Wife wants a fuel efficient car and the MC catches her fancy. I need a car to take out on business around the northeast plus getaway on weekends so a 2 year old Clubman seems like a good fit. I have been lurking on the site trying to glean as much info to make the right choice. Everyone on the site seems to love their Minis though they seem to tolerate the poor quality and/or design. Maybe I am too sensitive to what's being said but I figured as a Newb I would sound off here and get opinions.

It seems that the Pano roof is a love or hate option. Hate because it creates a greenhouse. Hate because it is noisy when open, and has had open close issues as well as leaks inside. I realize some sunroof drains get pinched/clogged and noise is what happens when air rushes by an opening so for me its no big deal. Though if the whole thing is inop, I have a problem. Anybody care to compare roof quality versus other carmakers?

The greenhouse problem I understand can be solved by an inner screen or a vinyl of the Union Jack on the outside. Is heat really such a big deal? Will it be for me in New England?

 

I may be a poor person to answer your roof questions...having had my Clubman for only a few months. I worried, having read the same sort of comments you did, that the factory mesh cover wouldnt "cut it", or that the tint on the roof wouldn't be dark enough.
I've found those concerns to be unwarranted so far. The car doesn't seem to build up heat any worse than anything else Ive ever driven (have always had moonroofs with a full cover previously) Im in South Carolina, where the summers can be brutal. I haven't put it to the test in 100 degree days, but sunny 80 degree ones have not made the car uncomfortable.
It is noisy when open, but I've had noisier. (also had quieter...I'd put the clubbie in the middle of the pack). The only time the noise is an issue is when Im on a bluetooth call. I haven't had any open-close issues with mine.
Knock on wood, the only sunroof leak issues I have had were with a Honda that I had several years ago. It was before I had a garage, and over the course of a few months, little pieces of leaves and oak wing nuts had plugged one of the drain holes.
Id recommend the roof, overall. I sat in a few clubbies without it, and felt claustrophobic. It really opens up the space.

 

I appreciate your experience. Unfortunately, more folks complain than praise so its difficult to get a really fair comparison. I am looking at a pano equipped car so if it develops rattles, then maybe I'll just open the roof and let the wind noise drown everything. That is no biggie for me.

I spent more time on this site and while I would probably like the power of an S, the engine probs people are experiencing would not sit well with me. As a commuter car, the extra mpg and softer ride would be more appreciated. So I've narrowed things down to Justa Aisin Cooper.

Cupholders, armrests seem to be pet peeves of some but thats minor. My concerns would center around the squeeks and rattles that develop, or as some state are noisy right from the factory. Any insite there?

 

Sunroofs are great. Gives the rear passengers much needed window and light (since the club door interrupts a window on that side...) no leaks, no issues, 2009. New england weather is not enough to be an issue. I considered a zippee shade, but i couldn't justify it. Open noise is absolutely not unexpected, it is what it is. Now sunroof does mean you will likely get a bit more creaks as body flexes. Overall I don't have squeaks, never had, some rattles like in a vent (warranty replaced), hidden compartment lid (fixed w a few little pads), and in top trim (due to me adding a V1 power connector there, I fixed it myself by rearranging)

 

Well I have not yet been able to come to terms on a Pano equipped clubbie I am looking at. It has the cold weather, auto climate sport steering and 16s. Only 1.5 years old with only 25 k on the clock.

My eyes found an 09 without the Auto climate and I would look for opinions on that, My wifes Outlander has auto climate which works well when on heat modde but truly blows during the warm months.

This other clubbie also has the sport seats but no roof. Since this will be a mid-long distance car, what does the sport seat offer over the base seat?

 

You must remember that most people that are out enjoying their cars are not going to post that here. The ones with issues will post and rant about their cars but that is not a high percentage of owners.
I do not have a sunroof. I have one in my truck and don't use it so did not want the roof. I drive with my windows up about 99.9% of the time.
I do have the climate control and it seems to work fine. My clubbie is a 2012 version so may not be the same as earlier versions.
I just got it back from the shop due to starting issues which were realted to the thermostat housing, replaced that and then they had a to fix a rough idle issue and a leaking water pump.
I went from driving a 2004 F350 SRW, CC to the clubman. I love it and haven't had any issues with it except the above. It has 9000 miles on it so haven't had it that long but it is a blast to drive. good luck with your choices.
You might look at new too. SOmetimes these Coopers hold their value pretty good and you may find that new with a longer warranty may be a better option tha used with less or no warranty. Again good luck.

 

Wow,

that a big change from 350 CC to Cooper. I heard alot of complaints on the roofs and figured most folks wanta vent frustration. thanx for the advice!

 

Had my 2010 Clubbie over a year now and LOVE the sunroofs! I have no issues with them so far, knock, knock. As far as the greenhouse effect I got the removable Zippee Shades. Just today re-installed them, as it's going to be in the 70's! I tolerate the noise as I love having them open on a nice day like today. As close to a convertible as I ever want to get. Zippee is a vendor here, so you can perhaps get a group buy discount...

 

Hi, joetiii. I'm a newb for Clubman, too. (i bought a clubman base model about a month ago. for my commute.)

Just for your info, from middle of 2011, coopers have new generation engines. (better mileage and better hp hopefully less problematic.)

If you or your wife isn't that speed maniac, i would recommend just base model with better options. Base model could feel like little bit sluggish but it's a far less problematic then turbo one. (also you can be free from the hassle of run-flat tire. and 15" regular wheel gives you more comfort riding.)

So far i love my dual panoramic moonroof. As a mechanical engineer, i think many problems for machines (including cars) are induced by rack of proper maintenance.

About noise, if noise really bothers you, you should keep away from MINI.

The biggest concern when i decided to go for a Clubman was, there is a rumor buzzing around that 3rd gen Clubman (which has 1 more club door on driver's side) will be release in 2013. But i couldn't wait no more so i bought one and i love it.

I have around 26mpg in the city (NJ/NY), around 36mpg on high way. And i love it, too.

 

Bought my 2011 last June. I've got the pano roof and have had no issues. I came to MINI from a VW Passat which had a standard sunroof "shade" (completely opaque) and I don't notice any heat with the MINI's "perforated" sunroof shade. I'm 6' tall with a fairly long torso (I sit up pretty high) and don't notice the top of my head getting warm at all, even on a 102 degree day (yes, we had one in Milwaukee last summer). It is noisier than my old VW when the sunroof is open, but I've heard worse.

I've got the Auto Climate Control and really enjoy how it works. Set it and forget it. I think I've hit the windshield defrost button a couple times, but other than that I haven't touched it since the day I bought it.

I have the center armrest, and while it's not very functional for storage, it works great for it's intended duty-an armrest!

My Clubman is dead quiet too (knock on wood). No rattles, squeaks, or anything in 8150 miles.

I understand the concern for the S model engine, but man is it fun! Makes commuting a lot less mundane (on-ramps and such). I'm getting 26-28mpg in town and 31-35mpg highway.

 

Designeer..... I am not worried about rattles or performance. My old 911 targa has plenty of both. I actually drove justa auto clubman with my wife and we felt it plenty of pep around town. the only thing it was anemic at was entering highway so you have to plan lane changes in advance.

I am leaning to a newer 10 model with pano and regular seats. I was comfortable in the seats and I like the open feel of light in the car. The other clubbie I'm considering is sport seated but no roof.

Regardless of equipment/options, I think I am leaning toward getting the car with most warranty left.

 

Keep us informed!

 

I have the 2008 Clubbie roll-out edition and have really enjoyed the vehicle. There have been some sunroof issues, which HAD been fixed but now back (sticking in heat). I have no rattles at all and the car is F U N to drive! Since I got the recall done and the Timing Belt fixed it runs like new! I think I am having a second honeymoon (when the timing belt was loud - I was getting concerned and drove it only on warmer days (I have a second car - F150 SCREW.). Now with the fixed belt "Chain" fixed I drive it spiritedly daily.
As for the sunroof I have learned to deal with it - opening it in the morning (no rain coming) or going without on cloudy days.
The sport seats are comfortable and hold me in place during "Spirited" driving. I have no problem doing a 5 hour drive in the car.
Also things improved dramatically when I got rid of the RFT tires!
I am truly in L O V E Again with the Clubbie - I have 41,000 miles and love it!

 

Have a 08 Clubbie with sunroof and only issue I have is that sometimes it doesn't want to open, only thing I have to do is push on the mini logo on the glass and assist the motor a bit.. Not a big deal to me. No leaks in the 2.5 months I've owned the car.

 

We have two minis. One is an older 2006 the other a 2008 clubman.

The Cman was for my daughter who needed the extra space to haul bulky school related stuff around. It is a roomy and sporty car. She loved the secret compartment. The handling is excellent which is the kind of safety feature I like. Already proved its value.

I insisted on the S as it is just better. My dd is a 2006 S and I just love it. We started out with a now gone justa mini. The extra power is much appreciated.

Both cars have sun roofs. On hot days open the sun roof to first position and the car cools fast. Once going the AC takes care of the rest. On frosty days the first bump makes a cracking sound if there was any water in the rails. No harm. I live near Vancouver and rain is heavy and all too common. Never had a leak yet.

the clubman does not compromise performance with the extra length and weight. My girl autocrosses with it and does quite well.

All cars have problems. I have had few just normal wear and tear. But most other cars are just transportation appliances. Minis are FUN.

 

Well I finally got the deal done. A '10 justa aisin Clubbie in red w black roof. Pano, std leatherette seats, premium pkg,. Pleasantly surprised to discover it has bluetooth installed.

Drove back 200 miles at 75 avg mph and was getting 37 mpg. The Pirellis are a bit harsh and there is a slight buzz in the dash over real rough roads. Overall I am very pleased. Now for some slight customization!

 

Congrats! Enjoy. Now details, please, color, options, name, etc, and pics!!!!