MINI Clubman (R55) Auto

[kimzo]

I have been looking at the classifieds for one of the above. Are they generally solid cars or are there so many potential pitfalls that it's likely to be a moneypit?

I'm looking at a 2010 petrol non-S model (your bog standard 1.6 I4 engine) that has done 67000 miles. From what I understand, this is a chain driven engine that was developed by BMW and PSA?

If anyone has had any longterm experience with one of these, feedback would be great - what's it like getting a pushchair into one? Worth buying or find something else?

[steve-5snwi]

I've had mine 4.5 years, although its a Cooper S. I've just purchased a fuel pump as it started to play up before christmas which is its biggest expense. Other than servicing its cost nothing.

I have no idea if a pushchair will fit in but if your anywhere near Peterborough your welcome to try one in mine. I have the false floor and without it the boot is quite deep. The club door is pointless and some of the clubbys are 5 seaters as there are 3 belts in the back.

I have no experience of the 1.6 NA but its accepted its more reliable than the earlier n14 cooper s.

[kimzo]

Thanks - that's reassuring! It was the club door I particularly liked - is it really that bad? Would a child need to tilt the drivers seat to get in comfortably?

Also, what is the ride like? Most of the Cooper S Clubmans (Clubmen?) I saw had the 17" alloys and what looks like sports suspension - crashy or refined?

[steve-5snwi]

If your in a wide open space then the clubdoor works, however if you have a car parked next to you then you have to open the front door and the small door meaning you get trapped in between....

The ride is good for a mini, the clubman is longer in the wheelbase so slightly less bouncy. 17's and non runflats are fine - i run pro race 1.2's, but they are nicer on 16's - my winter choice

[mike9009]

[quote=kimzo]Thanks - that's reassuring! It was the club door I particularly liked - is it really that bad? Would a child need to tilt the drivers seat to get in comfortably?

Also, what is the ride like? Most of the Cooper S Clubmans (Clubmen?) I saw had the 17" alloys and what looks like sports suspension - crashy or refined?[/quote

I had a Clubman S with two kids for almost six years. (they are 4 and 8 years old now). Prams are a squeeze in the boot, so you will need to check the one you have fits. We had a small buggy type thing. We had a roof box for longer trips/ holidays.

My kids were able to squeeze through without reclining the drivers seat to get out through the club door.



My Clubman was fine with run flat tyres and 17" alloys (not refined, as such, but definitely not crashy) Some prefer to fit std tyres but I think they spoilt the character of the car. (I ran mine with both)
Great little cars


Mike

[kimzo]

Thanks for that - looks like we will have to take a pushchair along to a dealer for a try!