Well we had a little info about this in the 135 thread so I thought I would start a new topic to keep things separate.
Now my wife and I are considering a new vehicle for 2009 (about a year from now) and the Clubman keeps popping up as a possibility. The background info is that the Smart is our only car and we are looking for something that can handle another passenger and maybe some practical space. We have gotten very used to the Smart and are fairly efficient with a small car and that is something we really like, so a larger sedan is not really what we want at all. Another issue is we live downtown and have 1 parking stall, but the good news is our stall is extra long (around 22-24 feet) and so we ideally would like to keep the smart and have the second car snuggle up to it in the spot which really limits the size of the car to around 12-14 feet.
Now after seeing the Clubman at the car show I was not overly wowed or dismayed, the wheelbase is only 3inches longer than a regular Mini so we are not talking miles longer, but the backseat is a lot more comfortable and the third door makes it pretty easy to get in and out. The back area is still pretty small, but if you folded a portion of the back seat you would have a fair amount of space.
The other biggest issue is price, Mini's are not cheap
Cooper Clubman starts at $26,400
Cooper Clubman S starts at $31,500
I am looking at $35,000 for the car I want a fair amount of money. Now I think other cars that meet my requirements are a Fit and Yaris but I think comparing those is hard, sure they are only 20,000, but neither has 172 hp, features like Xenon lights, LSD, 17" wheels etc.
So I guess I am just looking at thoughts, opinions and suggestions if you care to participate.
Some pics for reference:
Interior pics
Now my wife and I are considering a new vehicle for 2009 (about a year from now) and the Clubman keeps popping up as a possibility. The background info is that the Smart is our only car and we are looking for something that can handle another passenger and maybe some practical space. We have gotten very used to the Smart and are fairly efficient with a small car and that is something we really like, so a larger sedan is not really what we want at all. Another issue is we live downtown and have 1 parking stall, but the good news is our stall is extra long (around 22-24 feet) and so we ideally would like to keep the smart and have the second car snuggle up to it in the spot which really limits the size of the car to around 12-14 feet.
Now after seeing the Clubman at the car show I was not overly wowed or dismayed, the wheelbase is only 3inches longer than a regular Mini so we are not talking miles longer, but the backseat is a lot more comfortable and the third door makes it pretty easy to get in and out. The back area is still pretty small, but if you folded a portion of the back seat you would have a fair amount of space.
The other biggest issue is price, Mini's are not cheap
Cooper Clubman starts at $26,400
Cooper Clubman S starts at $31,500
I am looking at $35,000 for the car I want a fair amount of money. Now I think other cars that meet my requirements are a Fit and Yaris but I think comparing those is hard, sure they are only 20,000, but neither has 172 hp, features like Xenon lights, LSD, 17" wheels etc.
So I guess I am just looking at thoughts, opinions and suggestions if you care to participate.
Some pics for reference:
Interior pics
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