Anyone think this will be the next PT Cruiser or xB?

When the PT Cruiser came out and then the xB, many businesses looking for a high profile vehicle to put their logo on chose these vehicles.

Do you think the same will happen with the Clubman?

Is a Mini practical for driving high mileage for business?
I have heard that if you drive high mileage and end up running out the 4 year warranty in only a couple years, the out of pocket maintenance costs wil get pretty excessive ($100 oil and filter changes, expensive replacement tires that wear out very quickly, expensive brakes and other normal wear items, super high repair costs etc.).

 

I can't speak for the clubman...obviously there is no real world tests on long term reliability...but as for my 03 MC and many others with high mileage minis, they do hold up well. The down side is that replacement parts are very expensive compared to other cars of similar cost. The dealership charges $100+ for oil changes, but they are NOT worth that much. $20 in oil, $5 to $10 for filter, 20 minutes of labor at the most. If you can find a reliable mechanic, it will be affordable. Once the warranty runs out, the dealerships are a waste of money, unless insurance is paying. My tires cost $69 each plus all of the other fees, it was about $400. They are H rated and very good tires for agressive street use. If you buy them from the dealership, you may pay $1000 for tires. If you do through a different reputable company and shop around for tires, you will cut that in half...unless you are getting autox or track tires. I am at about 98k miles. Maintainance is not too bad as I do the work myself or have a good mechanic do the other things.

 

I plan on using my Clubman for business. It will be replacing my xB for my housecalls. I am fortunate to have a local mechanic who loves my current MINI's, ( an 02 MC and an 02 MCS) and once the warranty expires on the Clubman, it will be in his reliable hands as well. I can vouch for Tire Rack for great prices on tires and wheels.

 

I guess it depends on how well your business does, the type of business you do and how you need/want to come across to your customers.

As far as wear items like tires, well, if its a delivery vehicle you don't really need perf tires and could opt for something more passenger car, right? As for oil changes, I'd opt for the Mobil 1 "Extended Life" oil that can go 15K

 

I plan on using one for my real estate appraisal business.