big Three in the G70s class in the US. And it is not for the sake of trying. 

C-Class and 3 Series wagons were sold here for years, but their appeal kept dwindling as more SUVs and crossovers flooded the markets. Auto manufacturers sell enough wagons outside of the US to make a business case for. But the costs have to work without US participation. 

The G70 Shooting Brake is the same dimensions as its sedan sibling. But cargo capacity has been increased by 40% over the sedan. Styling is identical except for the Two Lines-themed tail lights, which extend into the tailgate more prominently. 

The G70 Shooting Brake makes for an appealing alternative to German offerings

2022 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake wagon interior
2022 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake wagon | Genesis

We don’t know whether the rear-wheel-drive V6 specs of the sedan will make it to the Shooting Brake. If they do that makes for a very appealing alternative to the German offerings. And also makes it sting a bit more that it won’t be coming here.

That’s not to say that Genesis won’t do the Subaru Outback trick of slightly lifting a G70 and adding some black plastic fillers. It works wonders for the Outback enough for Audi to give it a stab as well. But for now, you can’t have a G70 Shooting Brake unless you live outside of the US.

Genesis vehicles will be available in Germany, Switzerland, and the UK by summer. Initially only the G80 sedan and GV80 SUV will be available but the G70 and GV70 will come immediately after that. So the Genesis European onslaught will soon be upon us. 

C’mon Genesis. Amortize those wagon stampings quicker by bringing a few Shooting Brakes to the US. You might be surprised at how well it sells.

The post Why the 2022 Genesis G70 Wagon Won’t Come To US appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by