2009 MINI Cooper Clubman Consumer Reviews

it's not a car - it's a MINI

Written by: ny mini on 10/18/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

We bought our Mini Clubman S new about 6 months ago. My other choice was a new V6 Accord, but decided on the Mini just because I wanted a change and better handling. Overall, I love it. It's surprisingly roomy inside for a small car, We have a 4 yr old boy and it's perfect - thats why we opted for the clubman. The Mini has more noises than I can identify, but that becomes one of it's charm. The clubman is not a "pretty"car, but I think thats what I like about it. Only regrets are the "pleather" seats; they are too hot in the summer. The stereo is not that good either, but I find I am less interested in what I am listening to and more interested in the drive. Definitely Fun and different!

Favorite Features

ride, handling, sport button, 3rd door, "boot" doors, dual sunroof, gas milage, manual trans, interior layout, ambient lighting, control layout, noises.

Suggested Improvements

stereo system does not sound that great. The armrest should be standard.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Don't Buy the Hype

Written by: Janice on 10/13/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

At the risk of revealing that the emporer has, well, not all his clothes, I'll say that my new Mini, an automatic, has scary hesitation when you floor it from zero. The automatic tire pressure sensor gives false alarms, so the local dealer wants me to pay to fill the tires with nitrogen. Don't put barefoot kids or anything delicate in the backseat floor because the runners that slide the seats are incredibly sharp, exposed metal. They punctured a 2L soda bottle recently. It got under the carpet, and the dealer wanted $900 to dry it out, claiming no fault because cargo belongs in the cargo area (duh? but sharp metal is ok for people?) My auto body guy did it for $300. Keep shopping!

Favorite Features

Other people think it's a cool car.

Suggested Improvements

You have to toggle the heated seats on and off because they get way too hot within three minutes, even on low. Tire pressure idiot lite is fooled by cold weather. Seat belts are always getting stuck behind the seat. Even a purse on the passenger seat sets off constant bells to buckle up.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Love my new Clubbie!

Written by: Wayne J on 09/20/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

Ride is much better than I had heard. Plenty of room for my 6'1" frame. I got one of the last 2009's off the lot because of the great end-of-year financing. I'd love to custom build my next MINI, though - the options seem endless. Originally wanted an S hardtop with 6-speed manual, but I'm glad I got the Clubman with automatic. I drive around with the sport mode on most of the time. I'm 61 years old, and don't remember enjoying driving this much since I was 16.

Favorite Features

handling, surprisingly compliant ride, build quality, feeling of a premium brand for less than 30k, I actually like the quirky controls - it makes the MINI more endearing, barn door boot, smiles I get, engine growl reminds me of an English sports car, body style, fuel economy.

Suggested Improvements

solid cover under the sun roof instead of mesh, adjustable lumbar support on base interior.

9 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Better than I ever expected

Written by: Love this car on 09/08/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

People told me that it would be fun to drive but it exceeds all expectations. I love getting in the car every single day - driving has never been so much fun. Great handling, fast and gas mileage! I get (average between city & highway) 41 MPG (the online computer says I get 43 but I do the math and it's comes out to 41.2). We regularly use this as the family car because my kids love to ride in it - fit 4 people and 15 bags of groceries just fine.

Favorite Features

Gas Mileage; handling; fun-factor; speed; did I mention it's really fun.

Suggested Improvements

The sport seats are a little too narrow and the windshield wipers aren't the greatest.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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A lot of fun and great drive

Written by: Andy on 08/23/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

This is the second Mini I currently own. My wife took the first (a 2007 cooper base) after falling in love with it. We took the Clubman on a 2500 mile vacation trip (a bit hesitantly since there aren`t that many dealerships cross country) after purchase and it performed flawlessly. Loved driving every mile! The service at the dealership is awesome and their customer service is one reason why I purchased another mini. I gotta admit, I do like the clubman better than the mini...feels more stable. And the turbo is exceptional. When the Mini 4 wheel drive debuts in 2010, we`re gonna look at that. Overall, the mini is a great riding, handling vehicle. Love the shifting with the 6 speed.

Favorite Features

The handling and power are great. I have the cloth seats in the Clubman which are very comfortable with me being 6 feet tall and about 200 lbs. No problem with driving the 2500 miles. Aside from the usual features, I really like the brake/clutch feature..not letting the car roll until clutch is up

Suggested Improvements

The cargo carpet material is junk. Scratches very easily. Headliner material is junk too. If the car has water on it and the windows are down, it drips right inside on passengers.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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New To Mini's

Written by: Mini Me on 08/16/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I love this Mini, I got it in Hot Choc color, and lounge leather lounge leather interior,with cream accents. So far I don't have any complaints, and don't expect I will either. The barn doors make loading a breeze. I have liked mini's for a while but they were just not practical until now, I love the extra space, and once the seats are folded down its surprising how much you can get in there!! The ride is alot smoother than the regular cooper. Does not quite corner as a regular cooper, but I'm not a race car driver either.

Favorite Features

Handling,Panoramic Sunroof, Sport package, Steering feedback, mood lighting, heated seats, Paddle shifters.

Suggested Improvements

None.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Quirkey type of fun

Written by: Ashley on 08/16/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought this car when gas was pushing $4.50 and quickly learned to forget about the gas crisis. I generally get 430 miles to a 13 gallon tank before I start looking to fill up. In slower traffic, stop and go, it can get a bit punchy. That being said, it is the most fun I have had driving a car. I haven't had any real problems with the size of the car, it fits anywhere and with the clubman's back doors, everything fits. The clubman S has a lot of power and when I'm not paying attention it surprises me still. I get quite a bit of attention in parking lots as people always are scrunching their eyebrows coming over to look at it. Learn to keep it clean b/c of all peeks in the windows.

Favorite Features

The gas mileage, 3rd door and back loading doors are my favorite features. I'm not sure I would be able to do a regular Mini Cooper.

Suggested Improvements

The window buttons are in the lower center console right behind the drink holder. When you drive thru and get a drink you have to remove it from the holder to roll up the window. Also, tune and volume switches are similar and get confusing.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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AMAZING!!!

Written by: dodo on 08/13/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I love my mini clubman!!! When I went to the dealer to buy the cooper I quickly realized the space in that car was going to become an issue in the future. I opted for the clubman for that reason and boy am I glad I did! It still is really fun to drive and the extra space is really a bonus!!

Favorite Features

The speed and stability have to be my favorite things on this car. Also, the double sun roof is a great addition that makes the ride more enjoyable!

Suggested Improvements

The seats are a bit stiff and the head rest is a little too forward for my liking

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Change is Good

Written by: GoClyde on 08/07/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

When fuel was at $4 plus and I was driving a big GMC Denali something felt wrong. I began looking for a fuel efficient car that was fun to drive but also provided the utilitarian features of my truck. I found it in the Mini Clubman. Outfitted with a roof rack system from Mini this car has taken all I can dish out. Mountain biking, road biking, camping and hauling hockey equipment back and forth to the ice rink has not slowed down this car. In the sport mode the umph is exciting and shifting the gears is fun. On long trips with three people the car is still enjoyable. A fourth makes it seem a bit cramped. At 6'2" I'm quite comfortable driving this car that makes heads turn.

Favorite Features

Shifting gears and ability to fit all the life style equipment in the car.

Suggested Improvements

The premium sound system is not worth the money! Speakers rattle and the high end volume is limited. This is my biggest beef with the car. The toggle switches look great but after a year of operation I'm still not sure what the all do? The window and door locks are still a bit confusing.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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You Will Love It!

Written by: geezer on 07/30/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

Fantastic car, runs best on premium gas though, this is a fun hi- performance car for reasonable money , has a 3 year full maintenance package included, and the final and 4th year warranty covers all the major components.... look this car is fun, fun, fun! Great around town, sharp and powerful on the highway sips gas, feels very well built, has a 5 star crash rating, club door works well, reasonable rear seat room for adults, no really!! Looks sharp, has all the latest technology, good brakes, good visibility, nice feel to the controls. I highly recommend this stretched MINI cooper s clubman.

Favorite Features

Powerful motor , powerful brakes, radar detector * needed, good feedback thru steering wheel, agile little car, no vagueness - love it.

Suggested Improvements

Lumbar would be nice on the std seats, please!

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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