MINI has been steadily raising the prices of their cars since they hit these shores and to me they've already passed the price/value point of no return. I bought a brand new Clubman S in '09, (ordered, with very little equipment to keep the cost down, plus I got a decent discount) but either I'll be keeping it "forever" or my next MINI purchase will be used. They've priced me out of their new car market I'm afraid....
I was hoping that the introduction of several new competitors in the tiny car field would make them compete a little harder, but it looks like the others are going to try and follow MINI's marketing strategy and price themselves in the so-called premium small car bracket too.
I like the Clubby so I'm just planning to keep it very long term now.
