R55 Clubman musings and questions within.

[HorneyMX5]

Hello MINI lovers.

I've been recently pondering the merits of adding an R55 CLubman to the fleet. With 3 MX5s, a Suzuki Jimny and a 1979 proper mini between me and MrsHorneyMX5 we're missing something of a load hauler and vehicle to transport the pensioner parents in comfort.

I have been offered back my old FN2 Civic Type R wehich could fulfill this role, but tax and insurance on that mean quite a large amount of monthly outlay on something that will get little use.

I've always loved the look of the Clubman over all the other iterations of MINI so far and for some reason it recently surfaced on my radar as an option. If I were to buy one I'm swaying towards a Cooper. The S appeals from a performance point of view but MPG, Tax and insurance will be a bit high. The D is appealing from a running costs perspective but diesel seems to be the new Ebola and I might use it for work occasionally. I don't want to be banned from cities in 12 months time. That leaves the Cooper as a happy medium.

Anyway to the point of this thread. The specs are bewildering and I don't trust what Autotrader and eBay say. I therefore have a few questions.

1) Do they all have stop/start?
2) Do they all have Bluetooth hands free? They all seem to have a phone button on the dash.
3) Do they all have AC? It's hard to tell which style of knobs and display in the centre console are AC/full climate/just blowers.
4) Cruise. Does this only come with the multi function steering wheel?
5) Do they all have the ability to play music off my iPhone either by Bluetooth or a cable?

I think that's it! Thanks in advance.

[HorneyMX5]

Thanks chaps, appreciated.

[HorneyMX5]

Thanks again.

I'm actually now swaying towards a 1.6 Cooper D. While the future of diesel is unsure I can't ignore that using one for work mileage would save me over a grand a year.

[HorneyMX5]

Another question.

How do I tell whether it has the PSA or BMW engine if it's a 2010 car?

Any pit falls or things to know on either of the engines?

Thanks!

[HorneyMX5]

Looks like it was amid 2010 change in the Clubman. None of the cars within my budget are goi g to have the BMW lump. I hear the PSA one is fine but it's belt not chain driven.

[HorneyMX5]

Oh dear I've been suckered in by one in a lovely colour and with a good spec that's twice my original budget. Loan secured, viewing on Sunday.

Watch this space.

[HorneyMX5]

I know Diesel engines are not very mini but 30k miles a year I need a diesel and a Mini is the most fun diesel you can buy it seems.

[HorneyMX5]

Thanks for all the tips, I've bought one and collected it today. Readers Car thread incoming and I'll pop a link in here.

THanks again!

[HorneyMX5]

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...