Hello everyone,
This is my first post here a NAM. Great site and seems everyone here is PRO Mini, obviously!! I am working on configuring a clubman to order within the next month or so and have several questions about options and whether or not they are worth the money. When I place the order, I will pretty much load it up from the start.
Here is where I am thinking about.
• ’09 Clubman S
• Chili Red (My Pick) or Sparkling Silver (Wife’s Pick…although she does like the red and will go along with it)
• Black Top and Pillars
• Black Sport Stripes
• Xenon Headlights
• Chrome Line Exterior
• Chrome Mirrors
• Rear Fog Lights
• Rear Spoiler
• White Turn Signals
• 6 Speed Automatic (have an infant, this will be easier!!)
• Premium Package
• Cold Weather Package
• Convenience Plus Package
• Punch Carbon Leather
• Chrome Line Interior
• Piano Black Finish
• Anthracite Headliner
• 10 Speaker Hi-Fi Sound System
• Chrome Bonnet Scoop
• Driving Lamps
• Wheels – Sacchi S25 18”x 7.5” Hypersilver with Machined Lip www.sacchiwheels.com
What else am I missing that Mini Owners would recommend?
Or
What is a waste of money above that is not needed?
I am NOT saying money is NO object, but if I am going to fork over the cash to order this car, why not do it right the first time…right?
My questions…
Sport Suspension – Is this worth the $500.00?
JCW Strut Brace – Is this worth the $250.00? Will I see a noticeable diference?
10 Speaker Hi-Fi – Is this worth the $500.00? I DO NOT plan to upgrade factory system
Big Question – I like the above setup, would spending an additional $4000.00 for the JCW version be THAT noticeable of a difference? Obviously I will NOT be racing to take the little one to daycare.

 

Welcome to NAM and to the beginning of your MINI obsession, too.

There are several really great threads that discuss the various options or accessories. Here's a search I just did - scroll through and you'll see right away a number of very good threads with obvious topic headings https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...archid=4716156

 

My opinion in a word: No. See discussion: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=155747

 

The 6 speed is so easy to drive(won't even roll back on a hill). Dont kill part of the fun to drive factor with the auto. Don't get me wrong the auto would be fun to drive but not the same. If you get a s the car has so much torque accross the rev band you dont need to shift very much. Test drive a stick before you order. Either way you will love the car.

 

slimjimtell,

You've got a very different spec to the one I chose - which is fine, of course, because that's what MINIs are all about.

But a few questions:

1: Are you planning for track days and/or autocross (which might be odd with auto trans) when not going to and from daycare?

If not, then the 18in wheels will create a stiffer ride than you need, the sports suspension will make that more so and the JCW brace won't be noticed by most people.

2: What sort of programme do you want to listen to and what will be your source?

Digital radio and CDs sound better on the Hi-Fi than the standard - but a poor source will always sound poor, IMHO.

3: I don't know what the US packages contain but I would not be without my wood-rimmed MFSW, sun-roof and auto headlights, mirror-dimming, wipers or air-con.

Personally, I hate dark interiors so adding an anthracite headliner to black leather and piano black is the last thing I'd do!!!!!

 

dlpruk,

Thanks for the info, To answer your questions,

No racing, tracks or autocross for me, just a daily driver to make to and from appointments that much more enjoyable and better on Fuel consumption.

Audio - 2 sources, 32g Itouch, and XM Inno, I rarely listen to AM/FM Radio

Packages- wood-rimmed MFSW, sun-roof and auto headlights, mirror-dimming, wipers or air-con

Suspension and wheels - I like the look of the 18" wheels best on the MCCS, they fill out the wheel well better and just plain look better. I can sacrafice some ride with the look.

Sport Suspension and JCW Strut Brace...I think I will put this money in my pocket and forgoe these options. (thanks for the tip)

Audio - 2 sources, 32g Itouch, and XM Inno, I rarely listen to AM/FM Radio

Packages- wood-rimmed MFSW, sun-roof and auto headlights, mirror-dimming, wipers or air-con, this is all included in the US packages, I too would NOT be without these.

Interior Color - Light Color Interior + Kids = DIRTY CAR, My gas hogging Expedition with beige interior, hard to keep clean, Volvo S80 Light gray, not as bad but still shows a lot of dirt.

6 Speed vs. Auto - This I am torn between the two, I know the 6sp would be MUCH more fun, but the Auto might be more practical while passing sippie cups, cheerios, Pasifiers and an ocasional freindly hand gesture to another passing Mini.

 

SaltNPepa,

I agree, the 6sp is fun and have driven both. The paddle shifters on the auto are kind of fun, but not like the 6sp Manual.

This will truly be the last PRYING question and answer at ordering time. I have some time to think about it.

 

There are so many individual opinions on what is important and what is not. At different times of one's life, one has different needs and what is important and "can't live without" to oner person, may mean nothing to the next person who is "configuring".

As long as you've test driven both on the same roads and know what your main reasons are for buying this particular car - - I mean this particular MINI...and you keep your financial situation in clear sight, you're sure to take delivery of a wonderful Clubman.

 

The only BIG decisions to make are S or non-S and Auto or Manual.

For me, it too 4 test drives to decide. Use and abuse your MA, they love it.

 

Don't try that over here or any overzealous cop can fine you on the spot for driving without due care and attention. (I kid you not!)

 

How can they say "Without Due Care and Attention" I DO care and am paying attention to my kid in the back seat!! Passing sippie cups is far less of a distraction than the crazy people Texting and driving!! What is with these people...I'm not saying I haven't done it, I'm just saying...

 

Keep the ride smooth and the kid will stay asleep. This means fewer things to pass. I'd get the stick and skip some of the sporty suspension, ride stiffening items.

* Item I got and like best: Comfort iPod/Bluetooth bit. You got it.

* Item I didn't get and wish I did: chrome-line interior. You got it.

* Item I got and wish I didn't: automatic transmission. See above. The paddle shifters are a decent substitute, but not the same as the sensation of downshifting and letting out the clutch and...

Also, I'd go with Sparkling Silver. Nothing wrong with Chili Red -- it looks fantastic. But you'll see tons of CR cars, and few SS. As I have the other common color, I now have a greater appreciation for the less common ones.

 

Follow your gut on this one. There are tons of diehard standard shift posters here. I used to drive a standard but can't due to a bad shoulder... Honestly, I don't miss it in the least - except for the rare times I might be on a MINI run on a particularly twisty stretch - but even then this new automatic is fantastic...plus you have the Sport button and Sport Mode (if you don't want to shift)... I might be tarred and feathered by posting that I ENJOY being able to have a drink of water or coffee and not worry about having to shift.

If you like to drive a standard, go for it. If you don't really care and feel strongly about the baby issue and wanting automatic, that's fine, too.

Your kids are going to grow up faster than you can realize - that is something I can attest to. Our baby will be turning 19 in November and it truly seems like "only yesterday" that she was pulling out pots and pans on the kitchen floor.

Go test 'em both again, if you need to.

P.S. All that said, if my arm could take it I would have gone for the standard for fuel savings and just being back "in the saddle again". The MINI Clubman shifts beautifully!

 

Thanks NJ Clubman,

That is what I am looking for, some good feedback as to what you have and cannot live without and what you wish you had.

Again, I just want to make sure I am making the right choices so I won't look back and think...I should have...or...I whish I had...

I have contemplated the JCW, but just cannot justify the price to HP factor. Anyone else have the same feeling?

 

Because the daft control-freaks over here say so.

And if that seems mad, try Googling for cases where drivers have even been fined for taking a bite from an apple while stopped at traffic lights.

 

OMG - for taking a bite of an apple while stopped at a light!? Not sure whether to laugh or not. Amazing.

 

No Otra, don't laugh; a cry would be more appropriate. (And don't EVER even answer your cellphone while the engine's running. As for texting ... !).

A saying about the inmates running the asylum comes to mind ...

 

I've owned plenty of standard transmissions in my day and i dont miss it at all. I love my car especially because of the auto transmission. It still has the performance and fun factor everyone talks about. There is alot more to this car and what it's all about than just the shifting. I currently have over 8,000 miles on mine and wouldn't change a thing.

 

Well the phone stuff is another thing altogether...in my opinion. And for texting while driving, I'd have to say I'd be ready to take their license away. But the apple eating and such, that is amazing. I was just eating an apple the other day while driving.

P.S. Thank you Temecula. Many of us have trouble confessing to our enjoyment of this car and its particular auto.

 

You Have to go with your gut, but the manual is so easy to shift so intuitive on hills and forget what everyone says about the ride. I've got an mcscl with sport conti runflats manual and my little guy is cutting four teeth and getting over a cold. For the past two days the only place he will sleep is in the coop on bouncy country roads. He sleeps/ I drive the perfect symbiotic relationship.

The passing things to the child in the backseat sounds like a volatile thread but here's what I know when you hit the sport button the car tightens and goes where you point it (I'm not saying I pass things to my co-pilot but if I did I wouldn't do it with the sport button off.

Go with what you want your children will follow, But when I jam the gears with the windows down my little man squals and laughs his head off.
Love the Coop.

 

Welcome to the world of future Clubman ownership. First of all, order what you WANT. Build that sucker to the specs that suit YOU! The niceities are the important part. At least on a personal level. Now, for the practical issues, that's another story. On my MCS we built it pretty sparse. No chrome in or out. No leather, just don't care for it. Did pretty much the same on the Clubman that's in production.

To answer your questions,

Sport suspension You said no track events or autocrossing, so no, I'd save those bucks.

Strut Brace Same as above.

10 Speaker sound system Not being a big audiofile,that doesn't appeal to me, but our standard system does pretty well. We got the same in the Clubbie.

JCW option Absolutely not. Wasted money for what you're looking for. However, it does make one darn nice looking Clubman.

As for the color, red always looks good. Personally, I really like the sparkling silver. Especially with the redwood lounge leather interior. And like said before, the Anthracite headliner will make the interior pretty dark. I'd go with the standard headliner, I think it would lighten up the interior a bit.

Good luck and keep us informed!

 

I would not waste money on the $500 audio upgrade, for 2 sets of tweeters and a cheap amp. You still will have the super cheap speakers. Money would be better spent on upgrading existing speakers. There are a bunch of tutorials here for DIY.

Sports Suspension save your money
Strut Bar, I would suggest the M7 strut bar with anti mushroom base plates for $199 + shipping, but I am not sure the type of driving you are talking about will warrant it.

Sparkling Silver is a pretty sweet color, that was our second choice.

 

And remember you baby will be past that stage rather quickly but you will have the MINI for years.

We listened to both speakers and found the HIFI much much better. To me $500 more is worth it when you are spending 30+k for the car vs. having to take your new baby apart and change the speakers. Also the HIFI system has a different amplifiacition system which would be a pain to change latter.

 

I too have a clubman on order and have been freaking otu about choices..... Drive as many as you possibly can! Then go with what you like the best!

I refuse to own another auto till I can no longer drive a stick.... That being said, when my best friend test drove the S standard with me she thought it was an auto (she doesn't know much about cars and was along for the company)

I have other thoughts on the kid thing, but I will hold my piece on it

 

Thanks for all your help here, I am getting closer, looks like Chili Red will be the color. Wife now wants CR as well.

As for the Auto/Manual thing. I won't be ordering for another 45 days or so. I am going to drive both of them before I order...so look out, I'm gonna drive 'em like I stole 'em!! I hope the demos are past the break in stage!!

I will be pre-buying a set of 18" wheels and tires and will have MINI put them on at delivery time. So I will have a set of S-Winders (perf. Run Flats) 195-55-16 Wheels and Tires with less than 5 miles on them. Would anyone be interested in buying a set? I attached pic.