I've been shopping for a Clubman for several months. 2013/2014 with warranty left; manual trans; base or perhaps an S model. I'm in no hurry and trying to buy one right - I've made a few offers. One on a 2014 yesterday - we'll see.

This would be a spare car for us: weekends, maybe an occasional trip.

Any recommendations on features to get/avoid? I've been focused on a base model from a reliability standpoint (and I have another car if I want to go fast). Pros/cons 2013 vs 2014?

A few friends have (or have had) them. There seems to be a love/hate relationship eg. one friend got 100K+ without any extraordinary problems; another sold his after 10K trouble-filled miles.

A friend with a BMW loves his Mini but suggests the Austria-built Paceman or Countryman.

 

Buying a MINI with a warranty is a good idea. That way, you can always trade for the newer model once it's up. Haven't heard too much in terms of reliability with the newer Clubmans yet, but here is a pretty lengthy thread with older year Clubman owners listing issues they've had. Here is another good one.

 

Thanks for the links. The 1st one is useful even though it's for the earlier generation.

I agree on the warranty. I started out looking for a new one but they don't appeal to me.

 

2011+ you will have the LCI models with the updated tailights and options. Bumper style changed a bit. Also the interior controls. But from a 2013 to 2014 , not much. There was a couple different interior options.

The Coopers all have the N16 engine and the Cooper S have the N18 engine.

 

Thanks ECSTuning that's a helpful summary. I started looking 2011-14 but after reading so much about problems the cars have, I thought one still in warranty would be best.

 

Welcome, you can go with the newest for piece of mind on the warranty.

 

You're welcome. Be sure to report back if you end up picking one up. Good luck!