Hello, I soon hope to be a Mini owner. I have an 05 Infiniti G35x that I need to sell. Once it is sold, I will be looking. The infiniti was my wife's and she is now driving my Yukon XL. I will be the primary driver of the Mini. I also have a 97 Wrangler, which is my toy. I guess with the mini, I will have two toys. I was hoping to get some suggestions, and maybe advice on where is the best place to research. I wanted a convertible, but my wife insists that we have enough room for the baby and stroller. I keep saying that is what the Yukon is for. I do agree that we need to have enough room in both vehicles, so we are going to get a Clubman. I am going to be looking for an 08-09 Clubman S. I was curious if the turbocharger engine has any issues that would steer people away from it. I was also curious if there is anything that I need to know in my search (things to watch for, or want). Does the 08-09 come with Bluetooth? Thanks for any advice, Kevin
Welcome aboard. I believe that blue tooth is an option on all MINI's. It can also be added after market. Jim
Welcome to M/A Kevin! In 2008 and 2009 there were a few noteable issues with the engines. Most of it can be taken care of via warranty/recall at no cost to you. You perform a search on this forum for more details but there have been issues with (click the text for links): High Pressure Fuel Pumps, Timing Chain Tensioners, Carbon build-up on intake valves, and there was a recall just issued for the secondary water-pump. I might recommend you look at a 2010+ model as the high pressure fuel pump and timing chain tensioner issues were resolved. Also, the likelyhood of more carbon build-up is reduced on a newer model with fewer miles. It's a bit daunting. Some folks will recommend, for reliability, go with a naturally aspirated (non-turbo or Justa) Mini. I'd have to agree on that front. As far as the fun to drive factor I'd totally recommend getting an S (turbo model). I'd be a liar if I said my R56 was all peaches and cream. I'd be an even bigger liar if I said that this car was anything but the most fun vehicle I've ever owned. Good luck selling your G35x and I hope to see you in a Clubman soon.
Thanks for the warm welcome! Redbeard, thanks for that information. I have to admit, I tend to like to have a little more pep in my cars. The great thing as far as warranty issues, I have the Mini dealer in walking distance. When I get mine, I will surely take it in to see if any of those issues have been addressed. If not, in she goes. I see you take yours to the track. Do you see many clubmans there? I was curious if the clubman is any good for something like that. I would love to one day take mine to the track. That may just require a second mini. :biggrin5:
Go for the Clubman S then. Find a certified pre-owned (CPO) car and get the extended warranty if you are going to keep it for a long time. When I ordered mine there was a possibility that they had gotten the order wrong (it obviously turned out okay just some confusion with labeling). I they had there was a '09 JCW Clubman at the dealer that I would have considered. Tracking a a Clubman is completely feasable. In fact, if you are just doing track days I'd argue they are better as it's easier to get your track-day gear in the car. The MINI's are a blast on the track. Tossable and forgiving. You don't need a second car but I recommend upgrading your brake fluid and pads as well as a spare set of wheels and good tires just for the track.
Great! Thanks for the advice. Sending the Infiniti in the shop for a few odds and ends, then on Craigslist she goes. Once she is sold, I will start looking. I promised my wife this would be sold before I even start looking at Mini's. I mentioned the idea of taking the Mini to the track.......she said noooo. She will eventually cave. I told her it isn't any more dangerous than taking my Jeep four wheeling. Probably a better chance of rolling the jeep than the mini. As far as hauling the gear goes, If I have a lot of gear to take, I can always throw it on the trailer. I trailer the Jeep when I take it up in the mountains.
Nice. I don't have the benefit of having a truck/trailer combo to use. I can still get a trackday in may car (Wheels/tires, jack, jack stands, wrenches, portable air compressor, helmet, small cooler). In a Clubman that process is easier. :cornut: Good luck selling the G35. Hope to see a "Look what I bought" post soon.
Well, now we are thinking about getting a Cooper s instead of a Clubman s. We don't want to spend as much money, and figured we could get something a little older. That being said, my budget is dropping to around $12-13K. I am guessing that will put me in the year range of 03-06. If I understand correctly, that is a 1st gen. What are the big things to look for, and major differences from 1st gen to 2nd gen? Other than being newer, is there a real benefit of having a 2nd gen?
Fairly large differences. Gen 1 is supercharged versus turbocharged in the S models. I have heard the CVT transmissions are problematic. General advice to to look for a manual.
I just purchased a used '05 S and I'm loving every minute of it!! So much fun to drive!! I've heard to watch the expansion tank for the supercharger as they tend to leak
Thanks for all the info. I like the manual trans thought. I was leaning towards the manual anyway. My wife will need to learn to drive manual, but I have already started teaching her. I have never owned a supercharged vehicle, so I guess I will do some research on them, just for my knowledge.