Hi all, Possibly going to be purchasing a mini within the next day or two. I was wondering if it would be better in regards to quality and reliability to purchase one year over another.09 vs 11.. also to throw a wrench in the mix pricing.... an 09 clubman s with pre, conv, and cold,pan roof,stick with 32,000 is non certified 21,500... 2011 6349 miles, pre,con, heated seats, pan roof, sitck,non certified 24,500.... 08 audi tru sline titanium 27,000 miles quattro heated seats, auto, certified 24,200...

What to choose.... Please help

 

It's a bit difficult too make out your choice here from the writing. Are they both Clubman-S? I'm not sure about your abbreviations.

 

My Apologies....

(1) 2009 Clubman S, Stick, premium, cold weather, convenience, Pan sunroof , 17" wheels 31,000, not certified asking $ 21,500. Color is dark grey with black roof.
(2) 2011 Clubman s, stick, premium,convenience,sport,seat heater, pan sunroof, 17" black wheels, 6700, not certified asking $24,500. Color is W silver, black top, black jack sunroof decal.
(3) 2008 a4 s-line titanium ed. Auto, all option except Bose and nav. Silver with black interior, 27,000 certified asking $24,200.

This will be a dd, for two adults one child, we live in Cary NC...

 

I would lean toward the 2011 for the extra $3 grand. All the Clubbie S models are prone toward lots of fun and a bit of trouble. The 09's being among the least reliable due to the timing chain rattle and other issues from turbo charging, including the current recall. By 2011 those problems were much more settled. (see the current issue of Consumers Reports, the annual auto issue, just out. Under Used Cars to Avoid: '09 Clubman S...
In general, a non turbo would be a safer, if slower, alternative, but none are on your list of prospects. I don't know enough about the Audi.
The Clubman has plenty of room for 3. Even 4. I like the spirit of your search :-)

 

For comfort and space, the A4 S-Line would be my preferred choice.
Especially since you can haggle that price Audi's are not a "rare" commodity.

If you're not leaning the 4-ring route, then I'd ask to see what you're thoughts are about modifications down-the-road.
If you plan you want to add power down the road, go with the 2009 as it has the tunable N14 engine, versus the 2011 have the N18.
At the time of this writing, the N18 still hasn't been 'cracked' and no programming is currently available for the average consumer.

But if you main concern is warranty coverage on the MINI, the 2011 is probably the conservative choice.

- Erik

 

While I agree the A4 you can find everywhere, the setup I want is hard to find... I am not a fan of the 09 Audi... so an 08 certified with True S-Line and Titanium, is a rare breed now days.... that would get (apr) at the beg than once its out of warranty the fun will begin....
The 2011 from Pictures looks awesome and the wife loves the stick with is awesome too... No mods right away, I would prefer to see how she handles the first year, before dumping performance money into her....
Then this morning I found a 2010 JCW Clubman with 14,000 asking $25,000... But it is silver on silver, little plain.....Now I am thinking about that....LOL

 

Go for the 2011 Clubman

Our 2009 Clubman has been a great, reliable grandkid carrier, but it's a non-S.

 

http://3-photos.ebizautos.com/used-2...527-11-640.jpg

Link to Picture of 2011

http://img-00.carmax.com/Images/9/93...5-ea754260.jpg

Link to 2010 JCW

 

The reason the A4 S-Line still has the edge is the Quattro AWD; especially in the snowy NY winters.
Putting on a set of snow tires on that thing and you'll never have an excuse for getting stuck in the snow / ice.

However, the JCW variant changes the stacks.
The price of admission is WORTH it because of the upgraded powertrain and brakes.
The N14 is used in all the JCW variants.

It may look plain, but it's super easy to add any exterior modifications after the fact, including stripes and wheels.

- Erik

 

DUDE! Wife Said NO... it is 600 miles away John, and we can't see it... we are not getting it... I want the White Silver one... and that is it. OKay hunny no worries, the white silver one it is.

 

Sounds like that was an easy choice...

- Erik (running to the man-bunker)

 

Hate to say this but go for the Audi. I traded my A4 2.0TQ over the winter for something for the missus, a Q5 and got her old ride, a 328xi which actually blows after zipping around in the 2.0T for 4 years. That thing just flies, a GTI for adults! THE MINI MIGHT BE FUN FOR A WHILE BUT THE EXTRA TWO DOORS WILL BE QUITE HANDY WITH A LITTLE ONE.

 

Choice 1 would definitely be the JCW. lots of warranty left, most fun to drive of the bunch. 2 is the 2011 S. The Audi is certified which means they checked the oil before selling it to you. Isn't the warranty expired (or about to) on the 08?