I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Audi A3. I have a Clubman spec'd at 32k. That is well within A3 range. Audi reliability is way up and lets face it the MINI is far from the most reliable. My 2003 MINI was in the shop every weekend!

The MINIs are unique because depending on how it is spec'd you can compete with lower priced cars and higher priced cars.

 

rcase13,

What were some of the problems?

 

There were several. I haven't owned the car since 2007 so i can't remember them all. But I do remember Rattles, Rattles and more Rattles. Back then the MINI dash rattled like crazy. Several trips back for that and they never did fix it. Strange rattle in the manual transmission that was fixed by a software upgrade. And then there were the recalls...

I remember my father-in-law's expression. He thought I was nuts to own it. At the time MINI was the most unreliable car made. Even with so many trips to the dealer and that horrible english tranny, I still loved the MINI. I can't wait to pull the plug on a new Clubman S. Also I think things have improved quite a bit. At least I hope they have! At the time I was interested in the A3 that was just new on the market and the MINI. And now 6 years later I am shopping the two cars again... Looks like MINI won again with me!

 

Before I decided on a Clubman S, I test drove the VW Tiguan, the Mazda 3 Speed, the Infinity F35 (I think that is what it was the little one) and the Ford Escape Hybrid.

 

TDIs have had EGR since they were introduced. That's why it's necessary to have the intake cleaned at some interval. When I had that done on my 99.5 Jetta, it was like it had sprouted an extra cylinder and a new turbo. Some of the aftermarket chips alter the EGR cycle to keep the intake cleaner; with the attendant warranty issues and increased emissions.

There was very little required maintenance on the Jetta that I couldn't do, until the intake cleaning. There is a tremendous online TDI community. So, if you're DIY inclined, it's pretty likely that someone else has already done any task you might encounter. Even so, my Passat never went back to the dealer for anything in the three years I owned it (other than a TSB on the trunk hinges).
All due respect, but in 27 years of driving VW diesels, I never found myself unable to find fuel, including a summer in rural Michigan, and lots of miles in WV. You've got such long range, if you manage to run out of fuel, it's your own dadgum fault.

But, this is somewhat OT. With the Clubman, you get an intro to the MINI community/experience, huge number of smiles per mile, a vehicle that's worlds more unique than the Vibes and Versas of this world, great utility and economy too!

 

I have been looking at a Volvo C30. As posted, it is a more comfortable ride. Lots of straight line power. Does not handle corners as well as the Mini (but a $200 aftermarket bolt on sway bar is said to help that considerably). The cargo space access is impaired by the hatch. Back seats are smaller, but that is immaterial to me.

As to price, I disagree that it is more expensive. I just configured a Mini and C30 (both turbos) and they came out within a few hundred dollars, but the C30 will be cheaper as larger discounts are readily available. At worst they are about the same.

No run flats on the C30!!! The C30 is safer. The C30 is much more unique (LOTS fewer sold in the US) which could be good or bad depending upon your perspective.

I don't really view them as competitors, just two different small cars which would work for my particular needs. Both have pluses and minuses, which are likely different for you than for me.

 

I remain perplexed as to
how a Volvo and a Clubman
could be mentioned in the
breath, as though they
are even in the same stratosphere.
Mini stands apart as incomparable!
Twas ever thus!

 

Don't forget to factor in the 7-8 mpg difference in favor of the Mini vs. Volvo. Over the lifespan of the vehicle that will result in a huge difference in fuel cost.

 

No doubt. I wasn't really enumerating all the differences. There of course are other factors, some of which favor Minis, some favor Volvos. I have posted elsewhere about reliability issues which is why I will not yet buy a Mini. Please, I do not want to repeat that discussion, I was just throwing in my 2cents on cars instead of a Mini.

 

How true!

I came from a B5.5 Passat wagon to my clubman (had a Mk IV GTI and Jetta prior to that). I cross-shopped w/the GTI 4 door and the Audi A3 (same car really). I think these are the closest competitors as they're Euro, somewhat upscale, sporty and distinctive. I was considering a Scion as a cheap alternative but fortunately the wife put the kaibosh on that idea almost as soon as the words left my mouth.

 

I looked at a ton of cars: Clubman S, VW GTI, Altima, Accord, Acura TL, Subaru Legacy & Impreza WRX, BMW 328, Audi A4 & A3, and Infiniti G37.

Bang for your buck, best reliability, and most-fun-factor = Clubman.

However, I have long had a highly stimulated covetous quotient with the G37. It's a reliable, luxurious and beautiful rocket (0-60 mph in 5 flat!), and it won out. It was the only one of the bunch that my daughters gave a similar "Ooh" response to when sitting in it and playing with all the doodads. It was the only car they thought was an acceptable alternative to the Clubman, but "we still would have loved a Clubman, dad."

Out of all those cars, the Clubman was a close #2. Really close. That's amazing when you consider the price difference. Comparably equipped (sunroof, leather, etc.) you'll pay several thousand dollars more. You do get more in the G37 (or less if you're talking miles/gallon!), but nothing gets quite the same value as the Clubman.

Guess what my daughters want when they're old enough?

As we used to say, the Clubbie is the most "bitchin" of the bunch.

 

As I am awaiting the arrival my MCCS, I spend most of my time in the 1st Gear Forum. However, I see another has been comparing the MINI Clubman and the Volvo C30 as I did in an earlier posting in this thread. As to how one would compare these two ? Everyone looks at this from their own perspective and no doubt came up with reasons why these fit together in potential car buys.

The arguement that the MINI gets better gas mileage than the Volvo C30 is definitely true but that comparison narrows a bit if you talk the ClubmanS and also using premium fuel. The Volve C30 uses regular.

For me, I primarily wanted a car to replace my '98 Prelude. I did not want a car that was longer than it's length (178"). I also did not want a basic car...I wanted one that was somewhat upscale and had decent horsepower to get on the highway daily. Also, since my wife has never and will never learn how to drive a manual, the automatic/4-speed selectric shift on the Prelude was a great compromise and I wanted a similar feature for my new car. So...considering 178" or shorter, upscale, decent horsepower, auto w/sport shift....that eliminates a ton of cars. The MINI and Volvo C30 meet all those attributes. These both also have hatch/rear access that opens to the seats.

On the track...the stats would indicate the Volvo C30 is faster than the MINI ClubmanS. The Volvo is perhaps 200-400 lbs heavier but has I believe a 227hp engine versus for my consideration was the MINI w/172hp. The Volvo's main other attributes are - Very comfortable seats and known for their safety in construction. MINI, my perception, known for it's sporty interior, responsiveness and being a bit different from the pack in it's styling.

In the end, biggest difference for me was the responsiveness/handling during the test drives with each. The MINI put a smile on my face. The Volvo got me from Point A to Point B.

 

Reminds of a visit to Lynchburg, TN several years ago. A member of the tour group asked the tour guide how Wild Turkey compares to Jack Daniels. The tour guide puffed himself up into a state of indignity and said, in the most wonderful Tennessee drawl: "Son, aint nothin' compares to Jack Daniels".

 

I've been looking at buying a new car for the past 3 years. First I was waiting for the new Yaris 5-door; drove it and was uninspired. Then I drove the old (2007/8) Fit; it was fun, but I waited to see what the 2009 that was coming out in a few months would be like. In the meantime I went to the MINI web site on a whim one day, and saw the new 2008 Clubman...I was hooked. I dropped by the dealer that same day and knew it was over; I just had to figure a way to convince my wife. Surprisingly she was in to it!

I waited to see what the new 2009 Fit was like though. I drove it and thought it was vapid (I thought the 2008 was zippier in spite of the increase power in the '09), and I really didn't like the view from the front (the A-pillars just seemd to be in the way all the time).

In all, I waited almost a year longer to get my 2009 Clubman S. I've had it for two weeks and am sooooo glad I didn't go with the other "hot" hatches, even if I did spend a few $K more...there's just no comparison.

 

I shopped a MkV GTI, an Audi A3, and a 1-series. I test drove the Clubbie more out of curiosity, but it won me over.

Admittedly, the other 3 performed as well or better in a lot of areas. The 1 is, well an ultimate driving machine, but the back seats were very impractical to get in and out of. The A3 and VW drove like bats out of hell, but the MINI is nearly as thrilling with at least 30% better gas mileage.

Our Honda Odyssey is the full-time kid mover, but I do have to take a kid or two at times in my car. This ruled out the 1. Honestly, if I had to drive more than one kid around on a regular basis, I would have gone with the Audi. The club door is very useful, but it will never be as convenient as 4 full doors.

The Clubbie was the perfect compromise for me: fun to drive, sharp looking, luxury options, excellent gas mileage, and can haul the kids and stuff when necessary. With all these things considered, nothing else really came close.

The Clubman isn't for everyone, and I like that too. Part of the fun in owning a MINI is the uniqueness and rarety of it all. I wouldn't recommend it to everyone, but for anyone looking for what I was it is spot on.

I have no regrets on my purchase and actually enjoy driving again. I couldn't ever really say that about my old GTI or any of my old cars/trucks for that matter.

 

Great minds think alike!

 

MINI Canada had a series of events across Canada last year when the Clubman first came out. The "MINI Clubman Challenge" was an opportunity to try the new Cooper Clubman and Cooper S Clubman against what they perceived to be the market competition on an abbreviated auto-cross circuit.

When my wife an I went to the event in Calgary, MINI Canada brought:
Cooper Clubman (manual and auto)
Cooper S Clubman (manual and auto)
VW GTI 4-door (auto)
Volvo C30 (auto, non-turbo)
Mazda 3 5-door (auto)

Obviously, from my sig, you can tell which car won me over...

 

Wow, this is a great thread! I, too, considered most of the cars mentioned.

Audi A3
The Audi impressed me with its interior, they REALLY know how to do it right! The seats and switchgear were top-notch. But I really didn't want a 4-door station wagon, my wife and I already have a Matrix for that. Damn nice car, though. If we didn't have the Matrix, this one coulda been the one for me.

VW GTi
The VW GTi impressed me with its interior and that gutsy motor, that thing is a freakin' rocketship. But I've heard too many VW repair nightmare stories and besides that, my next-door neighbor has a hotted-up one and I didn't want to be Mr. Me Too - know what I mean? Plus, insurance on it was surprisingly high - my Clubbie S is insured for $695/year, the V-dub was around $1100/year. That $400 buys me 200 gallons of gas now. Combine this with the Clubbie's extra 4-5 mpg and it's enough to completely pay for my daily commute to-from work.

Plus, frankly, it looks a bit "pedestrian". The Mini flat-out looks cool - and I get approving nods from all the girls, "it's soooooo cute!" Even though I'm happily married for 27 years to a drop-dead gorgeous redhead, I still love the ladies. I'm a "look but don't touch" kinda guy. Getting a wink now and then gives me another reason to keep on livin'

Volvo C30
The Volvo impressed me with its sleek styling. And I NEVER thought I'd say that about a Volvo. Reminds me of their 1800 ES that I fell in love with back in 1972 - that was a very cool car! However, the C30 has no free Scheduled Maintenance, and that amounts to $500-$600 a year - again paying for my daily commute. The Volvo seats and interior are excellent. Their switchgear is also top-notch. However, the Clubbie S also gets better gas mileage by about 4-5 mpg. Gas in the USA will be over $4.00/gal. within a year (I predict), and I really wanted a car that was capable of 30-35 mpg on the highway. If it weren't for that, the C30 could be in my driveway today.

MazdaSpeed 3
I drove one of these 10 minutes after driving my Clubbie. Even though I KNEW I would never buy one because of its lack of an automatic. But not having an automatic available killed the deal. I think Mazda really blew it by not offering an automatic. I have had nothing but manual tranny cars for the past 37 years. But I am sick to death of having to deal with Washington, DC traffic using a stick.

However, I still wanted to drive one and the salesman said "sure, go ahead", so I did. The motor was a beast, and I mean that in a good way. But the handling was not on par with the Clubbie. And there is that 4-door station wagon thing, too. Helluva motor, though.

Clubman S
This car has just about everything I really wanted: plenty of zip, superb handling, very cool looks, easy access to the rear area (without having 4 doors) for the occasional passenger and my pitbull, Maxi. Heh, heh - it's pretty funny to have a Mini hauling a Maxi.

I am a bit put off by the abysmal location and labeling of switches and such. BMW could do a much better job of that. Keep the damn pie-plate speedo, if you must, but for God's sake put my window controls on the doors and locate the seat rake lever on the outside of the seats. These small changes would really help. And someone needs to come up with a labeling kit for the toggles that uses English instead of the stupid graphics. One-touch open and close of the sunroof is also requested. The Europeans get it, why can't we?

In the end, it came down to the handling, the gas mileage, the low insurance cost, and the absurdly fanatic Mini support community. These traits are what really sold me on my car.

 

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/..._test/(page)/1

- Mark

 

I'm 26 and mostly in that demographic (save the bad choice in music) and still chose the Clubbie!

 

C30s have 3 years free maintenance now (they did not prior to the 09 model year). Also, you can get 30+hwy in a C30 (it is rated 21/29). I believe Consumer Reports got 35 hwy in use. Nonetheless, the Clubbie and S do get better mpg (and corner better too).

 

MarkJenn posted a link to a Car and Driver comparo. Their parting line about the JCW Clubbie summed it up perfectly:

"If you’re still in love with the Mini generally, the Clubman S is a better deal by a wide margin in the fun-to-dollar department."

That's what I thought, too. And since I bought my car with 3,800 mi. for $5K off sticker, I'm feeling like I got a smokin' deal!

 

This may sound weird but I felt claustraphobic in the A3. One of my buddies has one and it's great but I just didn't feel right in it. When I trimmed my list down to two it was the Clubman S and the A3.

The C30 I really liked. I saw it at the car show and I really liked it but my problem with it was the cost. With the T5 it was way out of my price range. And I grew up with a Volvo (1969 164) so I'm fond of them so it was hard to not get one. The price tag lost me!

 

Agreed about the price tag on the Volvo C30. I actually never did test drive one due to that however I was also concerned that the opening to the back would not be as useful as the Clubman's.

 

Well, before you let the stereo affect your decision, make sure you listen to the upgraded speakers version. (I'd bring my own CD too)
Mine has the upgraded speakers, and satellite radio, and it sounds great.
(it could use a better sub, what what car couldn't)