I bought a new 2009 Clubman S a couple of weeks ago and have been doing some reading on the web about the car and the stuff that people have done to their Mini. Great forum! I'm interested in doing a speaker upgrade on the car and I found lots of great information here. I'm sure it will be very helpful when I go to take the car apart!

I've been driving a Ford F-150 4WD for the last 6 years and wanted something a little smaller and I also wanted to get better gas mileage. I almost bought a Honda Fit, but after several test drives, I just couldn't pull the trigger....it's a nice car, great price, good value....but just not that exciting to drive. I looked at many cars in that size, from $15K to $40K. In the end, the Mini Clubman caught my eye!

I found one on the lot that I liked (Laser Blue with a silver roof, manual, auto A/C, bluetooth, iPod, steering wheel controls) that also had a sunroof, which I didn't want. Apparently Mini ships mostly sunroof cars to Florida (where I live), as the lot is full of them. The salesperson told me that everybody who looks at the mesh screen laughs and says "I don't want a sunroof". The dealer offered to buy me sunroof shades if I would take the one they had on the lot. So I did! I also had the windows tinted.

So far, no big issues other than the usual stuff (getting used to the controls and the seatbelt buckle getting jammed in between the seat and door...I raised the "stopper" and that fixed it). I did lose some change out of my right front pocket and at least 1 quarter slid under the seat rail and under that black plastic cover on the driver's floor under the seat. It fell down in that compartment, but I don't hear it rattling around. Not sure what is in there, hopefully it won't cause any harm.

I've put about 1000 miles on the car so far, mostly just commuting back and forth to work. I'm not much of a speedster these days (I turned 50 this year), but am enjoying the quickness and turning ability. No more 3-point turns just to park!

Thanks for the forum and community. I've learned a lot about my Mini.

 

Welcome to the Family!! Enjoy your Clubby!!

 

Welcome to NAM! Did you get the Clubman for extra room and storage as opposed to just a Cooper? Did you get an 'S' Clubman?

 

Welcome and congrats on a new MINI. The Clubman is a great looking vehicle!!! Enjoy the twisties!!

 

I bought the Clubman mostly for the backseat and 1/2 door. We are a family of 4 and although the kids are grown and I won't use the backseat a lot, it's nice to have as an option.

 

Will keep an eye out for you. Who knows where you'll end up now that you have all that room for snacks and soda in back.

 

The clubman is just practical--It is a great Mini!!
Congradulations!!

 

I agree with everyone else here. Why not, the Clubman is a great vehicle. Great mileage, small and FUN! Think ANYONE in a FUT has this much fun? Oh no!

Congrats on the Clubbie!

 

I've been lusting after a Clubman myself ... I found I can really sit "behind myself" and I think it will suffice for my junk hauling needs. I noticed that something about the shape of the inside of the club door seems to make the space between it and the driver's a little bigger than the Cooper.