I am going to need to park my 2008 Clubman outside for the next few months as I am moving and have not found a new home to my liking. What car covers do you suggest? What is the best bang for the buck so to speak?
I live in Southern California. Adverse weather is not really a factor.

 

So you're planning to cover it daily while still driving it right? It's not like you want to cover it and leave it for the next few months?

Unless you clean your car every day, covering a dirty car is a bad idea. I would suggest that you just wax it and wash it weekly. You will cause far more damage by putting on and taking off the cover everyday on a dirty car.

Just my 2 cents.

Richard

 

Thanks Richard..
That sounds like a better idea. I have always garaged all my cars, so this is not something I want to do...but must. Never really thought about the dirt on the paint scuffing like that...but it seems logical. I will do a primo carnuba wax on the Mini and keep it clean.
Jerry

 

If you're wanting to get it out of the elements for just a bit until you find a suitable abode, it might be worth considering one of those self-storage units. Most places offer 10' x 20' units, and I've used that size in the past when I've been working a job site away from my primary residence, to keep one of my "toys" nearby and protected.

The downside is most of these self-storage units don't have an electrical outlet, so keeping the battery charged might be an issue if you're not planning to drive it regularly during the interim storage period...

 

Allow me to offer a dissenting opinion. I have had covers for most of the cars I've purchased in the last 15 years. In all cases, the cars stayed looking nicer and longer because of the cover. Yes, if the car is dirty, do not throw a cover on it. But once you've cleaned the car, feel free to use a cover. It will stay looking better for longer with a cover. Additionally, the cover will protect the car from getting those bothersome and nasty-looking parking lot door dings

I also think a cover is a good substitute for an alarm. I think the car is much less likely to be tampered with when the cover is on - too much hassle for the thieves and thieves are generally a lazy lot. And any "goodies" you may have inside (radar detector, GPS, etc.) are not visible to would-be thieves.

If you get a cover, be sure to get one of the triple-layer or quadruple-layer ones - they are very nice and offer some serious protection for your new baby...

 

I use MINI car cover for my Clubman.
For daily parking in down town Toronto (no garage) on shady old "slow traffic" street, I needed cover after a first bird "delivery" on my shiny new black roof... Sorry Richard, I rather deal with small occasional scuffs from car cover (easily fixed) than a major paint damage by bird poo...

The car is always clean under cover. California duster to remove all dust...

I have been using this one for a year now:




by being covered like this when not driving it protects the ride far more than without it. And it takes 60 sec. for on/off...

 

Can we get some actual feedback on which covers are good or bad? I need to get one as my car is going to be parked for an extended period of time with no garage.

 

California Car Cover make the best covers. I have had one for every vehicle. They make for every type of storing condition. My $.02 worth.