Hello Michael - Well, I just picked up mine and is wonderful to drive. I was not in the market for a MINI but I was having some work done on my 2004 BMW M3 and I took it for a test drive. Wow! It was the only MINI on the lot - a 2009 John Cooper Works with 10000 miles on it and fully and I mean fully loaded. Chili Pepper Red with all the carbon fibre trim. If I had actually been out shopping for a JCW Mini I don't think I would have wanted the Clubman but since it was the only Mini there I bought it. I think I will eventually be very glad to have the extra cargo room. I have only had it for three days so I will have to get back to you on the maintenance question. If you google it there are many very positive reviews. Hope this helps. Go for it!