Sign In Join 



2008 Mini Clubman

118 messages,  Last post on Sep 14, 2008 at 1:18 PM

You are in the MINI Clubman Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer

What is this discussion about? MINI Clubman, MINI, MINI Cooper, Future Vehicle, Hatchback, Wagon


Messages Page 6 of 13
1
...
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
...
13
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion

#42 of 118
Re: Premium Fuel, Cost Versus Perfomance [jaxs1] by miniclubman
Mar 14, 2008 (11:34 am)
Reply

Replying to: jaxs1 (Mar 14, 2008 9:33 am)

Yeah, jaxs1, it's all just marketing, including the claim of an 11:1 compression ratio! Those marketing guys!
#43 of 118
Re: Premium Fuel, Cost Versus Perfomance [miniclubman] by rasldasl
Mar 14, 2008 (6:46 pm)
Reply

Replying to: miniclubman (Mar 14, 2008 9:13 am)

I think the premium fuel complainers are forgetting what a great deal premium is these days. Back when regular was under $2 a gallon it was common to see a 30 to 40 cent price difference between regular and premium. As an example, unleaded at $1.50 and premium at $1.80. You were paying 20% more for premium. As gas prices went up to and over $3 a gallon the price premium for premium has shrunk in actual dollars (in most places) and as a percentage. In my area regular is about $3 and premium is $3.20. That's only 20 cents more per gallon instead of 30 or 40 like it used to be, saving a dollar or two per 10 gallon fill-up. As a percentage it is now only 6.67% more expensive for premium instead of 20%. That's what I call a bargain. Even if you are paying 30 cents more for premium you are still getting a bargain at a 10% markup instead of 20%. My guess is that as prices go up the gas stations don't think they can get as many people to pay the higher markup for premium so they keep the price as close to regular as possible without making it seem like there is no difference at all. Remember, there are still a lot of idiots out there buying premium for cars that don't need it just because they are convinced it's better for their car or they get more power out of it. You will only get more power out of premium on a car designed for it. Otherwise you are wasting your money.
#44 of 118
Re: Premium Fuel, Cost Versus Perfomance [miniclubman] (rasldasl) by hpmctorque
Mar 15, 2008 (5:10 am)
Reply
Although I'm among those who indicated that the standard MINI should run on regular, and I still hold this view, you make some excellent arguments, rasldasl.
 
I find the MINI, especially the Clubman, and for limited uses, the convertible, appealing, but its difficult for me to justify the prices. While not as cute as the MINIs, nor do they handle and corner as sharply, the VW Rabbit, Honda Fit, and Scion Xd excel in different ways, and cost significantly less. They also have a lot more dealerships, which could be an important consideration. That said, the fact that MINIs enjoy excellent resale value supports the fact that they are realistically and correctly priced. The market is the final arbiter on pricing. My acknowledgement of this is how I would justify buying a MINI, just as it would be a consideration, although not necessarily the determining one, for staying away from a car that depreciates rapidly.
#45 of 118
Re: Premium Fuel, Cost Versus Perfomance [miniclubman] (rasldasl) [hpmctorque] by miniclubman
Mar 15, 2008 (8:09 am)
Reply

Replying to: hpmctorque (Mar 15, 2008 5:10 am)

The MINI is certainly not the most practical, or the most roomy, or the most affordable, but it's the most MINI. That's enough for those who drive them!
#46 of 118
Finally got a test drive! by sabastian
Mar 16, 2008 (7:16 am)
Reply
My girlfriend and I test drove a Clubman S with a sport package yesterday and had a really great time. This car is on my (very) short list of next cars to get, so we really took our time on the drive and made sure to go over the car with a fine-toothed comb. Here's what we figured out:
 
Trunk space is much improved over the normal Mini hatch, but that isn't saying much. Sadly, there is less space than the pictures would have you believe. A normal-sized suitcase would probably fit back there, however, and the seats are a breeze to fold down.
 
Though improvements in trunk space were a bit disappointing, the improved rear leg space was a revelation. I am six feet tall and could easily fit in the back. The club door really helps too, but don't trip over the seat belt! Front seats are just like a normal Mini, however my girlfriend, who is of slightly-smaller-than-average-build, complained that the thigh bolsters were a bit too tight and that they did not allow her to relax in the passenger's seat.
 
On the road, the Clubman S felt very similar to the normal Cooper S hatch. Steering was very quick with almost zero play. Pushing the 'sport' button seemed to tighten the steering by a small amount, and the extra mass of the Clubman did nothing to decrease the tossability. Acceleration was also similar to the normal Cooper S, with the sport button sharpening up the throttle markedly. The biggest difference, as many reviews have noted, was the ride. My girlfriend and I both decided that the normal Cooper S (sport pack) would be too rough to deal with day-to-day. The Clubman, while still firm, represented a huge improvement, with a ride now similar to the GTI and Civic Si's that I have driven.
 
Overall, I loved the Clubman S. The extended wheelbase brings usability up to an acceptable level, while improving the ride and keeping the fantastic handling. The overall quirkiness of the car makes it a true anti-Camry. Oh yeah, and the barn doors are real hoot too.
#47 of 118
Great article in the Jan. '08 Roundel Magazine by woodyww
Mar 17, 2008 (8:42 am)
Reply
Great article in the Jan. '08 (BMWCCA) Roundel Magazine on the Clubman. 7 page very detailed article w/tons of info, pics, & roadtest impressions. 0-60 in 6.5 sec. for the S. And no diesel for the US, of course.
 
The rear doors are Too Cool for School IMO. The article predicts that the Clubman will have slightly better resale than the sedan Mini (which is already great)--another excuse to buy one.
 
Which color.....I love the dark silver, & the ruby red w/silver roof......if I had a Mini dealer w/in 5-10-15 miles I'd be in big trouble......
#48 of 118
Ordered Mini Clubman by rtboon
Mar 22, 2008 (6:35 pm)
Reply
Placed an order for a Pure Silver Clubman two weeks ago and still don't have a delivery date. Initially was told that I could expect delivery the first week in June but now I am not sure. Anyone know anything about backlogs and delivery times?
 
Thanks
rtb
#49 of 118
Re: 2008 Mini Clubman [jaxs1] by feliciatwo
Mar 26, 2008 (5:41 am)
Reply

Replying to: jaxs1 (Jul 12, 2007 7:22 pm)

Yes, when I test drove the Mini Clubman S last weekend the Sales folks agreed that they too wish Clean diesel would come to the states. I'm less concerned about the high cost of gasoline than the Lack of old fashioned gasoline. I'm old enough to have experienced what it feels like when the line to the gas tank goes round the block and it's not just due to Hurricances.
I've already got my eye on a little gadget that fits in my garage in Key Largo that facillitates the manufacturing of my own biodiesel.
 
I adore the Clubman
....and will probably buy one as they hold their value and nothing will come to the usa i like as much in diesel for several years. I've already waited 4 years.
 
Guess my Subaru Outback is for sale now.
#50 of 118
Re: Ordered Mini Clubman [rtboon] by otterdad
Mar 31, 2008 (8:05 pm)
Reply

Replying to: rtboon (Mar 22, 2008 6:35 pm)

I put in an order today for a Clubman S and was told by the dealer that their May allotment has been filled, but they are trying to increase it. Likely my care will be in the June build with a 7 week wait once the process starts for real. At 57 years old I am once again like a kid waiting for Christmas.
#51 of 118
Re: Ordered Mini Clubman [otterdad] by rtboon
Apr 01, 2008 (3:24 pm)
Reply

Replying to: otterdad (Mar 31, 2008 8:05 pm)

We were basically told to expect our Clubman S, ordered on March 8th, to be delivered the first week in June. I definitely get the sense that demand is outstripping supply and I only hope that we catually do get delivery in June.

Messages Page 6 of 13
1
...
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
...
13
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion
To POST a message, please Sign In.

New? Join Now!

Forum Tools

Please sign in.
Email Address:

Password:

Forgot Password?

Search Forums

Enter Keyword(s)

Advanced Search

Browse by Vehicle



View All Vehicles
Advertisement
Ask the Community
See What People Are Asking

Browse by Board

Browse by Topic


View All Topics

Today's Chats

Advertisement