Hi,

I've been a member on another forum, but it's been quiet over there, so decided to look for another one. Hopefully this one is more active.

I'm a 31 yo male from Montreal, Quebec (Canada). I'm a proud and happily married father of 2 amazing boys aged 2 & 5 yo. I never thought I would own a Mini one day, especially since I was more of a Jeep guy for the past 4 years. After my 1993 Cherokee (daily driver) kept breaking down on me and already owning one as a trail rig (1992), I decided to get something newer and fun to drive.

Ever since watching "The Italian Job" (The remake), I always wanted to own one someday, but this was always a big maybe. I started looking around and really wanted a Cooper S convertible, but with 2 kids, this was out of the question. Next choice was the Countryman, but I find it way too big for being a Mini, so then started thinking about the Clubman. I found one for sale at a reputable used car dealer and went to see it. I feel in love right away. Loved the ride, love the space and loved the price. It's been 8 months and even though I got some small issues with it, I still love it every time I take it for a spin.

So without further due, I present to you my 2008 Cooper S Clubman also known as Koko. (Wife gave it a name)

Specs:

-36,560 miles (58,500 kms) when purchased
-hot chocolate color
-6 speed manual
-Heated front seats
-Leather seats
-double sun-visors on the driver's side
-Auto-dimming rear view mirror
-Electric doors, windows, mirrors
-Automatic climate controls
-6 speakers AM/FM/CD/USB/AUX Stereo
-Split rear seats
-double sunroof
-HID lamps
-Front fog lights and one rear
-16 inch wheels with brand new winter tires
-3 year / 22,500 miles warranty


Haven't done any mods to it yet, I need to fix my Trail rig for this summer and just want to keep Koko happy, so I keep up on the maintenance as much as I can. I've done 2 synthetic oil changes so far and has to do the TSB on the Clubman door and had to change the main trunk door handle as the wires were broke inside (not covered by warranty).

Since it came with brand new winter tires, I bought some High-performance All-season tires. My mechanic that owns a performance shop told me about Kumho Ecsta AST (KU 25) being a very good tire for the price. He sold several sets and had no complaints. I did some research and decided to get them, but get them a size bigger so I went with 205/50R16. It's been a week and I'm happy with them.




Here's a couple of pictures:

When I first got it. I since detailed the interior and it looks better now.



At my mechanic's annual Open House/BBQ (before the Kumho's)



What it looks now:



And for those that would care, a picture of my trail rig.




P.S.Admins: I didn't find a dedicated place to put a signature thread, so hopefully this is not violating any rules I might have not seen.

 

Welcome! You look familiar!