My 2010 2 door S got totaled due to a leaky sunroof. So I am in the process of trying to find a replacement. Looking at Gen 3's and because inventory is so low I'm wondering what the pro's and con's are of going with a 4 door over a 2 door if I find a better deal on the former. I don't really NEED a 4 door as it is primarily transportation just for me alone. The bride has a BMW 328xi so we use that for trips, company etc. But I do haul stuff (woodworker) from time to time and I guess the 4 door would offer some extra room. I guess it bugs me 'cause it tends to lose the "sport" look and lean towards SUV. I do have an image to uphold...

Thoughts?

 

Fellow woodworker here. I'd go with the 2 door with a roof rack every day of the week over the 4 door. I don't really like the 4 door at all (much prefer the Clubman if you need 4 doors).

 

Yeah, I know what you mean. But I have been looking for something for a few months now (retired, so we get by with 1 car while I look) and not had much luck. Prices are silly and it looks like the sweet spot for me is 2015, 2016. Unfortunately these need the roof rails for a rack and that makes it even more difficult. So this one I'm looking at today checks the boxes for me other then the 2 extra doors. I guess I'm also sick of looking. Why do you like your Clubman better (other then the JCW part)?

 

I like the lines of the Clubman better and the exterior styling is better (particularly the front bumper). Inside the interior is nicer, it's a bit roomier, the backseat is more comfortable, it's not bad as a highway cruiser. The extra length means you can fit 8' items inside without any trouble. I transported a 9' section of PVC yesterday, though it was propped up on the dash. I generally transport long items on the roof rack, but I was worried that the PVC was too flexible.

If you're just putting around town yourself, the 4 door would probably be fine. And I would guess cheaper, though who knows in this market.

 

What he said. I drive a 4-door which did not come equipped with factory roof rails. I do love driving it, but it lags the 2-door's agility a little, nor does it offer as much extra space as the Clubman. I can almost fit 8' lumber into it. Almost. But not shut the boot lid. And I can strap stuff to the roof with careful planning (and by accepting a little paint scuffing)… but usually I borrow my spouse's Countryman which does have a real roof rack.

I keep thinking about ordering a Coral Red Clubman S… But I work from home now, so anything I spend on a new car is wasted.

For our original poster, it sounds like a 2-door with roof rack would fit the bill.