What do standard mini Cooper owners think of us Clubman? - MINI2

TangoCharlie27 · #1 (**permalink**) Aug 17th, 2009, 07:46 AM

I think it's funny when I pass a standard Mini Cooper, they watch me pass thinking I have the same vehicle and then look in the rear view and realize it's very different!

I almost feel like a fraud as I drive towards a standard Mini Cooper!

Have you had any feedback from regular Mini Cooper owners?

M.O.S · #2 (**permalink**) Aug 17th, 2009, 11:05 AM

As an owner of the hatchback 'standard' mini I love clubmans and will definitely be considering one - I've seen the difference in insurance costs! Cooper S Clubman or Cooper petrol/diesel hatch! Hmm... Some say its got five doors and a really annoying pillar in the rear view mirror...

Mawdsley · #3 (**permalink**) Aug 17th, 2009, 12:27 PM

I've always thought they looked like a Mini Hearse but maybe thats just me :-P

Paul · #4 (**permalink**) Aug 17th, 2009, 01:35 PM

I've never owned a Clubman, but it's currently top of my wish-list.

iain cooper · #5 (**permalink**) Aug 17th, 2009, 01:48 PM

I think the clubman is probably quirky and that would be the only reason for someone to buy one.

in my mind they could never be "sporty" and a cooper/cooper S clubman is a contradiction in terms.

if I needed more space I would buy something bigger, as the clubman does not offer enough space over the standard hatch to merit it's purchase.

so to go back to the original question, when I see someone driving a clubman I always think............Why ??

Paul · #6 (**permalink**) Aug 17th, 2009, 01:50 PM

But you're so wrong on that. If anything, I think the Clubman handles a little bit better than the Hatch, although the difference is hardly noticeable. The JCW Clubman is the most fun MINI I've encountered of all the current generation.

See here: MINI John Cooper Works Clubman | theSwitchback

iain cooper · #7 (**permalink**) Aug 17th, 2009, 02:01 PM

thanks Paul, I'll have a read at it...............Iain

humph · #8 (**permalink**) Aug 17th, 2009, 02:03 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by iain cooper (original)

I think the clubman is probably quirky and that would be the only reason for someone to buy one.

Well you got that bit right

Quote: Originally Posted by iain cooper (original)

in my mind they could never be "sporty" and a cooper/cooper S clubman is a contradiction in terms.

In your mind maybe

I have a Clubman S, and the GF has a 192 JCW hatch. Of course there is a difference due to the tuning kit. But my Clubby S in standard form is not far behind. And as Paul says below the clubman actually handles better than the hatch.

Quote: Originally Posted by iain cooper (original)

if I needed more space I would buy something bigger, as the clubman does not offer enough space over the standard hatch to merit it's purchase.

Our camping trips this summer prove otherwise. The Clubman has a 3 seat back positions, and then the spilt seats etc. It is far more versatile than the hatch, and you'd be amazed what you can in the back. Check out the thread on whether clubby owners would trade.

Quote: Originally Posted by iain cooper (original)

so to go back to the original question, when I see someone driving a clubman I always think............Why ??

Oh yes the original question, good point. There is a great look of confusion that people wear as the Clubby passes them, it's joyous. That's one good reason why. They look far better from behind than the hatch, the MCS especially.

And to be honest, I care as much about what a hatch owner thinks about it as I do what a classic MINI owner thinks about it, and that's virtually nothing

rec · #9 (**permalink**) Aug 17th, 2009, 02:26 PM

i dont have a problem with them - rarely see them to be honest.

however, i dont want one.

TangoCharlie27 · #10 (**permalink**) Aug 17th, 2009, 04:09 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by iain cooper (original)

I think the clubman is probably quirky and that would be the only reason for someone to buy one.

in my mind they could never be "sporty" and a cooper/cooper S clubman is a contradiction in terms.

if I needed more space I would buy something bigger, as the clubman does not offer enough space over the standard hatch to merit it's purchase.

so to go back to the original question, when I see someone driving a clubman I always think............Why ??

When you see me driving a Clubman you will also see two pairs of pointy canine ears through the rear tinted windows. And the you'd realise why. :-)

Paul · #11 (**permalink**) Aug 17th, 2009, 04:20 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by TangoCharlie27 (original)

When you see me driving a Clubman you will also see two pairs of pointy canine ears through the rear tinted windows. And the you'd realise why. :-)

Your children are warewolves?

TangoCharlie27 · #12 (**permalink**) Aug 17th, 2009, 05:43 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul (original)

Your children are warewolves?

No kids, just Canine familiaris!

GeorgeH · #13 (**permalink**) Aug 17th, 2009, 09:40 PM

I prefer the Clubman from the rear and everyone who has a close look is impressed with the Clubman - it's such a great and unusual car - and I like that...
Whilst technically the Clubman is not much larger than the hatch, the extra practicality of the side and rear doors means that you make the most of it with very easy access.
Obviously it's not a large car, but we have 2 children and they fit easily and the boot (especially if you remove the false floor) is more than big enough for most journeys.
Clubmans are not cheap and clearly we could all get a larger, more practical and sensible car if we wanted one - but where's the fun in that? I'll take the Clubman for 360 days a year and hire a van for the other 5...

billy.batson · #14 (**permalink**) Aug 19th, 2009, 09:02 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by GeorgeH (original)

Clubmans are not cheap and clearly we could all get a larger, more practical and sensible car if we wanted one - but where's the fun in that? I'll take the Clubman for 360 days a year and hire a van for the other 5...

That's quite right, for the price of any MINI you could get a much bigger car if that's what you want. But it would not have the style, the premium BMW build quality, or the FUN. It is the carrying capacity of the Clubman and the extra legroom that makes it unbeatable amongst small cars, plus the better handling over the MINI hatch due to the longer wheelbase, as several people have pointed out. The perfect motor.

DO05ERS · #15 (**permalink**) Aug 23rd, 2009, 10:07 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by iain cooper (original)

if I needed more space I would buy something bigger, as the clubman does not offer enough space over the standard hatch to merit it's purchase.

Not true! I have two kids and when I was given a Clubman as a courtesy car when my R56 was in for service, I had bought a Clubman Swithin a week. The space is perfect for us, the kids are comfortable in the back, in fact leggy old me is comfy in the back too.

We comfortably got us and all our baggage for a 10 day holiday into the car. Not a problem at all.

But yes, I really enjoy being different, the back of my car looks great and I love the fact that us clubman drivers always notice each other. It's like being the member of a special club!