I took it for a test drive - great handling, great acceleration, just a bit concerned over visibility. Admittedly, I did not get too much time to re-adjust the seats. The rear view mirror was next to useless with someone sitting in the back seat and both headrests up. The side mirrors were fine. I found out that you can't pull up too close to the traffic light due to having to hunch down over the steering wheel to see it.

So does it just take some adjusting or have others found these issues to be a problem?

This being the first time I have looked at buying a Mini Clubman, and no one I know owning one, how has the reliability been with it?

 

6'2" and I love my Clubman S. I've learned how to use the rearview mirror, and I don't seem to have any trouble at traffic lights.

I set my mirror so that I only use the left half of the mirror. I look out the rear left window, and set the mirror to get all the view I need in the left half, and out the left rear window. The split in the rear barn doors takes some getting used to, but once you do, you should have no issues.

The front seats have a jack on the outboard side to adjust seat height. I run mine all the way down. I leave the seat back pretty tall. My wife says I sit up too straight in my seat, but i feel just right. I have plenty of headroom and I can see both front and rear as I sit.

To other posters who may reply, have any of you found larger aftermarket side view mirrors? I would like to replace the OE ones for better side views. Post 'em if you got 'em.

 

My brother fit fine in one and he was 6'2". Just put the seat most of the way back, and pump the seat adjustment down. Tilt the wheel and you should be fine.

 

Thanks for responding - that's one less thing to worry about. Now the big question on my mind is how has the maintenance been on it? From what I read the "S" model has carbon buildup issues - does anyone know if that's been remedied with the newer model?

 

I test drove a new one with sunroof. I'm 6'1" with a long torso. No problems.

 

I've had my clubman for almost a year and a half, and yes, it's an issue. I'm 6' and I have to slouch at some lights downtown, especially if you're the car closest to the light. I don't understand why they don't make the Mini's a few inches taller, it would greatly increase visibility.

 

http://new.minimania.com/part/G2NMI5...Mini-Cooper--S

 

Just too make sure you're referring to the new F54 S right? If so it's the same motor as the F56 S. I use a half can of BG 44k fuel system cleaner every 3500 miles. This seems to do the trick. I used to use techron , BG 44k works better. FYi I only run 93 octane in my Mini also.

 

Think you are talking about the R55 ? Not F54 ( gen 3 ) .

 

I was referring to the F54 (gen 3) model

 

Have not heard anything about the build up in the F56 or F54 ( very new ) . R55 and back turbos can have it.

 

Ouch - 93 octane eh? When showing me the car the dealer made sure to point out that it now can take 89 octane. Now its starting to sound like that might not be a good idea?

Reading through the forums, I could of sworn it was mentioned that for the turbos - fuel additives don't get a chance to do anything due to how/where the fuel burns up. Just when I think I got things figured out - dang it!

 

I'm 6'9" and was able to fit and drive the Clubman S without issue. I only took it for a short test drive as it was rush hour and raining. It seemed like it would be a good car. I had been skeptical of it since MINI announced it though. It it much better in person than on a screen.

The one question no one has answered for me yet and I imagine I may have to wait until the 2nd weekend in May to find out is how does the new Clubman S run the twisties?

 

It's wider stance helps, but it is a heavier car and I experienced noticeable body roll on the standard suspension (you notice it too on the Hardtops, but less so). Still more fun than any other car in it's class I think.

 

6'4'' here and have plenty of headroom and legroom. The Clubman actually has more legroom than my 2015 Ford Explorer. Your right about pulling up to close to traffic lights, but you do figure that piece out.