I would like a Clubman for my next car, but have had a few lingering things to resolve to my satisfaction.

Decided on the S. Decided on a manual. Those took some thought (mainly how to convince my wife ), most other decisions pretty easy thanks in part to info on this forum.

1) Wife wants a sunroof, but I am concerned about heat and sun since I am in the south. Minor issue - my car, no sunroof. Maybe .

2) Tires - I don't want run flats nor do I want to wait until they wear out to get regular tires. Even if dealer swaps tires, then there is issue with spare storage or spare not fitting on front tires. I have become picky about good tires over time. Resolvable, but seems to be an unnecessary hassle.

3) Long term maint/reliability - As a highly engineered car, I expect svc and parts to be expensive. I suspect they will be reasonably reliable, but when they break to be pricey and know they will NEED their regular maint to avoid big bills. I have had a Volvo for 8 yrs, so understand (I LOVE the Volvo which my wife declared hers a few years back). I do not want to be captive to the dealer for service after the initial "free" svc, but understand that I really have to go to a Mini specialist. Are there many Mini repair specialists out there? (I live in a large metro area with two Mini dealers. I am spoiled as I have an excellent ind specialist shop handling my cars for the last 10 yrs). The extended svc and extended warranty make a lot of sense but I would only do those down the road.

4) Are they too new in their lifecycle - I read about the cold start issue, and the melting hood scoops. While these are likely not widespread, they seem to be design issues and it makes me wonder about letting another model yr go by.

5) I want it in Purple Haze! Prob no can do, but I like that color!

Great fun, nice looks, performance, mpg, great leg room, adequate safety balanced, and now availability is greatly improved.

No real questions, but if you have any insights, let me know!

 

1. Your car your options; a happy wife makes a happy husband. It's your call, but I had a JB MINI with sunroof in FL, get a good windshield sunshade and the remote opening windows and sunroof, hold the fob to your chin drop the windows from the other side of the parking lot, a little breeze and the car will be much cooler, then hit the highway or crank the AC.

2. Swap them out right away, and put them up for sale with a local club, you wont recoup everything but brand new they ought to fetch a good price esp if it's a set someone else is looking for. Carry a small pump, fix it or green slime or a 10min tire lug kit and a AAA plus membership card. FYI runflat technology has come a long ways in the last few years, pref runflats may not be as bad as one expects.

3.
Where in FL are you? There are some good shops in FL, check out sunshineminis.org for more details and local club info. I'm handy with a wrench and do all my own work and help other enthusiasts when I'm capable. You may be able to find someone like that near you. However there are some computer related things that require a dealer trip.

4. There's always some issues and it's usually luck of the draw, the more common ones will see TSBs issued and the fix will become known and spread throughout.

5. It used to be just shades of grey when they switched generations! Hit the lotto and a repaint won't be an issue

 

Your only other option is"a not a mini"

Mark

 

I hear you on the happy wife bit! But she always ends up taking my new cars, so maybe if I do not get the sunroof...

I am in TX, and just discovered the local Mini forum. Seems there are a couple shops and one is pretty close. Feeling better already.

"Not a mini" option - you are mean, I tell you. Actually, whenever I buy a new car, it usually comes down to one model and no other model fits my needs as well at that time. Right now it is looking like the Clubman. If I do not get a Clubman, I have no idea what a fallback would be other than getting nothing and continuing to drive what I have now.

 

For what it's worth, I have survived a summer in Phoenix with a sunroof and it was not an unpleasant experience. I am really glad to have it this time of year and it is open frequently. Go for it!

 

Get the Clubman!!! You can always get a sunshade specifically for the clubby or get a roof graphic...I love having my sunroof open all summer...It does not get that hot inside the car with it..granted I am in NY, but on those hot days, it was just fine!! Good luck with your decision!

 

Good "Not a MINI" is not an option

I have many reasons to get a MINI, but you can do the search of my posts.
I have no reasons to get a MINI, so searching for them will get you nothing.

Mark

 

1) A week after I took delivery I had a well reviewed shop put tinting film on the sunroofs (15%, which is suppose to reduce heat by 41%). The solution has been great, and only cost $67.50.

2) I have run flats on my '06 BMW 325i. Many friends with BMW's have had expensive blowouts, in in some cases multiple times (I've been lucky). The tires cost $400-$500, and even under normal circumstances generally wear-out at about 35,000 miles. Consequently when I was looking for a Mini, I wanted to avoid the potential future cost hassle, and to minimize the rough ride reported on NAM.

 

Our only "not a Mini" options were a Prius and an Audi A4. I now pull my Clubman S up next to the A4 at a stoplight and find myself giggling out loud like I'm high on motoring.... cuz I am!

 

Go for it! It better be "WIFE" friendly...heated seats, sunroof, & AUTO

She wanted her behind toasted while sitting in traffic during winter and the Sunroof Open during summer to save on the AC.

She's planning on getting the R52 within the next 6 months and get rid of the 07 Beetle Vert.

I'm never bored in driving either of MINIs...I dirve the JustaClubman just like I'm driving the "S". I do recommend a Manual for that NON-S engine and hit the sport button.

 

A Honda Accord buddy. Oh wait, those break too!


Comical when people want to own a car but don't want to own up to maintenance/repair costs post-warranty. Guess what? All cars are very expensive to service in the dealer after the warranty expires. Find yourself a good and reputable independent mechanic and you should be golden.

But if you plan to keep a car past 3 or 4 years, be prepared to pay for repairs and maintenance on your dime, whether it is a Toyota, MINI, Honda, BMW or whatnot.

 

I'm also ordering a Clubman (non-s). I wanted manual, my wife wants automatic. After buying my wife a nice Tiffany's diamond and platinum anniversary ring, which was expensive but not too bad since i'd been saving for while, she agreed on the manual. The best part was the ring was planned well in advance of my desire or interest in buying a Mini so that worked out great (hehehe ). And I loved when she said "get whatever options you want."

 

It is also comical when people jump to conclusions inappropriately. In roughly 60 years of car ownership my wife and I have owned a total of 8 cars. I think we are prepared to assume maint and repair costs!

It is a fact that certain makes are more costly to maintain and repair than others. Ignoring that would be irresponsible on the part of any buyer. From your posts, I know you know that.

 

Let ;your wife test drive an AUTO MCS Clubman...You'll be fighting to drive the MINI.