Hello, I got my second MINI, a Chili Red Hardtop, in November 2011, after trading in my 2009 Sparkilng Silver Clubman. I have been looking and lurking since 2009, making very few posts, but enjoy all the information and entertainment the Alliance gives to its readers. Please, check out my garage for pictures of my new daily driver. Mark
:cornut: Welcome! Welcome! A question sir if I could; I'm seriously considering trading my 08 R56 MCS/JCWm for a 12 R55 JCWm Clubman(more room to haul sh.........ah stuff around). I'm just curious as to why you gave up the R55 for an R56: Nonspecific personal preference/handling/the original deal on the R55 was too hard to pass up/what? Jason
Jason, I originally bought the Clubman for the extra room for my family of 4. But in the 3 years I had it, all 4 of us were in the car for maybe 5 times. The family hauler is an MDX, and if truth be told, my wife would rather drive/ride in that than in the MINI. I really wanted the Countryman at first, but after a little research, I found out I could get the R56 optioned very close to exactly what I wanted for considerably less than any Countryman. I do notice a little better handling in the R56, and I am enjoying the more traditional MINI look and color of my new car. Mark