I'm the proud owner of a 2008 MCS R56. Love it. Best car I've ever owned. My parents like the car so much that they are ready to order a brand spanking new Clubman (they need a clubman for a bit more space.)

They really want the Clubman S, pepper white with black C-pilars. The other specs they are somewhat flexible on.

Since I'm not completely in the know with the Clubman, I'm just wondering if there are any ordering recommendations clubman owners here could suggest.

The only real suggestion I had for this is to pony up the $100 for the rear fog lights just because I think the console looks horrible with a missing flip switch in the front.

But if you have any tips, tricks, negotiation tactics, that could help them as a new buyer? Any help is appreciated, thanks.

 

My Clubman has the front fog lights (it also fills up the flip switches). Get the clear bra on the whole front of the car including the side mirrors. This has saved me so many times since the car sits low. I wish I got the 17" wheels as they look better with less sidewall which I believe is standard on the S model. The convienience package is cool with the buttons on the steering wheel (it helps with the radio). The Premium Package and Sport are solid add ons. I have the MINI installed sport suspension which tightens up turns. If you want more fun with your car, get a stick shift. Its a great car overall and I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you end up doing!

 

Check out this thread for haggling tips: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...888-post2.html

Hope your parents are in the Bay as well!!

 

Clubman owner here; I think the Clubman looks great in PW with either a PW roof or a black roof. Not so fond of the silver roof and C-pillars. Funny thing about the rear fog light on a Clubman is that (assuming you order it) the car only comes with one - in the left side tail light. The right side tail light has the reverse light in it. If you don't order the rear fog, you still only have the one reverse light. A Clubman for a right hand drive market (England, Australia, etc) has the fog/reverse light positions swapped.

I personally like the sports seats with adjustable lumbar support, which require ordering either leather or leather/cloth upholstery. Nice, but spendy. There are a number of threads and comments here about rattles, noises, and leaks associated with the sunroof; it's another spendy option that has pros and cons. I personally don't have one in my Clubman and don't miss it. I do strongly recommend the Harmon Kardon speaker system and the Xenon headlights. Both are nice but kind of expensive, so if you can only afford one or the other, go for the headlights. I'd also suggest taking some time to try out both the manual and automatic a/c controls; I stuck with the manual and in retrospect wish I hadn't. I did spring for the heated seats and am glad I did; they heat up quickly and get warm enough that I end up turning them down.

Have fun shopping, and good luck!

 

If I had it to do over again, I would not chose 17" wheels...the RF's are extremely unforgiving and harsh...I have since downsized to 16" wheels with AS tires...much better ride and certainly better on your back!

 

16" non- run flats if at all possible. Big difference in ride quality. I have the lounge leather and that still makes me smile. I'd skip the navigation, it's ok, but I use my smartphone for nav most of the time now.
I'd also take it straight down to a good alignment specialist and get the camber taken out of the rear. It looks cool and has subtle handing improvement, but wear the tires funny, which makes them quite loud. I made the change to almost 0 camber, and the handling effect is negligible. Tire wear much better.

 

Thank you all for your info!

darthhen, yes, they are in the bay area as well. Great detail in your negotiation post. Love it.

 

Get a spare tire and rear boot insert...or order one for the Clubby-S. That way you can use regular tires and you always have a spacesaver spare tire...just in case.

 

Really wish I'd read a little more and gotten the rear fog light before I ordered mine. that blank switch is gonna drive me nuts!
Love the color combo they picked. if they are flexible on options, they can probably get a good deal on a 2011 off a dealers lot. From what I can gather, you're lucky to get anything off of MSRP otherwise.