Looking at a Clubman

[theRéhann]

My daughter is shopping for a replacement car and she likes the Clubman. We saw two S-models at WeBuyCars and she loved them, but they were manual.

I've been a BMW fan all my life but I'm no expert on the Mini. Any advice from you Mini Fanatics that I can pass on?

Her budget is around 150k.

 

[Mamboza]

My daughter is shopping for a replacement car and she likes the Clubman. We saw two S-models at WeBuyCars and she loved them, but they were manual.

I've been a BMW fan all my life but I'm no expert on the Mini. Any advice from you Mini Fanatics that I can pass on?

Her budget is around 150k.

From bit of research I did, it appears that N18 engines and newer are recommended. These would be from 2011. The S variant are very fun cars. Easy on fuel until you hit the sport button which results in bubbles and cracks on the exhaust..

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

 

[sherwinZ]

Awesome car to own... in motorplan. Gets a bit pricey out of plan if something goes wrong.


Definitely get the S!
The clubman is practical and has enough space with the seats folded etc.

 

[theRéhann]

Awesome car to own... in motorplan. Gets a bit pricey out of plan if something goes wrong.

Sounds like a BMW! :smilebounce:

 

[sherwinZ]

Yeah pretty much the same lol, just parts are harder to come by.
If you want a "safer" option get the auto non S. They don't really have issues. But then you don't get to enjoy the Mini experience as much.

 

[theRéhann]

Yeah pretty much the same lol, just parts are harder to come by.
If you want a "safer" option get the auto non S. They don't really have issues. But then you don't get to enjoy the Mini experience as much.

I also think that would be best. I don't want my daughter in a pocket rocket!

 

[sherwinZ]

Get the MINI One then, in auto. But get a nice spec one to compensate ie. sunroof, xenons, leather, etc.

 

[theRéhann]

Get the MINI One then, in auto. But get a nice spec one to compensate ie. sunroof, xenons, leather, etc.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[Carbon]

Yeah, the non-s models from any year are actually very reliable, with almost no common issues.

Just suspension bushes that get worn at about 100k km, depending on the condition of tje roads it was used on, so have them inspected at least.

 

[Xeqtr]

The S is a quick little car. She will be more than happy in a non S. But, although you may not want her in a pocket rocket, you are losing out on the opportunity to learn whether she can respect a car with power or not. Or teach her to respect a car with power.

Either way, cant go wrong with a mini. Personally I think the mini was made for women, or men like Bruce Jenner. lel :thumbs:

 

[theRéhann]

you are losing out on the opportunity to learn whether she can respect a car with power or not...

Oh hell no! She is my child and grew up in BMWs speeding all the time, NOW WAY am I going to enable the continuation of that! :biglol:

 

[Xeqtr]

you are losing out on the opportunity to learn whether she can respect a car with power or not...

Oh hell no! She is my child and grew up in BMWs speeding all the time, NOW WAY am I going to enable the continuation of that! :biglol:

Hahaha ok well fair enough sir :cartel:

 

[Scavenger]

I've owned my Clubman S (with the 147kw JCW power kit) since 2012 (It was 1 year old with 15000km), it has only 66000km but the extended motorplan ends tomorrow!

In the past 3 odd years, under motorplan, I've had the motor replaced and gearbox replaced to go with two AC compressors and most of the suspension bushes and control arms... In fact, the "invoices" come to quite a bit more than what I paid for the car.

Having said all that, it's such a keeper! It puts a smile on my face every day and with the price of the new bloated JCW models north of R600k, I'd rather spend the money on keep mine going.

In your position, I would agree with the sentiment above about going the non-s route.

 

[CK4LIFE]

Minis can be great but maybe you shudnt consider buying from Webuycars.. :dunnoanymore:

 

[theRéhann]

I've owned my Clubman S (with the 147kw JCW power kit) since 2012 (It was 1 year old with 15000km), it has only 66000km but the extended motorplan ends tomorrow!

In the past 3 odd years, under motorplan, I've had the motor replaced and gearbox replaced to go with two AC compressors and most of the suspension bushes and control arms... In fact, the "invoices" come to quite a bit more than what I paid for the car.

Having said all that, it's such a keeper! It puts a smile on my face every day and with the price of the new bloated JCW models north of R600k, I'd rather spend the money on keep mine going.

In your position, I would agree with the sentiment above about going the non-s route.

That sounds really rough!

Having said all that, it's such a keeper! It puts a smile on my face every day and with the price of the new bloated JCW models north of R600k, I'd rather spend the money on keep mine going.

I get that. Exactly how I feel about my 740i

 

[BMW Freak]

I know of a 2011 Countryman for sale at the dealership where i work. Has just under 85k km and going for R229k

 

[officially_kage]

My Mini has the n18 engine which is the one you want.
I have had a few issues with the car - the biggest being a turbo that needed replacing (luckily I have a 3rd party warranty). All the other issues were minor really.
I would suggest she go for atleast a 2012 model.... almost all issues were resolved from 2012.

 

[theRéhann]

I know of a 2011 Countryman for sale at the dealership where i work. Has just under 85k km and going for R229k

That is quite a find!

Although I know how competent a car it is (after all, it is a BMW!), I don't like the Countryman. And it is beyond my daughter's budget.

Which dealership do you work for?

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My Mini has the n18 engine which is the one you want.
I have had a few issues with the car - the biggest being a turbo that needed replacing (luckily I have a 3rd party warranty). All the other issues were minor really.
I would suggest she go for atleast a 2012 model.... almost all issues were resolved from 2012.

Yes, I get the bit about the N18 motor.

We will get the newest one she can afford, obviously. Not sure it would be a 2012 though...

 

[BMW Freak]

Personally i prefer the cooper myself. I work at zambesi auto bud. Not in sales but in advertising so everytime a 2nd hand car comes in i know about it

 

[theRéhann]

I work at zambesi auto bud. Not in sales but in advertising so everytime a 2nd hand car comes in i know about it

:thumbs:

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Minis can be great but maybe you shudnt consider buying from Webuycars.. :dunnoanymore:

I know one of the sales managers, so I reckon I might cause enough fear there for them not to try and screw me.

But thanks, I'm taking note of the advice.