2009 MINI Cooper Clubman Consumer Reviews Page 2

I'm Happy

Written by: Tim on 07/21/2009

Vehicle

2009 MINI Cooper Clubman S 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I traded in an F150 Pickup so this was a big change for me. No regrets. With the rear seats down, I can get 2 guitars and a bunch of other stuff in it so what's not to like there? Real adults can ride in the back. Wouldn't recommend that across country but around town, not too bad. I wish I could get the high 30's MPG that others are reporting, however, 30.8 average for 8K of all kinds of driving is not bad.

Favorite Features

Handling. It's much bolder than I am. Power is exceptional.

Suggested Improvements

Maybe it's the run flats, but there are some strange transitions when accellerating during a hard turn while hitting some patchy spots in the pavement. Something to watch.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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MY THIRD MINI

Written by: DavidBerndt on 06/29/2009

Vehicle

2009 MINI Cooper Clubman S 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

My lease was up on my 2006 JCW Royal Gray Cooper S with 38,000 miles. I was a little apprehensive about the change from a supercharged 210 HP to turbo charged 178 HP engine but not believe there is not much difference other than saving $7K for the JCW upgrade. The new 2009 Clubman S arrived 8 weeks after ordering and it much better than I expected.

Favorite Features

39 MPG, Did I mention 39 MPG?, More room than the 2006 model, very quiet and vastly improved seating.

Suggested Improvements

more feel in the steering.

13 out 13 people found this review helpful

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Base model is the best performing MC

Written by: Runner57 on 06/19/2009

Vehicle

2009 MINI Cooper Clubman 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)

Review

What are you waiting for? If you want to have fun and most of the standard features plus unbeleivable fuel economy (400 - 500 miles per tank ~ 13 gallons) this is the car to get. I call this is a hybrid (fun & fuel economy). I got the basic model - yet it has pleasing features all around. It has leatherette seat, more than necessary electronic controls, cool audio (the base stereo is better than my other three cars), quiet engine, engaging transmission, and lots of complements from every one. The car gets impressive miles in the summer (37 in the city & 42+ in the highway) with aggressive driving. This car invites you with electronics, also turns on necessary lights in the dark as you exit.

Favorite Features

Six speed transmission, sport mode button, quiet engine, comfortable seats, club doors, impressive fuel economy, and performance. If you upgrade to the S model or higher, you will lose comfort, quietness, and fuel economy. Great dealership - customer oriented.

Suggested Improvements

Cruise control and fog lights should be standard. Also, should be standard is initial check up after a couple of thousand miles and oil change. It calls for oil change only every 15,000 miles - makes me wonder how it can run that long. Other owners say it is fine.

16 out 16 people found this review helpful

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Even with 2 kids

Written by: John on 04/23/2009

Vehicle

2009 MINI Cooper Clubman 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)

Review

The Clubman has given us a practical reasons to have a fun car. My wife has been wanting a MINI for years. With two kids, that wasn't happening...until the Clubman came. We have a 4 year old and a 5 month old. Car seats and entry and exit are no problem on the passenger side, thanks to the third door. Behind the driver's seat is a little tight, but basically a non-issue. After driving it for the last few months, I kind of wish we got the S. But the straight 4 cyl does well in almost all our driving conditions, except when I want to really push it up a hill from a stop.

Favorite Features

Auto climate control, heated seats, bluetooth phone capabilities, sports mode that makes accelerator more sensitive and steering more stiff, double moon roof, auto wipers. And of course being able to run corners like the proverbial go- cart that the mini is always compared to. 33mpg in town, 40 hwy

Suggested Improvements

Remove the seat-back tilting mechanism and lumbar support knob from seat and put electric toggle on dash somewhere. There isn't enough room to get one's hand to those controls where they are currently, without having to raise the arm rest.

26 out 26 people found this review helpful

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How much is fun worth to you?

Written by: antennariidae on 04/21/2009

Vehicle

2009 MINI Cooper Clubman 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)

Review

After looking at this car, the Jetta Sportwagen and the Mazda 3, I ended up getting the MINI. I got only the Premium package and the cold weather package. Added 16" wheels (15"="clown car") when the dealer gave me a deal on a set they had in the warehouse. In short, the car is fun to drive. Handling and braking are outstanding and the base model has enough power for most situations. Once you commit yourself to revving it higher and downshifting when required, the power is adequate. It's been reliable through the first 4,000 miles and have averaged 32mpg in traffic. Other cars are more practical but MINI is selling fun as much as they are selling cars and in this area it delivers.

Favorite Features

Handling, braking, sunroof. Rear "gates" make loading a breeze. Didn't get a lot of add-ons as it is easy to inflate the price to idiotic proportions by adding optional equipment.

Suggested Improvements

Seat not comfortable (need more thigh support), stock headlamps pointed way too low, stock speakers are a joke (and Hi-Fi upgrade not so hot), center- mount speedo is all style and no fuction (but rev counter can show MPH). Manual transmission is "notchy". Options - $$$$$$!

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Clearly not a Toyota

Written by: dima on 04/02/2009

Vehicle

2009 MINI Cooper Clubman 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)

Review

Minis are viewed as city cars, however except for the looks, it's a poor city runabout: just try opening those huge heavy doors in a tight parking space! Steering is heavy. Pedals are heavy. Handbrake is heavy. Gearstick is tight. Worst, the engine is so coarse - my wife initially thought it was a diesel! And too slow for Boston traffic flow. Moving it through stop-start traffic is a pain. Turning circle feels surprisingly large too. However it all changes once you get above 30mph. It's an absolute joy on the highway, and through the turns it feels like it can take any curve at any speed. At 2,000 miles, been to the repair shop 3 times already. The dealer's very nice though.

Favorite Features

Looks, steering/suspension, high-tech toys.

Suggested Improvements

Refine the engine.

11 out 16 people found this review helpful

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Perfect City Car

Written by: Mahvelous on 01/20/2009

Vehicle

2009 MINI Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

So far so good. After 4500 miles no issues and the car has surpassed expectations. This really is the perfect city car. Easy to park, good on gas, fun to drive, and can be made to accommodate your stuff or your friends. So far very pleased with purchase. Only shortfall is the brake feel. The JCW is more performance oriented version but the brake feel is too touchy for spirited driving. The brakes feel like they grab too much even with slight pedal pressure. Easy to upset balance of car. Stopping power is excellent with the 4 piston front brakes made by Brembo. Good car. Take the plunge you fence sitters.

Favorite Features

Fun factor in an everyday useable package.

Suggested Improvements

Brake feel is woeful.

16 out 16 people found this review helpful

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I never thought I'd drive a MINI

Written by: SCBlueDevil on 01/09/2009

Vehicle

2009 MINI Cooper Clubman S 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

After driving an Infiniti FX-45 for 4 years, when gas hit $4 I got tired of 13 MPG. I wanted something sporty, unique, and borderline practical. A regular Mini was too small, but the Clubman was love at first sight. I'm 6'4" and it's as comfortable as most full sized cars. It is a blast to drive, a definite show stopper in parking lots, and is averaging 26/35 MPG. I just wish someone had warned me that Minis are like Harleys - the initial purchase is just the start, then you become obsessed with everything Mini! Oh well, everybody needs a few vices in life.

Favorite Features

Looks, handling, paddle shifters, amazing heated seats, the stares and smiles you get while driving it

Suggested Improvements

Not a thing!

17 out 17 people found this review helpful

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Read this

Written by: Satisfied on 12/11/2008

Vehicle

2009 MINI Cooper Clubman 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)

Review

Let's see, handles like a Porsche 911, gets 34 mpg average, seats 4 adults in relative comfort, and has mood lighting! What's not to love!

Favorite Features

Looks, handling, gas mileage

Suggested Improvements

More practical arm rest and the sport seats are a little tight for my rear end.

10 out 13 people found this review helpful

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A total winner

Written by: GLEN & PRISCILLA on 12/11/2008

Vehicle

2009 MINI Cooper Clubman 3dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)

Review

This car is absolutely beautiful. We owned a 2004 Mini and never had any problems. We purchased the 2009 Clubman base model and personalized it. The upgraded stereo is worth the money, the heated seats are an absolute joy. The car has a "Sport Mode" that is a lot of fun to use. It's nice to have the extra room in the back and the barn doors are just great. We can actually bring our adult children with us now in the rear seat. Mileage is about 28 M.P.G.

Favorite Features

Barn doors & extra rear door

Suggested Improvements

None

15 out 15 people found this review helpful

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