My all seasons did well in the morning's slush and ice; in fact, I was the only one out there around 9 AM. The MINI was made to cavort in this kind of weather!

 

Coming home tonight was a treat in the mini , not used to the traction control; the side streets are unplowed and was "high sided" or plowing with the front nose ,turned it off and VROOOOM ... Off I went ...

 

I was picking MACHBOX up from service in today's fun weather so I got to take the Clubman S out. I personally didn't think the rear visibility is that horrible once you start driving. You could definitely tell the engine was pulling more car, but there's still plenty of power. On the other hand, the brakes that feel amazing on the R56 barely felt adequate on the Clubman. I'd say the Clubman S with sports suspension handles better than my R56 without.

All in all, I'm giving it a . I think we'll even drop by with my wife's harp sometime to see if it would let us retire the old trusty Taurus wagon. Looks like it'll be close to fitting...with some proper modifications of course.

 

Sure played with my X3 today. It's uncanny how well it drives in the slick stuff -- much better than other 4WD's I've owned (Pilot, CRV, Grand Cherokee, etc.). The poor MINI has been sitting in the garage since I cleaned it up a few weeks ago. The rotors are even rusty. I will get it out, though, to go to Cincinnati MINI's Clubman rollout party on the 29th (unless it snows hard and we'll take the X3.

Rob M.
Upper Sandusky

 

Actually, the MINI is more fun in the snow than the X3, especially with snows on it. I had the X3 out last night... it's amazing how well this car drives in the sloppy stuff. I like the MINI way more than the X3. The X3 is more my wife's car (by the way Chuck, it's outta my price range too!) !

 

More your wifes price range too. Please don't let your wife talk with mine. Could cost me plenty.

 

For you folks that can't make it here's my favorite Clubman picture.

 

Are those custom or OEM wheels Chuck?

 

Those are the stock wheels. If you go with the BBK you'll need 17's.

BBK = Big Bratwurst Kit

 

I find with too many Brats you also need a sway bar.
Or is that because of the optional Bavarian Bratwurst Refreshments? (BBR)

 

Out of my price range, too, but got it anyway. Besides, everyone knows that Bimmers lease fairly cheaply due to high resale. And it costs less than the pickups everyone up here drives.

Rob M.
Upper Sandusky

 

Yep I worked with leases for a couple of years and you deffinitly noticed that the better the car the better the deal. Back then the Lexus name meant no loss in value so their payments were lower than some of the Big 3's stuff, just because their stuff had no value after it left the lot.

The luxury car makers did not even want to do leases at first because they feared it would dilute thier value. Once they saw how much money could be made not only on the leases, but on the certified pre-owned cars they changed their minds really quick.