Buying a mini clubman

[caterhamboy]

Hi, we are currently looking at buying a clubman.

We have around £10k to spend so looking at at 2012 mini one 2011 cooper.

What are the main things to look out for and is there much difference between the one and cooper in the real world and whats the best wheel size to go for ?

many thanks

[mike9009]

Hi

I don't think there are any particular issues with the Cooper/ One, other than the usual.

I have owned a Cooper S Clubman for nearly four years. Not had any real issues (although there are a few documented issues with the Cooper S engine)

Check the sunroof for clean operation. Check run flat tyres for wear as these can cost a lot to replace. Check the car has the TLC pack (extended free servicing). Personally I would go for smaller alloy wheels (I have 17" alloys) which are okay but I would imagine smaller wheels maybe quieter and more refined from previous R50/ R53 MINI experiences.

Then just check the spec - there are a lot of options here. Personally I would check for stereo (HK) upgrade as the stereo quality is deliberately handicapped in the basic MINI. It is difficult to upgrade once you have it, as the unit is built and wired into the speedo.

Mike

[Miglia 888]

15" wheels are best for ride comfort & lightness imho, and if you also upsize from 175/65 to 195/60 tyres, grip improves significantly. Had this setup on our Clubman and it rode as close to a limo as a MINI ever can.
16" wheels are the sweet spot for ride / handling imho. Upsize to 205 tyres for improved grip and significantly lower tyre costs than the regular fitment 195's too.
Whatever size wheel you go for, avoid runflat tyres if you dislike tramlining, and like ride comfort. HTH

[carreauchompeur]

Just to add to this, my mum is currently very keen on buying one. There look to be some good examples around the 8grand mark. She is not too fussed on options other than wanting w Pano roof.

Would the Cooper S version be ruinous to run, and are there any major pitfalls to look out for?

[24lemons]

I had one for a year. Fun to drive, looks great in my opinion, surprisingly roomy.

I got rid of it in the end due to its poor build quality and endless rattles. I know you can experience these in most cars but if its the sort of thing that might bother you then take it for an extended test drive. Every one of the courtesy cars I was loaned were just as bad as mine.

[mon the fish]

Obviously there's various issues on the R56 hatch which would also relate to the Clubby, timing chain, decoke etc, but in terms of the Clubby specifically, check the rear doors, including behind the seals.

The doors rub & therefore rust, we had a Clubby but after John Clark in Aberdeen took 12 goes (yes really) to attempt to fix, and cocked up each time (paint runs, flaking off etc etc) we gave up and sold it.

Peel back the rubber seals around the rear doors, every one I've looked at since (neighbours etc) has had paint issues there