Which Would You Buy: Cooper, S, Or Clubman and Why? - READ ONLY

24 messages, Last post on Oct 20, 2008 at 6:44 AM

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What is this discussion about? MINI Cooper, Convertible, Hatchback

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#15 of 24 Re: How comfortable are they? [busiris] by irismg Apr 22, 2008 (6:28 pm)
Replying to: busiris (Apr 18, 2008 1:16 pm) Oh, it does, thank you!
#16 of 24 my 2 cents says by zgrrrl May 01, 2008 (4:13 pm)
What interests you about the MINI in the first place and what's yer budget? Since many don't view MINIs as "practical" in the first place go with what you love most about the driving experience and what's in your budget. My assumptions about what people buy and why go something like this: Cooper: love the MINI experience, but on a budget. Entry level to the fun of MINI (me! with a few bells and whistles) Cooper S: same for above, but interested in horsepower and zip in general. In budget to pay for a little more for the power--and probably more for options. Convertible Cooper: again, more interested in MINI than HP. Convertible S: Wants the convertible fun and HP! Clubman: loves the MINI but simply hasn't indulged before because of lack of space. MINI is trying to keep along with the ethstetic, but wants to reach out to a larger group of buyers who think the size is impractical. If you need the room, but want the experience I would say this is a good option (though I have not driven one personally yet). Again, since the MINI isn't viewed as the most "practical" car more as it is a "motoring experience" so it comes down to the brass tacks of what you can live with once you get it (if you plan on towing around a lot more people in the next 2 years--are you moving away from the dealer any time soon? how far will you have to go for service?)--and how comfortable an experience driving each one is for you. And, what's in your budget. I would say go to the MINI site, build up your dream MINI with EVERYTHING you want, then pare down from there to what's in your budget. I
#17 of 24 clubman is pretty spacious by daedalus34r May 10, 2008 (2:30 pm)
I like the backseat of the clubman, very useable for a pair of friends on a short-medium trip. Im 5-11 and i can pretty much sit behind myself fairly comfortably. Its cozy and will only seat two. Fold the seats down and you can cary a whole lot of cargo with a nice flat loading surface. Replies to this message: woodyww (Jun 11, 2008 11:13 am) tslbmw (Jun 12, 2008 12:22 pm)
#18 of 24 Re: clubman is pretty spacious [daedalus34r] by woodyww Jun 11, 2008 (11:13 am)
Replying to: daedalus34r (May 10, 2008 2:30 pm) Fold the seats down and you can carry a whole lot of cargo with a nice flat loading surface Anyone know the cargo volume with the seats down? The Edmunds test stated 32.8 cubic feet, but didn't specify seats up or down. Replies to this message: tslbmw (Jun 12, 2008 12:22 pm)
#19 of 24 Re: clubman is pretty spacious [woodyww] by tslbmw Jun 12, 2008 (12:22 pm)
Replying to: woodyww (Jun 11, 2008 11:13 am) HA! The 33 cubes are with the seats down.........its bigger, but its not THAT big.
#20 of 24 Re: Which Would You Buy: Cooper, S, Or Clubman and Why? [spyderone] by fierket Jun 23, 2008 (7:44 am)
Replying to: spyderone (Nov 15, 2007 5:53 am) Ordering my 08 "S" in the next couple of weeks. Looked at the Clubman, but for the extra $$$ I dont see the gain to go with the Clubman. I'm 6'4" and fit very well in both the Mini and the Clubman, but looking at the added space in the Clubman, it doesnt give much more space for the rear seat passengers. The added space appears to be in the cargo area. Another thing that really bugged me was the center post that obstructed the rear view mirror from the double rear doors. Just can't wait to get the new ride! Replies to this message: tslbmw (Jun 24, 2008 11:53 am)
#21 of 24 Re: Which Would You Buy: Cooper, S, Or Clubman and Why? [fierket] by tslbmw Jun 24, 2008 (11:53 am)
Replying to: fierket (Jun 23, 2008 7:44 am) Looked at the Clubman, but for the extra $$$ I dont see the gain to go with the Clubman. Fair enough for you, but for those of us with little kids the Cooper is just not an option. The Clubmans back seat gains 3 inches of leg room and the Clubdoor allows easy access for my boys. Not to mention the growth of 9 cubes (vs Cooper coupe) in the storage area when the kids are not in the back. And for those considering the Clubman, the center post in rear takes about 10 minutes of driving to get used to......it has never bothered me...... Enjoy your new S, you will love the twin scroll turbocharger, its a hoot!
#22 of 24 Re: Which Would You Buy: Cooper, S, Or Clubman and Why? [spyderone] by pharmd718 Jul 27, 2008 (4:50 am)
Replying to: spyderone (Nov 15, 2007 5:53 am) The main objective of the mini cooper is for it to be fun to drive. Every other purpose is a distant second. Therefor, I would highly recommend that you get the Mini Cooper S. The added weight of the clubman will slow the car down and defeats the meaning of "mini". The base mini is fun as well, but the S is a huge improvement over the base and is well worth the premium (not to mention it will hold its value really well). If you live in the city, the 6 speed auto is a fantastic unit however the 6 speed manual is a blast to drive. I live in the city and bought a Mini Cooper S 6 speed manual and love driving the car around. I always have a smile on my face when I get out of the car. I also bought another car for practical purposes. I bought the 2009 subaru forester. So now I have a work horse and a race horse Replies to this message: bodble2 (Jul 28, 2008 8:56 pm) ltq (Oct 20, 2008 6:44 am)
#23 of 24 Re: Which Would You Buy: Cooper, S, Or Clubman and Why? [pharmd718] by bodble2 Jul 28, 2008 (8:56 pm)
Replying to: pharmd718 (Jul 27, 2008 4:50 am) From all reports and reviews, the added size and weight of the Clubman do not impact on the performance of the Mini.
#24 of 24 Re: Which Would You Buy: Cooper, S, Or Clubman and Why? [pharmd718] by ltq Oct 20, 2008 (6:44 am)
Replying to: pharmd718 (Jul 27, 2008 4:50 am) The steps outlined by zgrrl is clear,and pharmd718 hit it on the button. If you read very carefully between the lines of all the journalist reviews, the non-turbo Clubman is just at the edge of being less fun than the hatch. I have to agree. I just bought a S Clubman auto because there is a HUGE difference in power (and a fair bit in handling, too) for this big Mini. Especially with the auto trans. No brainer, but it costs significant more $$. The 6-speed Aisin auto is quirky in stop-n-go traffic - ironically, the best way to deal with heavy traffic to shift the lever over to the DS/manual mode and shift it yourself!! Hmmmm..... this is confusing-sounding, and seems like one should get the manual even for heavy traffic........ yes and no. It depends on how much left-foot work you want to do.