Howdy all. I've been reading the threads and trying to decide which year to buy. There are some decent deals out there. So if all options are equal between the years - cars are all low mileage - warranty still intact - prices are very good considering the year...can anyone highlight the pros/cons of buying a 2008 or 2009 vs a 2010 or 2011?

Thanks a ton. I'm just kinda stuck...information overload!

 

As a rule of thumb with used vehicles, I lean toward the later model years in a series; the rationale there is they are newer, have fewer miles (and hopefully less time to have been abused/neglected), theoretically have any design improvements/upgrades incorporated from the factory, and have at least some of the factory warranty remaining. The latter can be a potentially important consideration with the MINI...

The downside with later model years is that they are also more expensive to purchase compared to older models in the series, which are not necessarily bad cars if you can establish the user/maintenance history.

As a direct answer to your question, there are relatively few differences between the '08-'10 Clubmans -- either from the standpoint of potential problems or mechanical improvements; for the '11 model year, all models except the JCW variants got a small (3 Hp in the base; 9 Hp in the "S") power increase, and the interior was refreshed; but there appears to have been few fundamental mechanical changes/improvements over previous model years.

Hope this helps!

 

Was it 2010 model year when a lot of 'pre-wiring' was gone, thus making it almost impossible to retrofit various options, like alarm, sirius, etc?

 

Yeah, that's a good point; my brain was thinking solely along the lines of mechanical differences, and I forgot about subtle electrical/electronic variations...

I don't remember which year it was, but 2010 sounds about right when MINI stopped pre-wiring a lot of that stuff. Mine's an '09, and the equipment list shows it was pre-wired for CD changer and satellite radio tuner (although I have neither installed); can't find pre-wiring for the alarm called out on the list (also not installed in mine), but I presume if those other systems were pre-wired, so is that one...

 

Hello??? 2007-2012 Recall?

 

Thanks for the feedback so far guys. This information is exactly what I'm looking for. I'm aware of the recall but I wasn't aware of any nuances in relation to wiring, or lack thereof.

That sounds like a PITA as I would most definitely want my Clubman to have an alarm and Sirius.

 

Are you looking at a regular MINI or an S? Automatic or stick? If you want the 'more reliable' Justa Cooper in an automatic, then you may lean toward the 08 and '09's since they have paddle shifters and later ones don't. (or was the change later?) I use mine a lot and am glad I got an earlier model in that regard.
Now- roof rails: Not available until... 2010? If I were still kayaking I'd want them! Is there a year with both paddles and roof rails?
I've had no real issues with my 08 that weren't quickly fixed by warranty. It's possible that 08's had more problems in some regards (Remember the sticking sun roofs?)
Anyway, these are a couple of subtle differences.
Has anyone noticed that the hood changed contours in 2011? The older hoods (bonnets) had a narrower, rounder contour bulge, vs. a wider more rectangular (?masculine) one more recently. It makes a slightly different impression that some much prefer.

 

No, as there are 2008's and 2009's with the OEM roof rails.

That's also false; the part number is the same - see RealOEM.com for specifics.

- Erik

 

^ I agree. They were probably thinking of r50 and r53 models. Those hoods had a more rounded off bulge.

 

You can't use an AcessPort on a 2011 unless you get a JCW. The ECU is not flashable.

 

I'm confused... Are you saying a recall is a reason not to buy a particular car?

The OP asked what year is best 2007-2011. The recall affects all those years so it shouldn't really matter.

 

An 09 MCS is the best year & model. Cuz I have one.

 

Our 2011 has paddles and the 2012's I saw at the dealer had them as well.

 

That applies to "S" models only, not Coopers. 2012 "S" models will still have the paddle shifters unless you opt for the JCW appearance package which will replace the paddle version of the wheel with the red JCW one.

Coopers no longer come with paddles.

j

 

What is the "JCW appearance package"? I do not believe that the JCW body Kit changes the steering wheel? Besides, I can't see anyone opting for a red stitched steering wheel at the cost of the paddle shifters on an automatic car... Just doesn't make sense. Also, I can't see MINI actually doing that without the buyer having to jump through several hoops that would prevent most people from making a truly stupid decision.

As far as a JCW is concerned... There are never "paddle shifters" on a JCW because an automatic transmission is not available on a JCW.

 

I just looked at the MINI USA site to check out this JCW Appearance Package. Available for the first time for 2012, very nice! Wow, I wish that was available when I bought my car. I'll bet this JCW package makes the regular "Sport Package" a thing of the past... I mean who wouldn't pay an extra $750 for those wheels and the body kit?

As I thought though, the footnote states that the JCW steering wheel is not included on automatic equipped cars.

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by TorchMINI
Has anyone noticed that the hood changed contours in 2011?

Bluefox280:
That's also false; the part number is the same - see RealOEM.com for specifics.

Well, I've never read it, but I noticed it in gazing at MINIs. Here's two Clubbies, My 08 and a newer one in the Hot Chocolate owners club. Notice the hood bulges, and tell me if you don't see a change in the sculpting. The newer one is outside the washers, the older is inside. No?

Here's my '08 (on the right!) note hood bulge is between the sprayers


again, another angle:


Now here's a new Clubbie and the hood has a more rectangular bulge that goes outside of the sprayers, or is it a trick of perspective?

 

Just wanted to chime in, a bit late -- don't forget the interior changes from 2010, now I happen (conveniently) to prefer the mix of black and gray in the pre 2010 and I hate the **** move too that was done then. I love the brake duct cutout in the new ont bumpers, but the rest of the front bumper I'm not a fan of compared to the 09s.

I suppose I'd avoid an 08 just because of being the first year, but in my case my car is a late 2008 build and yet I have only had issues that pertain to any car, no particular "early build" kind of issue.

 

Since I have a 2011, I think it's the best year. I read a thread on things most hated about Minis & a lot of them seemed to have been fixed on my 2011. I also like the new black interior pieces & the brake ducts in the front bumper.

Jeff

 

My .02 i got a 09
It was lastyear they offered mechanical limited slip diff

I think this was a amazing purchase and could not imagine a mini without this

Then the task is finding one with this feature