First of all guys, GREAT board, I've been lurking it for about a week now, read MOST Of the threads, including all 2200 or so posts/pictures in the 'post your clubman picture' thread...

Anyways, I drive an 04 Scion XB now and i'm REALLLLY considering getting me an 09 Clubman S, BUT i had a few concerns I was hoping you guys could help me with.


1.) What category are the Clubman S's considered when it comes to insurance? I have a 'few' tickets unfortuantely, and while I drive more carefully now, even as a 32 year old 'adult', my insurance costs are rather high with the 04 xb. Is the clubman s classified as a sportscar, or just a 'hatch', or coupe, or what exactly? What can I expect to pay compared to my Toaster? I'm a bit nervous about this, so I figured i'd ask here and get the right answer, lol.

2.) Cost of Ownership, I've already read (on this board) and others about the dreaded $250 oil changes I can expect after 36k miles (or whatever it is), i'll just hunt around Orange County (CA) if needed and try to find a more 'regular' priced oil change, but with regards to everything else..is maintenance generally higher on EVERYTHING? I pay $30-$40 for an oil change now, and that's AT the Toyota/Scion Dealer...is EVERYTHING for the Mini Multipled by 400-600% from what i'm used to paying now? Transmission Service, AC service, etc etc?

Anyways, once again GREAT forum/community you guys have here, and depending on the answers to the above questions, I may just become a regular poster here (lol), but for now..i'll be stalking and enjoying the pictures of your awesome rides.

Thanks in advance, I appreciate ANY feedback I get (good or bad).

 

our insurance company [USAA] lists the Clubman as a Station Wagon

only a crazy man would pay $250 for an oil change, You can get the filters for under $10 each, as for oil get a case of Mobil one synthetic at costco and do it yourself

 

Thanks for the quick response, it's much appreciated. Is the clubman S listed as a Station Wagon as well? (Being that it's got 175 or so hp) Also, are the insurance rates generally reasonable for it?

Thanks again :-)

 

yes my S is treated as a wagon. as for rates it will depend on your record. neither my wife or I have any tickets in the past 20 years and we are in the 45-55 age bracket so our rates are really low

 

I'm 53, have a good driving record, and my insurance is $650/yr. with a $250 deductible. Erie Insurance.

As for $250 oil changes, somebody must be pulling your leg. Even the the most yuppified Mini owner (and it looks like there are PLENTY of those around here) wouldn't pay that much. I just did mine - bought a filter and 5 qts. of Valvoline Synthetic 10W-30 for $25 and did it myself in about 40 minutes. You can do the same, easily.

One thing is for sure, the Mini will be a big step up from the Toaster in every performance category. Do it, you'll be glad you did...

 

I suggest you make the move to the MINI. My last vehicle was a Dodge Magnum AWD R/T 5.7 Hemi 375HP; but my MINI is easily 3X more fun to drive!

 

Your insurance should be lower . I am coming from a 02 Honda Accord Coupe 4 cylinder w/ a 250 deductible (Honda's seem to be on the high side for males under 30), and my premium went down $50, when I switched to the Clubman. I would call your insurance agent and ask him/her, but I don't see your insurance rates going higher.

 

I want to make the move to the mini, i'm just concerned about the above things.

1. Maintenance Cost/Cost of Ownership

2. Insurance Rating/Cost. Can any comment who's moved from a low HP car/wagon to the clubman S and let me know how your insurance rates changed?

Also, the $250 oil change is not a myth, alot of mini dealers do charge that:

Mini Cooper $250 Oil Change

Thanks

 

Thanks Kimbo, but how about the clubman S? Are the S and the "non S" in the same insurance price/bracket, or is there a price diff there on insurance? And I think I will call, just wanted to get an idea here first.

Thanks

 

Oh, I didn't think about how that would affect the premium. I bought a Base Clubman (non S), so you have a good point. It might be higher with the S. By the way I have State Farm, but I have noticed Progressive is cheaper (atleast) in IL. The only reason I stick with State Farm is a) my dad has been with them for over 25 years b) they usually don't give you the run around, when you have to file a claim.

 

Why don't you give your insurance company a call? They will be able to give you a quote that is pretty close even without a VIN.
I have a non S Coupe, came from an '05 LL Bean Edition Subaru Outback and my premium went down over $300 per year. Go figure.

 

Of course the S will cost more, it has more HP. Insurance companies are no dummies.

Cost of an oil change at my Mini dealer is $70.

 

One thing to remember on Insurance rates is it varies from state to state for classification.

There have been reports here of people having the car classed as a Sports Car or a Station Wagon. These were from different states though.

Just to let you know though. i went from a 1999 Dodge 1500 Pickup to a brand new Clubman S and my rates went down $170 a year. Exact same coverage on both. I thought it was strange but that is what the bill shows.

As for maint. costs. Yes there are some dealers that rip off their customers and charge $250 for an oil change. My dealer HC in Boston MA is around $60.00 last time i checked. ANd if a dealer is chargeing that much then find another dealer or take it to a reputable garage if you do not lik the quick lube places.

A buddy of mine owns the local quick lube place so i just go over there and have them do it. I know the work will be done right.

Althought the oil change on the Mini is very easy and you should be able to do it your self easily.

I have had my Clubman for almost a year now and have found the inital cost of owner ship to be less than that of my Dodge Pickup or a Nissan Maxima I had owned.

It's not actually the cost of ownership from a maint. stand point you really need to worry about, it is the extras that you will be seeking to make it yours when you get it that cost the money. I.E. Read the threads in the modifications section. It is an obcession.

 

1. Silly to take to dealer at that cost.. Not sure where you live, but most areas that have local clubs, people with in will usually do for you if you do not know how. As we do here in Phoenix AZ. Cost... price of a filter and oil. Almost all repairs and maint for 36mo. 48 for almost all other issues. Take care of it, and there shouldnt be much after that.. Plus once again, the local clubs will usually help with most issues.

2. As for the Xbox insurance, I went from 05 Xb to Clubman S. ( I was 46 at time) Clubman was 200 a year more. No tix, no accidents. Multi car discount with my GP. Xb now clubman listed a daily driver