R55 :: Clubman Talk (2008+) Discussions revolving around the extended wheelbase Clubman (R55) model.

R55 Did not plan on buying a Mini!

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Old Feb 8, 2011 | 06:06 PM
  #1  
stally526's Avatar
stally526
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Did not plan on buying a Mini!

Hello all,

I recently began a search for a new car (my Jetta lease was up). Mini's always intrigued me so I decided to test drive one figuring I would rule it out early. 2 weeks later I am the proud owner of a hot chocolate mini clubman s. I am not an impulsive person but after I drove this car I had to have it. It literally gets more fun to drive every day!
I think I may change the tires (the run flats ride a little rough) and I am having bonnet stripes put on next week. I was looking at motoring badges today. This is what car ownership should be like. Mad fun.
 
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Old Feb 8, 2011 | 06:16 PM
  #2  
03M1N1's Avatar
03M1N1
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From: Rye, NY
Congratulations!

Congrats on the Hot Chocolate - Very NICE...

Welcome to N.A.B.

You'll find PLENTY information, advice and ideas here - and loads of nice folks!



Hey! Let's post some photos soon; ok?!!
 
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Old Feb 8, 2011 | 06:30 PM
  #3  
Melangell's Avatar
Melangell
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Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Savannah Georgia
Well welcome to NAM and to the MINI!!!
 
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Old Feb 8, 2011 | 06:37 PM
  #4  
MCS Fever's Avatar
MCS Fever
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Originally Posted by stally526
Hello all,

I recently began a search for a new car (my Jetta lease was up). Mini's always intrigued me so I decided to test drive one figuring I would rule it out early. 2 weeks later I am the proud owner of a hot chocolate mini clubman s. I am not an impulsive person but after I drove this car I had to have it. It literally gets more fun to drive every day!
I think I may change the tires (the run flats ride a little rough) and I am having bonnet stripes put on next week. I was looking at motoring badges today. This is what car ownership should be like. Mad fun.

Pretty much same here, looked at and drove the GMC Terrian, Chev Equinox, Honda CRV, etc.............. Said we really should drive a MINI after finding ourselves back at the MINI dealer for the 2nd time........ That's all it took!

See my sig for some great tires - the sooner you get rid of the runflats the better offer the tire store might make for them - Discount Tire took ours in trade.

 
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Old Feb 8, 2011 | 08:24 PM
  #5  
Project Mangler's Avatar
Project Mangler
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Corvallis, Oregon
Mmmmm....Hot Chocolate ran a very close 2nd when we were picking colors. And good call on the stripes!
 
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Old Feb 8, 2011 | 09:41 PM
  #6  
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MCSfanboy
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From: Overland Park, KS
Anytime is a good time to ditch your run flats for once and for all time. You will be amazed how much better your MINI will drive with real tires. I run Bridgestone Potenza Grids. These tires perform well in all seasons, ride well, handle well and are not too noisy IMO. http://bit.ly/d5qTZw
The hot chocolate Clubman S is a very cool car --great pick .
 
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Old Feb 9, 2011 | 07:37 AM
  #7  
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stally526
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Thanks for the Welcome!

I will post some pics once I have it the way I want it. Next Wednesday the stripes go on and I am waiting for new wheels and tires from tirerack.com. The factory wheels were cool, but I wanted something a bit sportier this car deserves it.

I really like the hot chocolate but I was kind of limited in my choice. I found this car for sale at a BMW dealership it was a BMW executive car from last year with only 2k miles on it. The deal was too good to pass up. It was the only one with manual and after driving both I had to have manual.

I am upgrading the speakers (base system), the wheels, and adding bonnet stripes and I think it will be perfect.
 

Last edited by stally526; Feb 9, 2011 at 08:47 AM.
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Old Feb 9, 2011 | 09:37 AM
  #8  
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Elwood09
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Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
The same thing happened to me! I just wanted to see the price range!!! After 2 years, I still look forward to driving the car every day.

I figured I would buy another truck if I ever talked myself into selling my Z28. I came home from driving an S, and told my family that I would eventually have one. It was about 3 months before I ordered my 09.

I hope you are as happy with your decision as I am with mine! Enjoy playing with it, and get involved with your local club. They provide great excuses to drive!
 

Last edited by Elwood09; Feb 24, 2011 at 07:36 AM.
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Old Feb 9, 2011 | 03:28 PM
  #9  
clockwerke's Avatar
clockwerke
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From: 925 NorCal
Welcome! good choice. definently fun let the Mods begin
 
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Old Feb 9, 2011 | 05:06 PM
  #10  
DooBahDoo's Avatar
DooBahDoo
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Brentwood, TN
Congrats & Welcome! The first thing to do is DITCH the runflats. Wishing you miles of smiles and troublefree ownership...
 
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Old Feb 10, 2011 | 10:32 AM
  #11  
wpb mini's Avatar
wpb mini
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Joined: May 2010
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From: South Florida
stally526: Same thing happened to me also! I was in need of a new car. I had always been dreaming about getting a MINI, but my husband said they were too small. Then the Clubman came out, and my heart leapt every time I saw one around. Since I was in need of a new car, I read all the reviews about the MINI and was impressed. I went to test drive one, expecting to be disappointed in the size or ride, or something. I honestly expected that the test drive would be what I need to get the bug out of my system so I could look for a more "practical car." NOPE! I was so excited I could barely stand it. I got my 2010 Chili Red Clubman barely 1 week later! I never thought a car could make me so happy!

congratulations and have fun!
 
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 04:53 PM
  #12  
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stally526
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Mods progressing nicely and a question.

I added an armrest to my clubman. I also changed the rims and chucked the run flat tires. I am amazed at the difference in the ride. I expected a little improvement but it is pronounced. My car rides much much better without run flats.

A quick question. How do I join the hot chocolate owners club and get a cool badge on my posts.

Thanks
 
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