Well, we finally made it to a MINI Dealership during business hours and stopped in to test drive a Clubman... our thoughts:

We LOVE the extra space (and think the two mid-large dogs will appreciate it too)

On top of the extra space, the boot "shelf" (for lack of better term) is AMAZING. Kinda wish I had the option of removing it, in the .01% chance of ever needing to...but yea, Loved how it made the whole boot flat (and again, the dogs will appreciate it!) ((did I mention that the dogs like to motor a lot? ))

Really like the look of the Clubs in person. Some pictures we liked, others we had doubts... all doubts gone once we saw in person. If you have yet to see one...swing by a MINI dealer and do so...you may be surprised...

Loved the third door! This plus the extra room in back should result is less whinning from friends and family when I offer to drive places

Overall, the verdict is...

We WILL be becoming a two MINI family as soon as possible!

Now the question...can we make it happen before our trip to Maine this fall...

 

Sounds good - my wife and I are a two MINI family and have been thinking about upgrading one of of our MINIs to a Clubman S.

 

My wife and I went to test drive the 08 Clubman S last weekend at Midwestern Mini. We both really liked the car. I was really surprised by how much more space it has. I'm 6'2" and could sit comfortably in the back seat with my wife seated in front of me. The extra cargo room is nice too. The best thing is while driving it you'd never even notice your not in the coupe until you look backwards. It really does drive the same. We came back the next day and placed our order. The new Clubman S should be here in early July.

We're also about to become a 2 Mini household I think. Her 04 MCS is coming off lease in July. Midwestern Mini has offered to buy it from us for the turn in value but we're starting to lean towards buying it ourselves and either keeping it for a while or selling it private party. The lease buyout is only 13.4K and I'm sure we could get more selling it ourselves.

 

Are you guys going with a Clubman or Clubman S? Are you still thinking Mellow Yellow (which would make the choice between non-S and S easier)?

 

Yea, it WILL be both a "Justa" AND Mellow Yellow... (which does make the 'choice' MUCH easier ) My wife fell in love with the color the second she saw it in the R56, I'm just glad they still have it in at least ONE version of the Clubs. AS long as they don't drop it for the '09 model year, we'll be golden (no pun intended )

To Buckeye3d, I totally agree about you not knowing that your in a Club until you glance in the rearview. (BTW, the club-door bar is NOT a problem after about 5 min in the car ) The ONLY difference I noticed is that since mine is an 5-speed and the club will be an auto , obviously it felt a bit different. That being said, the auto is not terrible...but yea...

 

I saw my first Meller Yeller Clubber today here on NAM. I have to say I like it. Reminds me of the short bus.

With the way gas prices are going you will be happy with a Cooper. Excellent mileage. My next MINI may well be a Justa Cooper.

I'm not an automagic kind of person, but I really see nothing wrong with them either. That's a personal choice & I understand it.

 

I saw one that was colormatched on the rear and like it FAR better ...
I see the aftermarkets are painting the parts to match for $400 and your parts returned

 

I'm NOT a 'fan' of the auto"magic"...but my wife has never owned a manual vehicle, and while I'm sure she'd be fine after a while in it...I just think in the long run for her, the Auto would suit her better. That being said, I have done a fair job trying to show her the "joys" of the 5 (6) speed. (Man! I wish my R50 was 6-spd...)

As far as MPG goes...I'm VERY Happy with my "justa" cooper...on my recent trip to Cleveland for business...I got an amazing 42 MPG on the way home! That and I got 39.5 MPG during the Amish Run (spirited driving and all!)

 

As a longtime happily married old fart I'll say get your wife the auto. She has to be happy & if she isn't happy you won't be either.

That's some great mileage you are getting from your Justacooper!!! Well done.

 

Brilliant....it's great fun!!! This way either car you take out will be a winner!!

 

[quote=Crashton;2205925]As a longtime happily married old fart I'll say get your wife the auto. She has to be happy & if she isn't happy you won't be either.

I agree!! When she's not happy, I'm certainly not happy!