White Roof Radio #228

Sections: JCW | Podcast | R55 (Clubman) Mar 4th, 2008 15 Comments

mini

Almost an hour of us talking about the Clubman. Pro’s and cons, Clubman vs. Clubman S. Then, of course, we had to talk about the JCW MINI. These are our thoughts and we would appreciate yours!

So much for the general automotive ‘cast this week. With so much stuff going on, we decided to push it off until next week.

If you are still on the fence about AMVIV, Palace Station has 30 rooms left at a new rate. It’s not the same as the original rate, but better than the rack rate for the weekend. Get on it quickly if you want to book your room. They won’t last!

Keep an eye out as well for Whiteroof.tv, the newest site Under the White Roof. That will be our video site and you can expect to see some things happening over there very soon, plus quite a bit from AMVIV. I hope to have it set-up in iTunes by the end of the week and will post the link that as soon as it’s done. But, for now, you can go over and subscribe or sign up for updates via email.

Shownotes/Download | Subscribe | WRR @ iTunes

Written By: DB

15 Comments

kevzors Mar 4th, 2008 Link

great show ….

first comment woot

DavidB Mar 4th, 2008 Link

Great show!

When you are discussing the pros and cons of a Cooper Clubman or a Cooper S Clubman it sounds like what you’re really looking for is the Cooper D Clubman. I know you can’t get it in the US but here in the UK if you are concerned about tax or fuel costs it’s the car to have. The Cooper D will do around 70mpg and you make a great saving on car tax..

Cooper D Clubman: Annual tax Â£35
Cooper/Cooper S Clubman: Annual tax Â£115

c4 Mar 4th, 2008 Link

I am going to give the show a listen and post my comments in a little while…

c4 Mar 4th, 2008 Link

Todd, take it from me…. Get the Cooper S Clubman. At the end of November my wife and I had pretty much settled on ordering a Cooper Clubman automatic but the car became a hardsell at $26K (as configured) for a Car with only 118HP and sub 10 seconds 0-60 run times. Don’t get me wrong, the Cooper has many advantages namely lower price and better fuel mileage but the Cooper Clubman I do not think is the same great value as it is in the hatchback model.

In mid-December we changed the order to a similary equipped Cooper S Clubman automatic. We took delivery last Wednesday at the car is fantastic. The turbo motor really brings the car alive and the fuel mileage we are getting in the city (mind you with just 150 miles on the odo) is 28-29 MPG!! That is the same mileage we were getting in a 2002 R50 Cooper CVT (115HP) with 44K miles!

To me Todd, the Cooper S Clubman is a much better value in terms of price, performance, practicality and eventual resale value. The Cooper S will always be the car that most people want. My experience in selling the ‘02 Cooper, is that it is more difficult to sell because people want the extra power of the top of the line model. The MINI buyer is not always 100% concerned about high fuel mileage.

This car gives you the best possible mix of performance and practicality. And the ‘S’is the icing on the cake.

To me the fuel mileage difference between the MC Clubman and MCS Clubman is neglible, IMHO.

I agree with Gabe that months down the road you will be wondering “what if” I had gone with the MCS?

You are a S guy and you will not be 100% happy going to a Cooper, but then again you might be.

A test drive will surely settle this conundrum for you.

Best of luck in whatever model you decide to chose!

c4 Mar 4th, 2008 Link

The price difference between the Cooper Clubman and Cooper S Clubman that we ordered was $2,000 even. Well worth the price diff.

Yes the Hot Chocolate metallic can also be ordered in the S. That’s what we got with silver roof.

DB Mar 4th, 2008 Link

When you are discussing the pros and cons of a Cooper Clubman or a Cooper S Clubman it sounds like what youâ€™re really looking for is the Cooper D Clubman

That is exactly the car I would buy today without hesitation! But, like you said, we won’t get it in the States.

c4 Mar 4th, 2008 Link

The Dooper would be a sales hit come summer time.

Cory Mar 4th, 2008 Link

This past weekend, I drove a Cooper Clubman. The Clubman had the Sport Suspension and 16″ wheels, whereas my R50 has the stock suspension and 15″ wheels, so the Clubman actually felt more planted, especially in hard cornering. But as pure acceleration feeling, the Clubman was about the same, which I think can be put down to the new engine and its slightly easier to use power band and the six-speed transmission.

The Cooper is definitely quick enough for a fun commuter car, which it excels at being, that still can be taken to the track, which I’ve done a few times and absolutely had a blast.

This is why, if I were to get a new MINI, I think I would actually get another Cooper, be it a coupe or Clubman. That would work best for my situation. Being a student and driving 20-25K miles a year, the savings in price, fuel and insurance will add up.

Todd, you should obviously get what you and your wife want, but if you were to get a Cooper, I do think that a PW/B with the black JCW aero grill and your black R105 wheels would look pretty amazing.

And sorry for the book-length post.

c4 Mar 4th, 2008 Link

Hey you’ll get a full chrome grille with the Cooper.

Night Fire Red with silver top is one of the nicest combos for the Cooper Clubman.

Todd Mar 4th, 2008 Link

I just drove a Cooper Clubman for an extended period and while it’s completely adequate I think I may spring for the “S” simply because it only differs on mileage by 2-3 MPG on avg. That way I can get the awesome new 5-star 17″ wheels with the sport pkg. ; )

I still don’t know whether it will be this summer or later in the fall, though.

Cory Mar 4th, 2008 Link

I must be the only person who isn’t completely enamored with those new 17″ wheels. I just don’t really like them all that much.

I would agree, though, that for someone in your position Todd, getting the S makes sense as you can justify the extra cost for the additional power and options (such as those fancy wheels you love) and the ever so slight hit in economy.

It’s all a very personal thing, which is part of what makes choosing and owning a MINI so great.

c4 Mar 4th, 2008 Link

Todd, those 17″ wheels are pretty sweet.

Look forward to your comments on the next WRR cast.

dickdavid Mar 4th, 2008 Link

Great show. Todd, I’d love to hear a full review of the Cooper Clubman.

Ketan Mar 4th, 2008 Link

5% of your listeners are Zune owners. LOL.

Ashley Wilson Mar 5th, 2008 Link

5% of WRR listeners outnumber ALL of the Zune owners! ;)

I’d go with the Clubman S myself; only a little bit more dough per month, no regrets later. And since they didn’t make Hot Chocolate a Cooper exclusive color….oh yeah, definitely the S. :D

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