Comments on: Clubman to Have Limited Availability in US http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/ MotoringFile | MINI news, reviews and opinion. MINI Cooper, Cooper S, Clubman, Countryman Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:14:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: ridwanzero http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/comment-page-2/#comment-287692 ridwanzero Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:16:36 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/#comment-287692 <p>Hello.....I wanted to stay with a 4-cyl based on that. I really really liked the Ford Fusion body style, but the performance SUCKED, then I read an article in Car and Driver that totally bashed it, and praised the Accord and the Camry. No surprise there but I just couldn’t get excited about anything, AND THEN I found myself on the MINIUSA website and saw the Clubman for the first time. My husband has always like the MiniCooper but we blew it off based on size. He’s 6′2″ and can’t comfortably get in and out of my Acura, but the extended size of the Clubman suddenly entered it into the realm of possibilities. So I waited till the car show and dragged my husband around to all the cars I was considering, and stuffed him inside to gauge his unfiltered opinion. Basically out of all the middle of the road midsize sedans, nothing was really appealing to either one of us until we went into the Jaguire, BMW, LEXUS, and Acura room...</p> <p>onlineuniversalwork</p> Hello…..I wanted to stay with a 4-cyl based on that. I really really liked the Ford Fusion body style, but the performance SUCKED, then I read an article in Car and Driver that totally bashed it, and praised the Accord and the Camry. No surprise there but I just couldn’t get excited about anything, AND THEN I found myself on the MINIUSA website and saw the Clubman for the first time. My husband has always like the MiniCooper but we blew it off based on size. He’s 6′2″ and can’t comfortably get in and out of my Acura, but the extended size of the Clubman suddenly entered it into the realm of possibilities. So I waited till the car show and dragged my husband around to all the cars I was considering, and stuffed him inside to gauge his unfiltered opinion. Basically out of all the middle of the road midsize sedans, nothing was really appealing to either one of us until we went into the Jaguire, BMW, LEXUS, and Acura room…

onlineuniversalwork

]]> By: Bert http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/comment-page-1/#comment-224628 Bert Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:28:17 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/#comment-224628 <p>I really like the Clubman but I'll not buy one now with unnecessary dealer markups. I'll never spend that kind of money on something I'm not able to get my hands on first. I can wait.</p> <p>It's not just Mini doing markups though, Toyota is going overboard on the Prius and Honda on the Hybrid Civic.</p> I really like the Clubman but I’ll not buy one now with unnecessary dealer markups. I’ll never spend that kind of money on something I’m not able to get my hands on first. I can wait.

It’s not just Mini doing markups though, Toyota is going overboard on the Prius and Honda on the Hybrid Civic.

]]> By: Regan http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/comment-page-1/#comment-210133 Regan Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:08:41 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/#comment-210133 <p>Howdy. I'm new to this website. I've enjoyed reading everyone's comments. Currently I drive a 91 Acura Integra. Love that car alot, except it's falling apart, has 180,000 miles, recently caught on fire, and to my dismay was heroically saved by a coworker before it reached the point of no return. I had to fix it, and I'm still driving it but reality set in that I need a new car and so my search began last December. I looked high and low, considered everything, picked my male coworkers brains ALOT. Almost had a cheap 2000 Lexus SUV lined up, but after a bit of research found a slew of engine oil gel catastrophic failures tied to that year make and model along with a bunch of other affected Toyota products. I was in love with the Integra body style and traveled down the path of 2000-2001 Integra's (last year for that car.) My husband really really wanted a 4 door sedan and so I opened my self up to those possibilities. Fuel economy is important to me, my Integra gets about 29-30 on average. I wanted to stay with a 4-cyl based on that. I really really liked the Ford Fusion body style, but the performance SUCKED, then I read an article in Car and Driver that totally bashed it, and praised the Accord and the Camry. No surprise there but I just couldn't get excited about anything, AND THEN I found myself on the MINIUSA website and saw the Clubman for the first time. My husband has always like the MiniCooper but we blew it off based on size. He's 6'2" and can't comfortably get in and out of my Acura, but the extended size of the Clubman suddenly entered it into the realm of possibilities. So I waited till the car show and dragged my husband around to all the cars I was considering, and stuffed him inside to gauge his unfiltered opinion. Basically out of all the middle of the road midsize sedans, nothing was really appealing to either one of us until we went into the Jaguire, BMW, LEXUS, and Acura room. The Clubman was there. We sat in it opened up all the doors, ooed and ahhhed. We both REALLY liked it but still thought it impractical. We both totally dig the Acural TL but those are everywhere and too much $$$. On a whim two weeks ago we went to drive the Clubman. It was the first Cooper driving experience for both of us. There was a smiled plasered on our faces the WHOLE time. We were so happy, and then the next week we ordered one. Get it at the end of April beginning of May. Moral of the story is I nevered considered a Cooper until the Clubman based on size. Now that we're entering into the MiniCooper lifestyle, we couldn't be happier with our choice. I might need some schooling on etiquette though.</p> Howdy. I’m new to this website. I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s comments. Currently I drive a 91 Acura Integra. Love that car alot, except it’s falling apart, has 180,000 miles, recently caught on fire, and to my dismay was heroically saved by a coworker before it reached the point of no return. I had to fix it, and I’m still driving it but reality set in that I need a new car and so my search began last December. I looked high and low, considered everything, picked my male coworkers brains ALOT. Almost had a cheap 2000 Lexus SUV lined up, but after a bit of research found a slew of engine oil gel catastrophic failures tied to that year make and model along with a bunch of other affected Toyota products. I was in love with the Integra body style and traveled down the path of 2000-2001 Integra’s (last year for that car.) My husband really really wanted a 4 door sedan and so I opened my self up to those possibilities. Fuel economy is important to me, my Integra gets about 29-30 on average. I wanted to stay with a 4-cyl based on that. I really really liked the Ford Fusion body style, but the performance SUCKED, then I read an article in Car and Driver that totally bashed it, and praised the Accord and the Camry. No surprise there but I just couldn’t get excited about anything, AND THEN I found myself on the MINIUSA website and saw the Clubman for the first time. My husband has always like the MiniCooper but we blew it off based on size. He’s 6’2″ and can’t comfortably get in and out of my Acura, but the extended size of the Clubman suddenly entered it into the realm of possibilities. So I waited till the car show and dragged my husband around to all the cars I was considering, and stuffed him inside to gauge his unfiltered opinion. Basically out of all the middle of the road midsize sedans, nothing was really appealing to either one of us until we went into the Jaguire, BMW, LEXUS, and Acura room. The Clubman was there. We sat in it opened up all the doors, ooed and ahhhed. We both REALLY liked it but still thought it impractical. We both totally dig the Acural TL but those are everywhere and too much $$$. On a whim two weeks ago we went to drive the Clubman. It was the first Cooper driving experience for both of us. There was a smiled plasered on our faces the WHOLE time. We were so happy, and then the next week we ordered one. Get it at the end of April beginning of May. Moral of the story is I nevered considered a Cooper until the Clubman based on size. Now that we’re entering into the MiniCooper lifestyle, we couldn’t be happier with our choice. I might need some schooling on etiquette though.

]]> By: VehicleBuzz.net » Blog Archive » Limited MINI Clubman availabilty in the U.S. for 2008 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/comment-page-1/#comment-207984 VehicleBuzz.net » Blog Archive » Limited MINI Clubman availabilty in the U.S. for 2008 Sun, 17 Feb 2008 20:56:24 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/#comment-207984 <p>[...] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments [...]</p> [...] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments [...]

]]> By: Doogs http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/comment-page-1/#comment-191418 Doogs Tue, 18 Dec 2007 22:47:22 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/#comment-191418 <p>Everyone said the same things a few years ago about the four-door Wrangler (who'll buy that, at that price they'll get something else, etc).</p> <p>Last time I looked, the 4-door was outselling the 2-door something like three to one, and is pretty much the only success story Chrysler has at the moment.</p> <p>I think the Clubman will prove popular for the same reasons. The Mini, like the Wrangler, is both iconic and fun. And, like the Wrangler, it's not exactly the most practical vehicle on the road.</p> <p>For everyone who wanted the "Wrangler experience" but needed four doors for kids/trips to Ikea, the Wrangler Unlimited was a godsend.</p> <p>Now imagine all the Mini owners (or admirers) who crave just a little more room, space to load a stroller and leave the back seats up, or load one more chair in the back.</p> <p>The wife and I have a baby on the way, and I'll see how it goes with the MCS, but I can totally see myself shopping the Clubman after a year of car seat antics.</p> Everyone said the same things a few years ago about the four-door Wrangler (who’ll buy that, at that price they’ll get something else, etc).

Last time I looked, the 4-door was outselling the 2-door something like three to one, and is pretty much the only success story Chrysler has at the moment.

I think the Clubman will prove popular for the same reasons. The Mini, like the Wrangler, is both iconic and fun. And, like the Wrangler, it’s not exactly the most practical vehicle on the road.

For everyone who wanted the “Wrangler experience” but needed four doors for kids/trips to Ikea, the Wrangler Unlimited was a godsend.

Now imagine all the Mini owners (or admirers) who crave just a little more room, space to load a stroller and leave the back seats up, or load one more chair in the back.

The wife and I have a baby on the way, and I’ll see how it goes with the MCS, but I can totally see myself shopping the Clubman after a year of car seat antics.

]]> By: Aussom http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/comment-page-1/#comment-190938 Aussom Sun, 16 Dec 2007 13:43:58 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/#comment-190938 <p>Will be interesting to see what situation arises for the competitive Australian vehicle market. While the Clubman is a new product, the competitors will catch up soon if there's a potential market opportunity (consider the Ford Fiesta XR4, Suzuki Swift, Volkswagen Golf R32 and turbo-charged Mazda3 MPS that compete against the MINI hatch at lower prices on average).</p> <p>Will be interesting to see if BMW will also follow a similar limited release strategy for the potential SAV (considering that Australia currently has the Suzuki SX4 hatch). Can understand BMW's possible approach in applying the barn door design plus a fuel-efficient engine with strong power-to-weight ratio as a key differentiator - especially against the powerful Mazda CX-7 turbocharged SUV crossover.</p> <p>However there is a risk in following limited release strategies with fully legally protected BMW supply - in that locating and supplying parts could be increasingly difficult later on which could make the parts prohibitively expensive and increasingly drop the price of used vehicles over the medium to longer term.</p> Will be interesting to see what situation arises for the competitive Australian vehicle market. While the Clubman is a new product, the competitors will catch up soon if there’s a potential market opportunity (consider the Ford Fiesta XR4, Suzuki Swift, Volkswagen Golf R32 and turbo-charged Mazda3 MPS that compete against the MINI hatch at lower prices on average).

Will be interesting to see if BMW will also follow a similar limited release strategy for the potential SAV (considering that Australia currently has the Suzuki SX4 hatch). Can understand BMW’s possible approach in applying the barn door design plus a fuel-efficient engine with strong power-to-weight ratio as a key differentiator – especially against the powerful Mazda CX-7 turbocharged SUV crossover.

However there is a risk in following limited release strategies with fully legally protected BMW supply – in that locating and supplying parts could be increasingly difficult later on which could make the parts prohibitively expensive and increasingly drop the price of used vehicles over the medium to longer term.

]]> By: Jon http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/comment-page-1/#comment-190656 Jon Fri, 14 Dec 2007 18:33:47 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/#comment-190656 <p>Should be interesting to see how some of the Mini dealerships deal with the increasing range of Mini models. I know my local dealership is tight on its display area. Makes me wonder if Mini's long term plan is to push for stand alone dealerships.</p> Should be interesting to see how some of the Mini dealerships deal with the increasing range of Mini models. I know my local dealership is tight on its display area. Makes me wonder if Mini’s long term plan is to push for stand alone dealerships.

]]> By: Ken http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/comment-page-1/#comment-190631 Ken Fri, 14 Dec 2007 16:52:13 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/#comment-190631 <p>Clubman has been ordered. NO problem.</p> Clubman has been ordered. NO problem.

]]> By: Motoring Advisor http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/comment-page-1/#comment-190374 Motoring Advisor Thu, 13 Dec 2007 15:40:11 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/#comment-190374 <p>We've got 13 in the pipeline. 9 are spoken for. The other four can be modified to the customers specs. I anticipate we will get 4-5 a month throughout 2008.</p> We’ve got 13 in the pipeline. 9 are spoken for. The other four can be modified to the customers specs. I anticipate we will get 4-5 a month throughout 2008.

]]> By: Bilbo Baggins http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/comment-page-1/#comment-190373 Bilbo Baggins Thu, 13 Dec 2007 15:37:21 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/#comment-190373 <p>It would not bother me at all to see the allocations reduced and so that the MINI will remain more "exclusive". That isn't a bad idea.</p> <p>There are way too many people driving MINIs that do not wave, flash, or smile while driving. They just do not understand that a MINI is more than just a "cute" car. It is a whole body experience, a way of life, an attitude, a community, a family.</p> <p>It would also help to keep the resale vaules up ;-) Which I could thouroughly get behind.</p> <p>JOHO</p> It would not bother me at all to see the allocations reduced and so that the MINI will remain more “exclusive”. That isn’t a bad idea.

There are way too many people driving MINIs that do not wave, flash, or smile while driving. They just do not understand that a MINI is more than just a “cute” car. It is a whole body experience, a way of life, an attitude, a community, a family.

It would also help to keep the resale vaules up ;-) Which I could thouroughly get behind.

JOHO

]]> By: John http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/comment-page-1/#comment-190341 John Thu, 13 Dec 2007 12:44:34 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/#comment-190341 <p>Its always funny to me how so many people can have so many opinions and offer them with so much authority. The car is what it is, not what someone who likes it says it is, or someone who doesn't says it isn't. Sales will be what they turn out to be. The market is full of choices, pick what works for you. In the end, you will pick from what is available. Wishes don't count. We can all sit on the edge of our seats, but until the car is in front of you, you are gambling and speculating. I personally don't do that with a dealer or a salesman. So good luck with all the opinions. Reality will trump them all.</p> Its always funny to me how so many people can have so many opinions and offer them with so much authority. The car is what it is, not what someone who likes it says it is, or someone who doesn’t says it isn’t. Sales will be what they turn out to be. The market is full of choices, pick what works for you. In the end, you will pick from what is available. Wishes don’t count. We can all sit on the edge of our seats, but until the car is in front of you, you are gambling and speculating. I personally don’t do that with a dealer or a salesman. So good luck with all the opinions. Reality will trump them all.

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/comment-page-1/#comment-190080 Gabe Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:40:32 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/#comment-190080 <blockquote> <p>Hey Gabe, why are you moderating and deleting my posts? Are you getting pissed because I am getting a Clubman?</p> </blockquote> <p>Hey Frank - nice to hear from you as always. I don't really do much of the post moderation anymore so I'm not aware of what you're referring to.</p> <p>Not sure what you mean by your last sentence but I hope you enjoy your R55. Can't wait to have one as a press car for a week.</p>

Hey Gabe, why are you moderating and deleting my posts? Are you getting pissed because I am getting a Clubman?

Hey Frank – nice to hear from you as always. I don’t really do much of the post moderation anymore so I’m not aware of what you’re referring to.

Not sure what you mean by your last sentence but I hope you enjoy your R55. Can’t wait to have one as a press car for a week.

]]> By: ValparaisoExpress http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/comment-page-1/#comment-190069 ValparaisoExpress Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:23:03 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/#comment-190069 <p>Hey Gabe, why are you moderating and deleting my posts? Are you getting pissed because I am getting a Clubman?</p> Hey Gabe, why are you moderating and deleting my posts? Are you getting pissed because I am getting a Clubman?

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/comment-page-1/#comment-189967 Gabe Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:35:22 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/#comment-189967 <p>cct1 - for what it's worth, I think that last paragraph is spot on.</p> cct1 – for what it’s worth, I think that last paragraph is spot on.

]]> By: cct1 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/comment-page-1/#comment-189965 cct1 Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:29:12 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/#comment-189965 <p>Reading through all this, the one conclusion I'm guessing at is that the Clubman is going to be brought over in relatively small numbers to the U.S., and the Colorado will eventually be brought in larger numbers to the U.S. market as opposed to other countries. This is probably a bit stereotypical, but it almost seems the Clubman is built more toward european sensibilities, and the Colorado more toward what the typical U.S. consumer is after, for better or for worse.</p> <p>In the long run though, if the demand for the Clubman is through the roof, I suspect the numbers shipped to the U.S. will eventually reflect that. That's kind of what happened in the beginning with the base Cooper versus S; over the years, the relative proportion of each changed over the life cycle of 1st generation MINI, and while some of that was production related initially (just like the initial allotments of the Clubman), I'd bet the eventual final ratios were eventually determined by market demand. If the demand is there and consistent, I suspect we'll see the Clubman in ever increasing numbers. Having said that, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if the Clubman's sales in the U.S. were eclipsed by Colorado sales.</p> Reading through all this, the one conclusion I’m guessing at is that the Clubman is going to be brought over in relatively small numbers to the U.S., and the Colorado will eventually be brought in larger numbers to the U.S. market as opposed to other countries. This is probably a bit stereotypical, but it almost seems the Clubman is built more toward european sensibilities, and the Colorado more toward what the typical U.S. consumer is after, for better or for worse.

In the long run though, if the demand for the Clubman is through the roof, I suspect the numbers shipped to the U.S. will eventually reflect that. That’s kind of what happened in the beginning with the base Cooper versus S; over the years, the relative proportion of each changed over the life cycle of 1st generation MINI, and while some of that was production related initially (just like the initial allotments of the Clubman), I’d bet the eventual final ratios were eventually determined by market demand. If the demand is there and consistent, I suspect we’ll see the Clubman in ever increasing numbers. Having said that, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if the Clubman’s sales in the U.S. were eclipsed by Colorado sales.

]]> By: Mark Smith http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/comment-page-1/#comment-189866 Mark Smith Tue, 11 Dec 2007 19:17:02 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/#comment-189866 <p>I think a lot of people are missing the mark a bit here. This will be one more model with four different variants being added to a production facility that already builds two other models with four different variants each. This is twelve different variations of thre different models coing from one maxed out facility. This will be somewhat a learning excorcise for MINI and BMW Group since we all know the new model will conquest a few (mind you very few) convertibles and significantly more of the standard hardtop. They will need time to re evaluate the product mix and then adjust to it. I give them credit for being so flexible. Don't call me a BMW Group Fanboy but I do like MINI A LOT and I want to see them continue to do well. I forsee all of these happenings as positive growing pains that will ultimately lead to the clientel being happy once they get control of getting the proper product mix out there based on demand from dealers. Based on my drive of this car back in September in Hamburg this car is going to do very very well.</p> I think a lot of people are missing the mark a bit here. This will be one more model with four different variants being added to a production facility that already builds two other models with four different variants each. This is twelve different variations of thre different models coing from one maxed out facility. This will be somewhat a learning excorcise for MINI and BMW Group since we all know the new model will conquest a few (mind you very few) convertibles and significantly more of the standard hardtop. They will need time to re evaluate the product mix and then adjust to it. I give them credit for being so flexible. Don’t call me a BMW Group Fanboy but I do like MINI A LOT and I want to see them continue to do well. I forsee all of these happenings as positive growing pains that will ultimately lead to the clientel being happy once they get control of getting the proper product mix out there based on demand from dealers. Based on my drive of this car back in September in Hamburg this car is going to do very very well.

]]> By: Jon http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/comment-page-1/#comment-189842 Jon Tue, 11 Dec 2007 18:04:25 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/#comment-189842 <p>I am sure the Clubman is going to sell well here in the US. If for no other reason I could see trying to sell more in markets that will be more profitable. I am sure the selling capacity will grow quickly.</p> I am sure the Clubman is going to sell well here in the US. If for no other reason I could see trying to sell more in markets that will be more profitable. I am sure the selling capacity will grow quickly.

]]> By: rkw http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/comment-page-1/#comment-189820 rkw Tue, 11 Dec 2007 16:55:07 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/#comment-189820 <p>Not surprisingly, it seems that the naysayers simply hate the Clubman and wish it would just go away, and those who think it will do well are also considering buying one.</p> Not surprisingly, it seems that the naysayers simply hate the Clubman and wish it would just go away, and those who think it will do well are also considering buying one.

]]> By: ValparaisoExpress http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/comment-page-1/#comment-189803 ValparaisoExpress Tue, 11 Dec 2007 16:06:13 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/#comment-189803 <p>I would like to offer a different perspective.... I believe MINI wants to protect R56 sales by limiting availability of the Clubman. In the country where "bigger is better" I just don't see how the Clubman will not be a sales success. Better ride quality thanks to the larger wheelbase, better cargo capacity, easier/more comfortable access to rear quarters, while preserving the vaunted MINI "Go-kart"handling...what's not to like?</p> <p>Up to now, the main deterrent to many people interested in the MINI has been the lack of space in the standard model (Which I can refute as I find the standard car to be actually quite acommodating).</p> <p>What really works against the Clubman is the admission price. This is one expensive MINI. I have put an order for a new '08 Clubman Cooper S with automatic transmission, rear fogs, metallic paint and MFSW as the only chosen options from the menu.... $26,200 MSRP and nearly $28,500 out-the-door after all has been said and done.</p> <p>MINI has taken measures to protect R56 sales by making the R55 Clubman nearly $2K more expensive than the standard hardtops and limiting R55 production.</p> <p>Let's face it... The R56 has not been the strong seller MINI had hoped for. Dealers are still desperate to unload 2007 stock by offering low financing, subsidized lease deals and even no monthly payment offers until 2008.</p> I would like to offer a different perspective…. I believe MINI wants to protect R56 sales by limiting availability of the Clubman. In the country where “bigger is better” I just don’t see how the Clubman will not be a sales success. Better ride quality thanks to the larger wheelbase, better cargo capacity, easier/more comfortable access to rear quarters, while preserving the vaunted MINI “Go-kart”handling…what’s not to like?

Up to now, the main deterrent to many people interested in the MINI has been the lack of space in the standard model (Which I can refute as I find the standard car to be actually quite acommodating).

What really works against the Clubman is the admission price. This is one expensive MINI. I have put an order for a new ’08 Clubman Cooper S with automatic transmission, rear fogs, metallic paint and MFSW as the only chosen options from the menu…. $26,200 MSRP and nearly $28,500 out-the-door after all has been said and done.

MINI has taken measures to protect R56 sales by making the R55 Clubman nearly $2K more expensive than the standard hardtops and limiting R55 production.

Let’s face it… The R56 has not been the strong seller MINI had hoped for. Dealers are still desperate to unload 2007 stock by offering low financing, subsidized lease deals and even no monthly payment offers until 2008.

]]> By: Mark sells MINI's http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/comment-page-1/#comment-189775 Mark sells MINI's Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:32:47 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/12/10/clubman-to-get-limited-availability-in-us/#comment-189775 <p>This is all very interresting, it will be quite a show to see how everything plays out when this car arrives.</p> <p>Daja Vu 2002</p> This is all very interresting, it will be quite a show to see how everything plays out when this car arrives.

Daja Vu 2002

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