R55 :: Clubman Talk (2008+) Discussions revolving around the extended wheelbase Clubman (R55) model.

R55 Very HAPPY Clubman Owner

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Old Jan 20, 2013 | 09:42 AM
  #1  
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MINIdave
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From: Kansas City
Very HAPPY Clubman Owner

I see a lot of negative talk on this forum, and I'd like to offer a chance for those who are not upset and miserable to chime in too.

I bought my '09 Clubby new from Baron in KC, it was my second MINI from them and I ordered it. The car took just over a month to arrive at the dealer and when I got it it had everything exactly as ordered and had no issues, blemished, dings, scratches or other problems.

The dealer was great and handled all the paperwork with no issues or problems.

I now have 46k and have had two niggles, I had the chain tensioner replaced at 3K and it needs the valves and intake decarbonized. That's it.

The car has been tons of fun to drive and own, joining the MINI community has offered me trips to fun places I wouldn't have taken, events with other owners and the chance to meet some really great and fun people, and a reliable daily driver that lives outdoors but never has let me down, just as it should do.

For me, MINI ownership has opened a window into not just car ownership, but a chance to meet people, travel and use my car in ways you just don't get with other brands.

I've driven my car in track events (as many as 5 a year) and on long trips across the country, loaded down with all our gear, and a car topper to boot! It also serves as my daily go to work car....

My Clubby is the right size, the right performance and economy, and as reliable as anyone could hope for.

All in all, I am one happy MINI owner!

I know there are others out there too, so chime in if you like.....
 
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Old Jan 20, 2013 | 10:53 AM
  #2  
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From: Wherever she takes me.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2013 | 11:36 AM
  #3  
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Kenny the kid
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From: Wichita is
I have a 2008 clubman S with almost 37k miles, runs great only problem so far has been the timing chain rattle very occasionally on start up, changed the tensioner myself. I agree with OP
 
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Old Jan 20, 2013 | 01:01 PM
  #4  
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These are the types of stories I love to read. I am in the market for a used Clubman S and some of what I hear scares the hell outta me. It will not deter me but it does scare me a bit. It's great to hear there are satisfied owners out there who truly love their MINI's!
I hope to be one of them in the coming days ahead.....Stay tuned
 
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Old Jan 20, 2013 | 01:23 PM
  #5  
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From: MD
Scared me too as I embarked on a MINI for the first time. Delaer is an hour away so problems are a concern. Realizing that you will always hear the negative and they will be loud, I hope that it is as simple as that. Here's hoping. Loving the clubman so far.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2013 | 03:07 PM
  #6  
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I have 25000 on mine so far and no issues. Love the car and am happy with it!
 
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Old Jan 20, 2013 | 06:09 PM
  #7  
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Yo Mortaaay
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From: WNY
i have 67000 mi on my jcw clubby.. the car has never left me on the side of the road, it has had some probs that were all covered under warrenty but all in all i really enjoy the car. my mini dealership is close to my work and they have been spectacular. better gas mileage than expected too.. avg about 32mpg all the time. lots of hwy driveing
 
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Old Jan 20, 2013 | 06:31 PM
  #8  
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From: Jack Coffee Hays County, Republic of Texas
Most reliable British-built car I have ever owned. By far!

;-)

30K and very happy... but I still change my oil every 6K.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2013 | 07:02 PM
  #9  
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107k on our '08. Only item I don't consider normal was a timing chain replacement @91k. Otherwise, we love the car, and it has done everything asked of it. We plan to keep it another 3 1/2 years, then we'll see what is available. The only thing we like about the Countryman is the shorter doors for getting in and out next to another vehicle.
 
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Old Jan 21, 2013 | 12:14 AM
  #10  
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I just brought home my 2nd Mini. Look for my post on Liana for pics. My own 2 cents from my experience with my first Mini (a 2007 S Hardtop), was that the occasional trip to the dealer was worth it to have such a fun car to drive!

I wouldn't want one out of warranty though.
 
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Old Jan 21, 2013 | 06:05 AM
  #11  
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From: T.O.
My second Clubman S, after justa Cooper... This one has almost 10K (km) in almost 2 years. Nothing comparing to some cars on this forum. But still, no issues at all since I brought it new from the dealer. Yes, two recalls were performed but no issue with it prior to upgrade. Prevention, that's all... Planning to keep it for a long time as Clubman is getting to be a "classic" after new MINI comes out at the end of this year...
 
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Old Jan 21, 2013 | 06:53 AM
  #12  
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Bought a special order 09 justacooper Clubman back in late 2008. Put like 46k(?) miles on it without a single problem. No rattles, squeaks or mechanical problem. Truth be told, I didn't take care of it as well as I should either. Traded it in for a larger vehicle at the end of 2011 and got an 09 fJCW Clubman a couple months back. No issues thus far, no rattles, squeaks or whatnot. Planning to keeping a better eye on care/maintenence though! ;p
 
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Old Jan 21, 2013 | 07:25 AM
  #13  
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From: Pacific NW
I also have had no problems with my Clubman. It's been to the dealer twice. Once for its free oil change and another time for the water pump recall and another free oil change.

No creaks or rattles either.

Dave
 
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Old Jan 21, 2013 | 10:31 AM
  #14  
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From: Perth West Australia in an industrial unit with my numerous cars.
My Justa is 100k km and 4 yrs old. No probs, love it to death, will keep it for ever. If only I liked my two ex-wives this much I could have another MINI too!!
 
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Old Jan 21, 2013 | 10:59 AM
  #15  
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From: Maryland, USA
Originally Posted by MINIFatherFigure
My Justa is 100k km and 4 yrs old. No probs, love it to death, will keep it for ever. If only I liked my two ex-wives this much I could have another MINI too!!


My MINI was a MINI USA Executive car and had 3500 miles on her when I adopted her. Had to have rotors replaced early on, probably due to previous drivers in Jersey. Now at around 36,000miles I couldnt be happier with a car. I agree with the OP. This is WAY more than just a car, its a lifestyle. I, too am doing things I never would hav foreseen me doing!! Am also member of a club and have gone great places, had fun, and met some really great people!! I will be buried in this car!

Thanks for starting this thread!!
 
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Old Jan 21, 2013 | 03:34 PM
  #16  
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fenderless 33
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We've had ours for over 1 1/2 years and now problems. Wife loves is and I love to drive it but don't much because I keep getting stopped by the sheriff for speeding.
 
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Old Jan 22, 2013 | 04:57 AM
  #17  
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From: Mesa, Arizona, USA
I currently own 2 Clubmans - a 11 Cooper with 20K miles and a 10 Cooper S with 17K miles - both have been great cars with just normal maintenance. My first "new" MINI was a 04 MCS that was mildly moded , see sig, and was also relatively trouble free ( as compared to my MG , Austin-Healy, and Triumph cars that I grew up with ). So far all my MINI's have been great cars - very few issues and the dealers have always worked with me to get the problems I do have fixed. Thats why I keep buying them.

Well, that and the people you meet. The local club is awesome, great folks!!!
 
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Old Jan 22, 2013 | 12:20 PM
  #18  
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I'm glad to see positive stories on this forum, but there is a reason we see so many negative ones. Being a forum where people seek advice for issues they're having with their cars, you're more likely to see someone complaining because of said issues. So the negative comments are overly represented here than in the general population. You should see what Pontiac people have to say about GM... :O (can't stand them myself anymore really)

We've had ours almost a year and, while there have been some minor issues (knock sensor-defective part- and the satellite radio going nuts on us a few times) and a transmission issue I worry a bit about, it's been great. The only thing I complain about is that it isn't actually MY car and I'm stuck with a freaking Focus most days.
 
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Old Jan 22, 2013 | 02:54 PM
  #19  
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From: Sherman Oaks, Cali
I drive mostly Detroit cars and never had any desire to own a Mini until the wife showed interest. Now I can't get enough drive time in it. 17k on the odometer and only issue since ownership was temp sensor which was covered under warranty. Fun car to own and mod!
 
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Old Jan 22, 2013 | 05:05 PM
  #20  
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From: San Anselmo, California
We love our 2008 Clubman S.
 
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Old Jan 23, 2013 | 12:12 AM
  #21  
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I just hit day seven on Liana, 300 fun miles! I love the idea of being buried in the car!
 
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Old Jan 23, 2013 | 12:32 AM
  #22  
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From: Nr. Boston, MA
My wife has about 9000 on her 2012 Justa, and loves it. The new cow spot graphics help...
 
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Old Jan 23, 2013 | 10:29 AM
  #23  
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From: MA
77,000 miles 4 1/2 years old. No out of warranty problems, I am hoping for 200,000+ miles
 
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Old Jan 23, 2013 | 11:54 AM
  #24  
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From: Minneapolis
Traded our BMW 535Xi on the MINI and not looking back. We had a 2003 Cooper and sold it for the Bimmer. We got MINI withdrawl...
 
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Old Jan 23, 2013 | 03:55 PM
  #25  
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From: Middletown, CA
couldn't be happier

I just bought an 09 Clubman S off my dad in November. Previous car was a 98 Mustang convertible. I miss the mustang, but only for sentimental reasons (bought her brand new with 27 mile on the OD) I am absolutely loving my Clubman S! No hickups as of yet, though might have the tensioner looked at due to occasional rattle.
 
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