Greetings,

I'm new to the list here - came close to getting a MINI in 2005-06, but needed something bigger - hoping to get my Clubman order in soon.

My most burning question is the S versus Base on the Clubman - I want to be sure I have enough ooomph to merge and handle the aggressive drivers in this area (DC Metro) and really want to avoid the run flats on the S as well. (anyone get the 15" 5-star spoolers with performance tires? Seems like everyone upgrades to the larger rims). The only demo the dealer had was an S automatic so I have no feel for the Base model with manual - but my MA feels the base has quite enough power and I shouldn't think twice about it.

Also - any comments on the upgraded audio? Is it worth the extra bucks? I've heard both, but was preoccupied with the drive so didn't really get a chance to differentiate.

Last question for now - I've been talking with MINI of Sterling but note they don't have a great BBB rating - anyone have any comment on the dealership?

thanks much! Hope to be posting pix in days to come

 

Get the "S" model and drop the runflats.

 

I would not purchase the "S" version merely because of concerns over merging into highway traffic. In my experience the base Clubman has no problem merging or getting up to highway speed. I have a manual Clubman, and I've never had an issue with the car's pickup. Put it in second and put your foot down. It will go.

 

If you are asking, if you can't drive both, then maybe you should get the S. I personally drove both and did just fine with the regular Clubman.

I at one time drove a Volvo 240 DL Wagon, 115 hp, apporximately the same weight as the Clubman. The Clubman has 5 more hp. The Volvo did fine on the mean streets of L.A.

For me too much power, or I guess more than I really need just causes me trouble, or causes me to get into trouble.

Really, I would try to find one and drive it, see what you think.

As for the dealer, no experience with them, but I would certainly want a dealer that I had heard good things about, rather than bad.

Chris

 

Your facing the same dilemna that many of us faced pre-order. I drove the 6sp S and non-S. The non-S was not lacking in power by any means. The S just takes it to a totally different level. If you do a search you'll find many differing opinions all of which seem to agree that no matter which model you choose, you'll be happy. I had considered the non-S as I was becoming quite fed up with the energy crisis. Yes, 40 mpg sounds good but I ended up going with the S, 6sp and limited slip. Having driven performance type cars most of my driving life, I assumed that in time I'd miss not having the boost of the Turbo so the S it is. I believe a lot depends on your driving style and needs. I do feel that the non-S will have less maintenance issues than the S. Search out other opinions and let yourself get more confused. Definitely test drive whatever before you lay down the deposit. Have fun, Dan

 

We ordered an S because my wife wanted it.

I had the same kind of chice a few years ago when we were shopping for a Subaru Forester, turbo or std. I already owned a WRX. We talked and decided to buy a non-turbo for one reason, economy. Runs on regular gas and got better mileage (I tend to have a heavy foot ). So, when we went to test drive I stayed away from the turbo version and drove only the std one. FWIW, the std version has plenty of power to get around anywhere.

Well, WRX was given to daughter and wife wanted another fun car. So, we're going to be the owners of a nice little S Clubman. When test driving didn't even get in a std version.

The message is, the std will have plenty of power for around town. Enjoy it, and point out that besides getting a little better mileage you're also able to put regular gas in it.

charlie

 

i have an auto S so can't really comment.. i didn't get the opportunity to drive the non-S, and I figured i was paying this much for a car (here in Oz these Mini's are very expensive and classed as a luxury car), i might as well go the extra and get the S.

re. the upgraded stereo, forget it. Mine came with it and it's quite frankly crap. there is an "amp", but you can't really call it that. it's tiny.. the speakers are terrible. at cruising volume listening to the radio it's fine (as would be the standard stereo), but if you want to crank it a little and play some nice tunes and get a decent sound, it just isn't there.. the bass response is basically non-existant and if you attempt to turn the bass up even slightly it just woofs and sounds like warble. For an "upgraded" stereo it's pretty pathetic. I know stock systems are generally ordinary, but this is supposed to be an enhanced system, and really it's marginal.

i'm thinking of replacing the amp and speakers but i'll need a professional to do it as it's just too big a job for me.

 

We ordered the S, with a 6 speed manual, I preferred the pickup of the S. I would test drive both and make and then see what you think or try to test drive a S vs. Non S on a Cooper nonClubman and see what differences you see. I did not like the non S Clubman reminded me of a regular Civic acceleration. Where I felt the S was lively and had great acceleration. If you ever like to step and the gas and run away from cars when you are merging then go with the S, if you want to stay with the pack get the Non-S.

I am happy my wife wanted speed and pulling away from the pack.

Do not and I mean do not waste your money on the upgrade audio, they are just putting more watts (with the cheap amp) to bad speakers, you would be better off just upgrading the speakers. If that does not give you enough volume, put in an aftermarket amp that will take line level audio inputs.

 

Test drive them both yourself in those situations. We've all got our own opinions. I've got a non S and drive on some extremely congested, "speedways" called the New Jersey Turnpike, 95, the Saw Mill River, the Hutchinson River Turnpike (made for Model Ts the way most of their on and off ramps were designed but packed with BMWs and the rest going 20 mph over the speed limits) in the bedroom of NYC and I have had not one issue merging ever and I am driving a non S automatic.

You really need to experience this driving experience with both - and don't just do it once since you'll be getting used to each model the first time out.

With the automatic if it's a whipping million miles an hour situation, I put it in "sport drive" - not talking about the sport button...but I don't even really have to do that. Just floor it and go.

P.S. Myrrth, there are a couple of other threads on here "debating" the plusses of both the S and non S from folks. Do a search and you find them. It will come down to your personal wants/needs and desires along with your checkbook. There will always be those who swear by one or the other.

 

Just took delivery on a 2009 Clubman (non-S) one week ago - No regular gas for it; recommended gas is Premium. Manual does say it will do okay with 87 octane and not void the warranty, but they strongly recommend premium - 91+. Also recommend Top Tier Detergent Gasoline (look that up on the web and it will list the brands), not the cheapest brand.

Don't have the manual in front of me, but can look up specifics for you this weekend, if needed.

Still with Premium, my cost per mile is lower than with my old Subaru.

 

As many have pointed out, make every effort to drive both. If your dealer doesn't have examples of both, find another dealer. I would also add that, during the test drive, load the car as you plan to drive it. Clearly the car does not perform as well with 4 passengers and the air conditioning on as it would with one passenger, air-off. This may also help you to decide if you need the "S" or not.

Finally, in the end it is a subjective thing. If you get it wrong, either you'll be disappointed with the additional costs involved in buying and feeding an "S" or the lower power output and performance of the non-S. The great thing is that there currently exists a fair demand for these cars in the secondary market so you could sell it and start all over again.

Congratulations on your decision to buy a Mini and good luck with your purchase!

 

As many have said, test driving both is a must. You do not really see the difference just looking at a piece of paper with numbers on it.

I drove both and found that the Non-S had more than enough power to pull onto a highway.

The S though just does it a hole lot better IMHO.

As for the Stereo upgrade - Do NOT get it. Getting it was the worst thing i have ever done. Minw was at the dealer for a week because it sounds so bad and they have not been able to fix it. While my car was in teh shop i had a base MC loaner with the standard (not upgraded) stereo and it sounded 1000% times better. If the volume of the standard sereo is not enough for you adding an amp is actualy very easy. With the HiFi (upgraded) stereo it is a very difficult job due to the change int eh way the speaker wiring is done.

I will have to spend much more thant he $500 i spent on the upgrade just to correct the stereo system. I am hoping that Mini will refund me the $500 as they can not fix the problem.

That said, i am also very particular about the stereo in my car as well as my home. SO maybe the best thing for you to do is again to make sure you listen to both with some of your own music.

 

Thanks, that makes me feel better about getting the S

charlie

 

I have a non-S and I have no problems driving aggressively in it. It works very well for people who want to express their rage on the highways in the form of unsafe driving. I can only imagine how much more rage I would be able to express with the S, but the non S suits my rage level just fine.

 

I run Regular 87 octane and actually get just as good mileage as i was with the 91 Mobil or 93 Shell. And my dealer says that it is perfectly OKAY to run the 87 octane.

 

I have been running 87 for two months since this gas outage crap started here in Charlotte, NC. You can't find Supreme anywhere. Car runs fine. I am actually getting BETTER gas mileage than with Supreme.

Long term damage? Maybe. But the car runs fine.

Any European car made after the mid 90's can run 87. The computer will adjust for it, with the cost being a loss in mpg and performance. BUT THERE ARE NO ILL EFFECTS, SIMPLY LOSS OF "OPTIMUM" PERFORMANCE.

 

After driving a Subaru Forester Turbo for four years, we bought the non-S Clubman. The turbo was fun, but, the reduced gas mileage and increased risk of a ticket was not worth it in our opinion. And I drive with a heavy foot, so, it was near impossible to drive the Forester in a way to conserve more gas. With that said, we did not even test drive Clubman S, because we knew we would get sucked right in (no pun intended).

There are times when I do miss the extra power, but, they are rare and I have no regrets getting the non-S. Minis are just plain fun to drive, no matter the power. Most of our driving is city driving with a little leisure highway driving mixed in. The car is perfect for this situation. Now, if we were commuting daily on highways and doing a lot of lane changes and very spirited rush-hour driving, I would go for the S. But we don't, and I really enjoyed getting 43 mpg on our last highway trip.

On the Hi-Fi system; I must have gotten something that is diffierent from other folks because I think it sounds great. I faded the speakers a bit to the back and boosted the bass and treble and I am very happy. I also got the ipod/bluetooth interface which works great with my Verizon xv6800 phone. The best thing about the ipod interface is the usb port. I have attached a black 8 gb flash drive to it and I just leave it there. No one can see it and all my music is there and readable via the radio interface, just like an ipod.

Lastly, I live in NoVa, but bought the car from Checkered Flag Mini in Virginia Beach because MoS told me it would be 5 months before I got my car (I ordered in on 31 May and received it on 16 July in VABeach.) I did take my car to MoS last Saturday to buy a roof rack and they took it in to service that morning, shuttled me to and from Wegmans and washed the car. (Btw, they did not find any of the problems I had described with the car.) I thought that was great customer service; maybe they are trying to improve thier act a bit.

Anyhow, good luck with the decision process...what ever you do, in the end it will be a Mini and it WILL be fun!!

 

Thanks to everyone who responded - such great info. This is all very helpful. MoS still doesn't have a base Clubman, so I'm going to take the advice and hike up to Towson because they have one I can test drive. Also thanks for the audio comments - I didn't really hear much difference between the two, but wasn't sure if it was just because I was distracted.

Does anyone have comments on how the run flats or performance tires do in the snow? I know that NoVA doesn't get a lot (at least in the last few years) - but I drive up to NE PA several times a year or more and they get a lot of snow. Any suggestions?

(Of course, one day I'll have to decide what color I want! But no one can help me on that one

 

In addition to MoT you may want to check out Mini of Annapolis where I got my Clubman S this summer. I also had gone to MoS but the wait time was 4-5 months and I felt like they had the "take it or leave it" attitude. My experience at MoA was great. Six weeks from ordering to driving my baby off the lot. My MA was Brian Horan. Give him a call if you decide to check out MoA, you won't be disappointed.

 

Performance tires are summer tires. They will not perform well in snow.

 

If you drive it up the Northeast Extension of the PA Tpke, you'll probably want to get a set of steelies with 15" snows rather than risk bending up a set of 17" rims. Alternatively you could buy the car with 15" wheels and all-season tires and then by another set of wheels,tires, and TPMS system online for the summer.

I know...choices, choices, choices!

 

IMO it's better to regret getting something more than you might need than regret not getting it to begin with. Get the S. Honestly, you won't regret it.

 

...not that you need one, but you did ask!!!

We have the non-s, and enjoy really enjoy it. We test drove both, but we wanted an economical vehicle from the get go, so we chose the non-s. It really comes down to your driving style, we are 26 and this is the car we want to start a family with, so aggressive driving falls to the way side.

I will have a fun toy town the road (another jeep), but for now getting from point a to point b is more important, and the non-s does this, and believe it or not is still a ton of fun to drive. I can only go as fast as the car infront of me!

For the speaker upgrade, we got it in the sunroof package. At first we didn't like it, but it seems to actually be sounding better lately (2000 miles on car). I don't know if there is some kind of break in period, but with all the plastic on the car, there was alot of crap rattling the first few months.

No matter what you decide to get, I will still wave at ya!

Oh almost forgot, price was a issue too! I didn't want a car payment over $300 a month. So it was a S with nothing , or a non-s with stuff we wanted, couldn't have both!!!