I currently own a 2012 base Clubman. No mods. Just a few minor repairs since I bought it in 2018. While I love my mini and the gas saving she brings now that the world is open again I can't help but think about either trading her in for a used Countryman manual or find an S model same year as mine in a manual. I've been told I'm missing the full fun package of a mini with my auto. I like the Countryman for its bigger size and how it looks. What would be the tradeoff if I let my Clubbie go and get a Countryman? I don't have kids. Single teacher and coach. I occasionally have to transport players to games but I have Nissan Xterra for that job. Not my DD because CA gas is outrageous now.

 

Keep the Clubman!

But seriously, if you want the full fun package, get a Cooper S convertible with a build date of June 2012 or newer. The later car will have the better turbo engine, and the convertible will you work on your tan. Vitamin D for the win!

 

I really like my low riding go kart! How much more grin factor is the S model manual? Does it significantly improve gas mileage? What about as a dd?

 

Boost and gears are fun. If you have any stop and go traffic that’s what you would needed to consider. I see so little of it that it doesn’t bother me. As for the boost part, I know someone that was freaky fast in a R50, he’s quicker now that he upgraded to a R56s.

 

I don't have bad traffic when I am out commuting. My drive to work is traffic less and home. Its when I want to drive up to san Francisco or San Jose that I hit traffic of course.

 

Another thing to consider, don’t know if you run premium gas, but you need to with an S.

 

Yes, premium gas in the turbo models, and need to much more diligent with oil changes and maintenance.

I have an aftermarket tune on mine, and I beat on it regularly, and I still average about 30mpg. You won’t get anything near that in a Countryman.

 

I currently run premium in my 2012 non S Clubman so I'm familiar with that expense. But its cheaper than driving my Xterra daily.

 

It sounds to me like what you would enjoy most in a change is the manual gearbox. For me, it is undoubtedly more engaging than an auto (I learned this for myself even trying out BMW's famous 7-speed DCT and still never fully enjoying the car versus manual version of same thing). The mid-range swell of power in the S is really nice also and fuel economy is obviously bit thirstier than the non-S but pretty amazing all the same (I get around 7.5 L/100km no matter how hard I drive it on back road fun trips and about the same city driving).

 

If I drive her on the highway, using little to no boost, I can get 400 miles on a tank, but where’s the fun in that? Only reason how I know this is I have limped her home twice from the dragon, lost a DV on one trip and talked to a ditch the other time.

 

Thats what I am thinking as well honestly. We are going to go check out a used Countryman tomorrow to see the differences from my Clubman. There is also a 2012 Clubman S manual near by that we are gonna go check out. Funny the Clubman S is higher in cost than the Countryman. Mile wise they are close and both are S models. But, yes I think I am craving a manual Clubbie same year as mine, 2012.

 

I was desiring a manual car for a few years now and I have a few BMWs currently, and a pick-up truck, so I never needed to buy another vehicle, but last week an opportunity to buy an e46 330Xi manual slipped through my fingers at an unreal price tag, so my wife suggested a Mini. I knew NOTHING of them except for what I see in movies and on streets. I bought a 2009 manual Clubman S locally from a Mini enthusasist and I have not stopped grinning since. don't get me wrong, it si BY FAR the least horsepower car in the collection, but the fact that I get to throw my right hand around the slushbox and push a clutch makes it soooooooo much fun for me. If I wanted to drive on highway, where you son't shift much, I'll drive one of my Autos, but for inner city fun, the manual just ROCKS my world again.

 

Thats what I keep hearing from other Mini owners. I have an appointment tomorrow to look at a 2012 Countryman in manual and another 2012 Clubman but this one is an S model 6 speed. I can't wait to see them.

 

personally, I'd stick with the Clubman S for the extra fun, BUT at the slight cost of extra oil changes adn maybe some more maintenance... but more fun

 

I'm leaning towards staying with a Clubman but in an S model 6 speed. I guess it will depend on how I like or not like the Countryman I am going to look at tomorrow.

 

best of luck and enjoy the rides, regardless.