As my first post, thought I would tell my story of why I decided on the clubman. Family with wife and 2 kids (almost 4 & 6 yr old). A little background: Current rides are an 04 Scion Xb & 07 Prius Touring. Last year I sold my 02 Merc Benz C32 AMG which was a great and fast ride (some mods, just over 400hp). Prior to that I had an 02 WRX & a "99 Gen II Ford Lightning.

So, the past year I sold the Merc and have been driving the Xb, all the time just waiting to see what new and cool vehicles are going to be coming out the next few years. Last year I decided to buy the new Smart Car and put down my $99 about a month after the reservation program came out. Last November I was excited to get the "customize your vehicle" email so I could get the exact smart car I wanted. Then came the waiting game, thinking I would get my Smart the end Feb. Well that came and went, all the while I am monitoring the smart forums for people's real world experience, thinking this will be a great 3rd car to run errands in. After hearing that people are only getting 35-42mpg's, and the shifting sucks I decided to forgo the Smart.

So what car do I get? Looked into the BMW 335i, Chevy HHR SS (what the hell was I thinking!?!), and the Infinity G35 S. I kept on seeing the clubman inserts in motor trend, so I thought I would check it out since it had the extra room and the 3rd door . So this past weekend I drove up to my local dealer, took the test drive.... DONE!! The kids loved the vehicle, I loved the way it drove, so the next day I stopped in and placed my order.

Now, I had placed the order for the Smart in April of '07 and knew I would be waiting until '08 to get the car. I Wanted to get the Smart since every time I went out, I kept thinking how nice it would have been to have the new Smart car, but wasnt to big of a deal... But now, I simply cant wait to get the clubman!!! The way the car drove and handles is stupendous!! Also, considering the Xb is simply a tin can with no side airbags, I don't feel very safe when I have the kids. I do like the ~33mpg I get, but the Xb is soooo slow, and just... well you know... so basic.

Anyways, this is how I was SOLD on the clubman, and after reading people's comments on how well it works with kids I am really looking forward to getting the new car.

Thanks

 

Heh - from your title I thought you had SOLD your clubman! Sounds like you and I had a similar experience. I drove the BMW 335, Lexus GS and a bunch of others. On a whim I checked out the Clubman an was sold on it as well. I'm picking mine up this weekend and can't wait to start outfitting it.

 

great story ... yeah, the test drive always does it.
its hard to walk away when you are grinning

congrats and welcome!!!

 

You won't regret it. Waited two years for my Clubman and can't imagine not having a MINI after this. Just got back from a 700-mile road trip. The amazing thing was there was no driver fatigue. I have the CR/B combo as seen in my gallery and it is sooo stunning.
I did have a silver MCS pull up to me today and all they could say was "It's different." It's ok, that's why there are different ice cream flavors.
Who cares what they think as it fills every need I have. I kept our Titan for loads of dirt for my garden or garbage hauling, but the Clubby is the daily driver.
Congrats!

 

Woooottt - welcome to the world of Clubmans.....soon....We have no family to cart around anymore - all grown up now - but we certainly have a lot of STUFF to cart around - LOL!! Enjoy it when you get it. Can't wait to see pictures when it arrives...

Donna

 

That really happens????? Cool

 

Some things ARE worth waiting for. Hopefully you will join the more smiles oer miles club. Good Luck

 

Yep - eventually. They both have good jobs, make good money, own their own homes...I guess we did something right - and they're both still single...until next year - our daughter is getting married....

Donna