Hey guys,

I just registered on the site. I'm looking at getting my first car ever and the clubman there with the VW GTI. So, I really need you guy's help on a few concerns. I'm looking for an S Clubman with steptronic as I'm in downtown Dallas and traffic is too crazy for me to learn manual in.

Firstly, I know clubmans or is it "clubmen" is great in cities for the excellent milage, but how does it do on the freeway? I mean I test drove it before and acceleration is great, but I could not take it on the freeway. I was wondering, when I'm cruising at 80, how good is the ride quality? How does the car feel since it's 1.6L, is it shaky like a corolla or is it strong and doesn't shake? Also, having to pass between 50-80, how does the clubman do? I fear that while it has fun go-kart speed at 0-60, when you pass at higher speed it doesn't go so well.

Also, Edmunds' TMV shows that the average paid for a stock Clubman in the area I'm in is 25k. I visit a dealer here and salesperson quoted me 28k. WTF? Should I push for 25k or is 28k the best I'm gonna get?

Lastly, this is near the end of june. There's a great incentive on the Club as 0.9% APR, and one free option (premium, sports, or nav). Should I pounce on now or is the 2012 Club coming soon and I should wait? (I saw that the 2012 will have keyless on the premium package while this year doesn't, keyless is something I want but doesn't really need).

Thank you so much for your time,
- the Cow

 

Hahahaha, First of all, welcome! Having learned how to drive on the crazy streets of Dallas a few years ago, I know your pain. Right now, I drive 400 miles from home to college somewhat frequently (one way) with about a constant speed of 80mph and have yet to have gotten under 40mpg (except when its below 20 degrees, but that doesn't apply in the south). Remember, the Clubman is similar to a "station" wagon so with high winds, you might feel a little bit of movement. 50-80 is where the turbo loves to get going (but 80+ is when it gets interesting). 80mph is around 2700ish rpm. Really, anywhere in that price range is about good. I paid $28,500 for mine with the cold weather and a few accessories with the automatic. If price is a concern, jump on the 2011. They redid some internals and incorporated the BMW valvetronic system as compared to the '07-10 models. Not many, if any, changes are coming up for 2012 with regards to the Clubman for 2012. MINI in the past (02-present) has run on a 6 year cycle, so that would put the Clubman up for a revamp in 2014 or so. Any issues you might be worried about are pretty much the same as the Cooper and Cooper S. The Clubman S does tend to have some heavy torque steer in the Automatics ( I know from experience). But as for highway driving, much better than the Cooper, though having ridden in the passenger seat on a road trip the Club-door is a little louder than the driver's door.

 

I don't own a clubman but i had a 2010 Clubman S for a few days as a loaner, and I did take it on the highway. It feels solid at speed. The auto trans in there is a blast with the paddle shifters even though I'm a manual guy. Definitely a fun car

 

Thanks guys for your reply! Any more contributions would be appreciated

 

Regarding highway - very solid and feels deceptively subdued. I went from a 2009 HT to a 2011 Clubman S and immediately noticed this. this is a tribute to both 2011 refinements in noise dampening (especially noticeable in sunroof quietness), and the extended wheelbase of the Clubby.

Hit just one pothole, however, and you realize you're in a MINI baby!

A couple more links for your consideration here, and here.

 

Thanks zeiker!

Edit: S for me all the way baby, none of that weak justa crap

 

Watch the attitude or I'll have to give you hard time about that automatic transmission

 

Buying a Mini with an automatic transmission is like marrying a supermodel and being unable to have sex with her. Such a waste of talent.

 

Bought my S clubman. Took delivery 6/25/11 5:35 with 19 miles on odom.

Farewell trusted, loyal 2002 camry. It has served my family and I well. Will be missed

 

Now, now...the automatic trans is pretty fun, it makes the Dragon a LOT easier and safer to drive. Two hands on the wheel.

I have a 3 1/2 year old, blackberry, iPad, XM radio, GPS, AC, volume, sunroof, blinkers and my bottle of water to contend with...one less distraction the better!

Seriously, you will love the steptronic. I find it rarely in full auto mode, I'm always shifting.

 

Wow, that is about the same time I got handed the keys to my new Clubman tonight!

 

AWESOME! Happy motoring!

 

Welcome to the Club,man...!

 

Thanks homie . I'm officially naming my Clubman McDonalds because I'm lovin' it! hahaha

More pics to follow as soon as I get it wash and wax. (and when I figure out where to upload)

I guess I can claim this thread as my clubman thread.

 

Just don't let anyone offer to super-size it...!

 

Haha, well maybe a little tune