Motor Trend is reporting in the new car guide that MINI is releasing the longer wheel base MINI called the Clubman in 2008.
They are reporting it will have split rear doors and at least one clamshell door. It will probably start around $21k.
That being said...
I've been looking for a new car since my Aspire is getting older and is developing more problems than it's worth. Plus I also want a car that is a little larger and safe so I can put my two daughters in it.
The MINI was my last new car purchase and before that was my Aspire almost 11 years ago so I was surprised to see that other manufacturers aren't at all like MINI.
I was actually very surprised to learn that no car in that price range offers the amount of options the MINI does. I was also surprised that the other manufacturers don't normally offer all options separately like MINI does. Some options are only available in packages. Very disappointed.
I ruled out another MINI because they just aren't family friendly and decided on a Rabbit but now with the possibility of the Clubman being released this coming year.............
I actually just purchased a Rabbit as a winter vehicle (and somewhat for the utility), and I love it so far (maybe not as much as my MINI, but still you get a lot for the money). The Rabbit has great power, and comes with a lot of features in the base model. I didn't realize this before I went to the dealership, but if you purchase the four door Rabbit, it automatically comes with heated seats in front.
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Holly
2007 Astro Black [YES IT'S BLACK] MINI Cooper Convertible ("Pepper"); 2013 British Racing Green MINI Cooper S Hardtop ("Bini") and 2013 BMW X5 ("Wilhelm")
Speaking of the 4 door, you can only get a sunroof on the 4 door. It's not avail on the 2 door. A feature that's dependant on another feature like what I mentioning before..
I was suprised by my test drive. The Rabbit was very spirited in the first 3 gears but felt sluggish in 4th and 5th. A standard MINI Cooper would definatly give it a run for the money. When compared to the MINI I understand the Rabbit is geared higher (top speed 130!!) and weighs almost 1,000 lbs more. I was impressed with the car otherwise. I put it through it's paces. I hope you didn't buy the one I test drove.
It's still tops on my list. My neighbor is a sale manager at Autohaus so I might get a deal. It depends on whether or not he likes me.
The only negative comments that I've heard about the Rabbit is that it's not great on gas mileage. I honestly haven't noticed, but then again, I haven't put any gas in it yet, because I'm enjoying all of the sunshine in my MINI. My hubby doesn't like the way that it shifts, but I think that's because he keeps stalling it. I think that one would purchase the MINI and the Rabbit for different reasons. I got the Rabbit for cheap winter driving, and also for the interior space (and four doors). The MINI is my fun summer car, but practicality was never a part of that equation.
I got my Rabbit at Dorschel, and I felt like I got a good deal. There's not a lot of margin on those cars, and since I wanted a stick and it was the end of the model year, they told me to write down my price (which I put as well below invoice), and they actually bumped it up by $150 and sold it to me at that price. They have a really good size inventory, plus they had 0% financing for 36 months, which is like giving money away. I couldn't resist.
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Holly
2007 Astro Black [YES IT'S BLACK] MINI Cooper Convertible ("Pepper"); 2013 British Racing Green MINI Cooper S Hardtop ("Bini") and 2013 BMW X5 ("Wilhelm")
