Hard to believe, but I got an email this weekend from the dealer from whom I leased my 2017 Clubby. Time to start thinking about the next one.

I understand they are in the biz to move metal so they start contacting leasees early in the game. Clearly, buying the car outright at lease end is an option, but the price (based on the residual value in the original lease) would be way beyond market value and, besides, one of the main advantages of leasing is, in exchange for paying and never owning, one always gets the new car smell, is never out of warranty, and gets the latest and greatest.

So, since my lease ends at the end of October this year, if I time it just right, a new MINI will be a 2020 model, ordered probably in August for a custom build.

Probably will do another Clubman S All4 -- just don't think the 300HP JCW is really what I need for my Good Truck to go to Home Depot or over to the marina to wok on my boat. But then... one only lives once.

Other cars currently on my short list to consider are:
Porsche Macan
Jag E Pace
BMW X1
BMW X2

So, fellow Clubmen and Clubwomen, after Clubbing as you have, if you were looking to replace your Clubman, what would you consider and why?

 

Buy something else and have to re-learn the tailgate kick? Don't do it!

 

You're right about the tailgate kick issue. Now it's so natural and works every time.... I forgot how hard and humiliating it was to learn it until gearhead60 gave me proper training. Hate to go through all that again. Thanks, GDGR. But darn, that Porsche is nice.

 

If you buy a non MINI you are abandoning us and your famous thread! Since you misspelled Macan you are not allowed to own one. I'd rather buy the VW variant and pocket the extra cash for upgrades.

No matter what you do, I wish you the best!

 

While I have had a couple of Macan loaners and was rather impressed by the vehicle, not sure I'd go the Macan route. Was at a Porsche dealer a while back and overheard a SA tell a customer oil changes are up to $500+ now. 3 hours plus fluids, parts. 'course, if you don't cover many miles... (I could and did put 20K miles on my Porsche Boxster and could have it in 4 times a year for an oil/filter service. Ouch!)

Know nothing about the X1 or X2 models. Have no real experience with BMW servicing. (Mini servicing is outstanding!)

Really love my 2018 Mini JCW. It is a real beast of a car yet I get 30mpg+ from it. (Seriously, a beast. 228hp from 2.0l. My other car a 2018 Hellcat delivers 707hp from 6.2l. If one could scale the Mini JCW engine up it would put out 706hp if it were the same size as the Hellcat engine.)

So, to replace your Clubman, put me down for another Mini and this time a JCW.

 

I would have to vote for the JCW. F' the Dinan. You wouldn't need any aftermarket upgrades. Besides I would be beside myself if I learned you wouldn't be kicking any more Clubby ***.....

X1/X2 - I've read that they just don't give you the smiles for miles like the Minis do.

Porsche - You don't need a Macan. If you're looking at a Porsche, a Cayman GTS is the way to go....I know there's a trunk somewhere....

Jag - there is something sexy about these vehicles. Are you man enough.....LOL

 

I'm man enough to follow in the Clubman when my wife drives one of our Jags down the Pacific Coast Highway to our Jag mechanic, who is always happy to see us and greets us warmly with a big smile.

I would miss our MINI. Think I'll test drive the Bimmers and the Porsche and the Jag over the next few months... and then probably order a new MINI.

 

Back in the late 1960's my dad had a 912. A bulb went out so he went to the then Volkswagen/Porsche dealer parts department. The guy said they were out of the Porsche bulb but they had a VW bulb that was the same specification. My dad said he'd take the VW bulb. It was like 50 cents. As the counter guy was ringing up the sale, my dad asked how much the Porsche bulb would cost. The parts guy, without blinking, said, "about a dollar fifty." Those Porsche bulb boxes must be very expensive to print.

 

I think if I were in this situation (lease) I'd seriously consider the countryman, and probably the plug in hybrid version. Main issue we've had with the the clubby is finding that it sits a bit too low for regular back-roading in snow country. Even though the All4 clubby has never gotten us stuck, the pot holes round these parts do not f*** about, and keeping the car aligned has been tough. I would think (although haven't looked into seriously) that the extra clearance on the countryman may help with this. We run a roof-box when we go on weekend long trips anyway, so the shorter trunk of the countryman is not a deal breaker. Having the plug-in option for tooting around town during the week would be a nice bonus.

But, all this is moot because we own the clubby. Gonna see how the long-term maintenance cost works out once the 4 year free deal is over. Maybe once it gets out to 7-8 years (that's when most of our cars start to become maintenance nightmares thanks to road salt and cold-starts) it'll be time for a 2024 Countryman PHEV All4.

 

Re: the Cayman GTS: There are two trunks. Both my Boxster and my Cayman S had two trunks. The GTS luggage compartment spaces in Porche speak, are (front) 5.2^3 feet and (rear) 9.7^3 feet.

 

Now this is truly cosmic. I come home today and SWMBO informs me our Jag mechanic called. An a/c compressor that has been on order for months -- something I (and my wallet) forgot all about -- has arrived and I am informed that next week we have an appointment to take the Little Missus and her '84 Jaggie down the Coast Highway to see the smiling mechanic. I will, of course, be following her in my Clubman. Hope I'm man enough when it comes time to pay the bill....

 

I hate to break it to you, but you've been paying everyday of your life since you married the Missus.....we're all in that boat....

 

Probably true, but after well over 30 years of marital bliss, I still feel the cost/benefit tips in my favor. She's got me fully trained and I'm happy. After all, I get to wash her Jag anytime I want. And she has helped me grind out some killer car deals over the years... car salesmen can say no to me, but never to She Who Must Be Obeyed...…..

 

Oh yeah, I have one of those. Never cross the "School Teacher", you will have hell to pay.....

 

Alpha Romeo Stelvio! Base model can compete with Audi SQ5 and less expensive.


2018 JCW Clubman

 

They say if you get an Alfa, you need to get two. One to drive while the second one is in the shop.

 

For whatever reason, the style of the Countryman doesn't quite do it for us, though I agree they are well-sorted cars and unique within the class. And yes, electric is intriguing. I'm betting we're going to see more of the BMW hybrid drivetrains in more MINI models, in addition to pure electric.

 

Got a preview of 2017ALL4's new car...thought I would share. It even has a spare......................

 

Notice those tires are run-flats. I was an early adopter. What was I thinking???

 

Glad you pointed them run flats out. Always knew you were ahead of the curve!

 

Sadly, Vogues weren't available in the correct fitment, or I would have put on a set -- whitewalls, of course.

 

So I built a Jag EPace SE, which my wife says is "cute," meaning it is now officially on the possibility list. But it has the dreaded 9 speed auto like I had on my Evoque, which, honestly, has too many gears and is basically a crime against humanity. Gonna need to test drive one of these beasts to see. Also, they do now have a 300HP 2 liter turbo, but that adds serious coin to the cost. I also built a 2019 Clubman and, honestly, I fear if I stray away from MINIworld, I will regret it. The Clubman is just such a cool ride....



What do ya'll think?

 

If we are talking about looks, the Jag is the same as every other similar sized SUV. Clubman is unique in style.

 

Very true. Looking at the profile of the Jag, it could easily be a Mazda -- not that there's anything wrong with a Mazda. But there's no mistaking the profile of a MINI. Point taken.

 

If you get the Jag, everyone will think you're a pretentious *SSHOLE (although I can't speak to the truth of that, aside from NAM....LOL). Get the Clubby and you will be forever cool in the eyes of everyone.....especially the one that must be obeyed....