Hey all! I'm trying to decide between an R55 and an R56.

Do you have any regrets getting the R56? Do you ever wish you had gotten a Clubman?

Here's my driving - 90% of my driving is just me, or me and wife. 10% we drive other people as well (backseat). Mostly city/neighborhood driving in Los Angeles. Don't usually tote around too much stuff.

I liked the idea of the R55 for those (somewhat rare) times we do drive friends around. But I like the idea of the R56 because it looks real darn good.

Any thoughts?

 

I have no regrets. I love my r56, such a fun car to drive.

 

We've no regrets with an R56. Most of the time its just one or two of us. We fit three in quite easily, its when you want to give 2 friends a lift that the Clubman might have been useful. We've had 4 in the MINI, but the person behind me has to be one of our smaller friends, and I'm a bit compressed.

 

I would have never purchased a clubman. The only regret I sometimes have is that I didn't buy an R53.

 

The Clubman and Countryman were never in the mix for me. The R56 is the only MINI I wanted, otherwise I would have looked to other makes.

 

I have no regrets with my 2008 Cooper. I will eventually have to step up to a Clubman, but I would keep my Cooper too if I could.

 

I've got an 07 MCS R56 and love it to death. Lots of fun.
At the most, it's just myself and my wife but normally only me.

 

No Regrets. I've had the car for almost 5 years, and still love it. Almost parted with it 2.5 years ago when the JCW was introduced, but at the time they had discontinued my color, so I kept it, and am happy.

 

A week ago tomorrow, I traded a 2006 Hummer H3 for a 2009 R56. You would think that I would miss having all that space, but I do not. I am in the process of modding this R56 out to make it one mean looking little MINI. Hopefully, in the next couple weeks, you guys will see the nearly completed project.

 

Wow, I traded my 2006 Hummer H3 for a 2011 R56 on April 23 ,2011. Don't miss the space at all and I've been modding on my MINI ever since. Next up, Defenders of Speed CAI.

No regrets here. Such a fun car to drive.

 

So far, I have this on order:
18X8 Kyowa Evolve wheels Flat Blk/RS
TOYO PROXES 4 215/35R-18 tires
M7 Tuning C-Wing Carbon Fiber
NM Eng. Carbon Fiber Splitter
DDM Works Street Intake
3D Carbon Fiber Vinyl sheet 24"x48" (for mirror covers, bonnet handle, and door handles)
Beltline Blackout tape
MGP Caliper Covers (red)

 

I'm still in the process of buying either an R53 or R56 but the Clubman or the Countryman never crossed my mind. In my personal opinion, they are not really a mini cooper the iconic car.
If buying a 4 door car i would opt for something else (BMW, MERC, Toyota, etc.) but not MINI.
But thats just me.

 

Are you kidding? Having a small car like the R56 is a great excuse for NOT giving out rides.

=Laserjock=

 

Whoa, that's quite the list. Nice!

Can't wait to see pics of your installed upgrades. Awesome. =)

 

Trading in my MCS for an MCC soon for exactly those reasons -- more space, more practicality, still a MINI. I can't tell you how many times in 4 years in my MCS I've had to turn down people for rides because the back seats weren't good at all for adults for any significant length of a trip. It'll be nice to have 3 other people in my baby again.

However, my needs aren't yours. You have to make the decision--however don't expect to have adults riding in your R56 backseat on a normal basis. After the first try these same adults will look for excuses/reasons not to ride in your back seat again.

 

No.

 

That I didn't buy one sooner!
:-)

 

+1!!

 

Not a regret but I think a clubbie will be replacing my R56 when the time comes.

 

Interesting question. My son, a college student, has a 09 Clubman S automatic and he loves it. When he was shopping for his MINI, he fully intended to purchase a Hardtop, but they had this Clubman S on the lot as an "Exec." vehicle with 4K miles. He test drove it and fell in love with it. We figured that since it was going to be his only vehicle, the extra space in the back seat would be handy and the extra room behind the seat allow him to carry his hockey bag without putting the seats down. It has worked out well for him so far. For what it's worth, the rear seat in the Clubman is actually pretty comfortable and with 3rd door it is easy enough to get in and out.

When it came time to order my MINI, I opted for the Hardtop and I love mine. I thought about a Clubman, but I rarely have any passengers other than my wife, plus we have other vehicles that I can drive if I have to carry passengers. Had the Clubman had a rear hatch instead of the barn doors, I might have gone with the clubman. I also have to carry my hockey bag, but I just drop the rear seats for that. In one year of ownership, I still have never had anyone in the rear seat.

The Clubman drives just like a MINI Hardtop, and nothing like a Countryman. I think the Clubby may be a little more comfortable than the Hardtop on the highway due to the slightly longer wheelbase. You won't go wrong either way.

 

Zero regrets. My R56 is absolutely perfect for what I need him for. Good gas mileage, not a lot of room necessary. He's my daily driver and works great for it. I go to school, work and get groceries... and all that other good stuff.

He's also roomy enough to fit a week's worth of camping gear for two people, as well as those two people. I'd say that's a win in my boot. :D (Haha. Typo, "Book", but thought it was appropriate.)

 

No regrets. It's me and my spouse only. I personally prefer the looks of the R56 over the Clubman, so that was the deciding factor for me anyway.

 

No regrets at all!

 

I have an 07 mcs and my rental right now is a 11 mcs clubman. Deff like the extra space in the clubman but no regrets on my 07 hardtop. As far as im concerned...im driving,..i dont have to sit in the back

 

You're exactly right man. I rarely have more than two people riding with me at a time. I've actually had a friend (5'9" 240lbs) say the back seat was surprisingly comfortable. Of course, I always drive, so I'm comfy.