Mike, as a point of info, it is not necessary to order the Sport Package (and thus the Sport Suspension) in order to get the Sport Seats as they are standard on a Clubman S.

I passed on the Sport Package in order to get the "regular" suspension and 16" tires (all season run flats) on our Clubman S, and I'm very happy with the ride and handling. I did that because I also have an '06 MCS Hatchback that had Sport Suspension and 17" runflats and it was like driving on concrete tires/suspension. I changed that out to 15" non runflats in order to get a decent ride and not have my teeth jarred out by every crack in the road (literally). There are lengthy threads on that subject in the First Generation forums.

Unless you are a very aggressive driver who views the streets as a race track, or you "track" your Mini, I don't think you'll find any significant difference in handling without Sport Suspension. I don't. However, you'll have a much smoother ride.

But that's just my opinion based on my experience, and what makes Minis great -- 10,000,000 configurations to meet an equal number of personal preferences.

More opinion (or perhaps it's a fact) -- you can't have more automotive fun than driving a Mini. We dumped a loaded Chrysler Pacifica and a Chrysler Crossfire in order to become a Two-Mini Family.

Good luck and keep smiling.

 

ftttubrgcm -

This is the reason for my post. What kind of maintenance cost am I looking at? My 94 Impala SS had only a few minor things that had to be done by 100,000 miles and I was able to do all of them myself. If I run a Clubman to 100,000 miles what are some of the must do's?

Mike

 

The Clubman is my wife's daily driver. We have owned nothing but MINIs since 2002 and we can vouch for their quality and reliability!

 

For the first 3 years or 36K miles MINI covers all your basic maintenance, oil changes, filters, wiper inserts, brake rotors/pads, clutch kit, bulbs, etc, etc.

MINI sells and extension of the basic 3 year maintenance that extends the service to 6 years or 100K miles whichever occurs first. Best $1,400 invested (I bought the plan for my other MINI a '05 S)

 

I currently have a 3 series bimmer wagon and a 2007 MCS. The 3 series wagon felt quick, smooth, sporty when we first got it in 2004. I really like the steering on the Bimmer even more than the Mini. It communicates the road fantastically. However, a MINI makes any other normal car BORING including the Bimmer. The fuel mileage difference between the two is minor (24 mpg vs 30 mpg). That being said, on a long interstate trip, I would rather take the Bimmer. It is much quieter and rides much better and still retains a small sense of sportiness. The visibility is much better from the MCS than the Bimmer and you can raise the seat on the MINI to sit a little higher. The Bimmer has much more luggage space though but costs a lot more if you buy it in america.

 

I live in the Cleveland, OH area & just picked up a Clubman. We love it! We looked in Mentor, Cow-lumbus & ended up buying it in Cincy. We got lucky; one was coming in equipped just the way we wanted it. Went with the std Clubman over the S....both are fun to drive. Good Luck!

 

Quick66ss, I don't want to use my Clubman as a daily driver because I want to keep it as nice as I can for as long as I can. It is not a museum show piece but it is my baby. My '05 BRG/W MC was my weekend/bird photography/astronomy trip vehicle so it got miles on it that way. This Clubman is my primary vehicle now so I'm trying to find an old VW bug as a daily beater. With all of that said, I would pick another vehicle for a daily driver for my life due to the daily hazards I encounter. Your situation my be a little kinder so put some more thought to it. Good luck!

 

Thanks very much for the comparison. You pretty much echo my thoughts exactly. My 3 series convertible was a stunningly beautiful and wonderful highway cruiser, but we actually do very little of that (which is the main reason we sold it). Practical day to day utility with a "dash of fun thrown in" is where we mainly fall; that, and an occasional road trip.

FWIW, I thinik the Clubman will give the Bimmer wagon a run for it's money in the "cargo space category" (though admittedly not as quiet). Guess we enjoy a "good bang for our buck"!

 

Our 2003 Cooper was my wife's daily commuter and errand-shopping car for five years and 110,000 miles. It worked great for that, summer and winter (with dedicated snow tires), averaging around 30 mpg overall. It's such a great, fun-to-drive, reliable car that we've kept it in the family by giving it to our daughter.

The only problem we had was that it was just too small for the occassions when we wanted to carry another person or two plus bagage for a day outing. So we've upgraded to a Clubman and just comfortably did a 750-mile overnight road trip with 4 people plus 4 overnight bags, 4 jugs of wine and food, and averaged 33 mpg. And it's still just as much fun to drive.

 

Lots of great info......

Well I am 99% sure the Clubman S is a go. Just waiting for the dealer to let me know what he can do on my trade in.

Mike

 

Not to hijack this thread but I own an Element and am looking at trading it in. I travel 75% on the interstate so I thought the mileage would be good, but I checked last week and I get below 24mpg right now. The element is a great vehicle, but it definitely has poor gas mileage.

Personally, I will use the Clubman as my daily car and I know that it won't be a problem. Great vehicle (I had an 05 MCS) with great appeal.