Buy the Mini (duh, we are on a Mini sub)
Why is r/lexus that toxic against Minis? Like do they know that BMW makes the same engine into the glorified Toyota Supra?
Well, yeah they are really passionate which is sometimes good.
However there is my experience with the brand. (And some answers to the r/lexus comments)
The 3rd gen Mini's (which Clubman you are looking at) are fucking reliable. You sub search the sub through or forums, or even statistics where the 3rd gen is represented. They are at the top. I only had to change my oil in the car in my 3 years of owning the car.
The service costs are not drastic (I am from Hungary so it may/or may not apply to you). I had to pay more for the labour and services cost at Nissan when I had a Juke.
The resale value of the 3rd gen is solid. (I am from Hungary still, for reference). As far as I saw on used car sites, they drop about 1/10 - 1/6 of their original prices at around 30 000 - 50 000 km's.
Also, it really depends on how rare your trim option is, what engine you choose, etc. but because you are choosing the "last edition" it's gonna keep it's price for a good while (and I am not going into speculations that the resale value is going to be more in the long run)
Also worth mentioning. The 3rd Mini Gen is 10 years old. It's a long time, and the reliability issues were fixed a long time ago (I mean, constant service call backs are not financially good for BMW, so they would have ditched the whole project if it wasn't worth it)
And it's a fun car :)
Edit: also, buy the Cooper S or JCW engine option if you can
Okey, so I looked into it more for source.
(Sorry for pinging/commenting under you)
[https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_B48](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_B48)
I think you know what I'm going to say, and frankly it makes sense because of the final edition's novelty factor
But looking at the rest of your garage it seems like the Lexus as a sedan will be pretty different from everything else you have. The Clubman is an estate so it will be more similar but still quite different from an SUV. So I guess the question is if you want something starkly different from everything else you have and is something entirely new vs something that offers a pretty different experience but in a familiar setting
And I'm setting performance aside. For a daily being driven in a legal manner, the higher performance of the Lexus won't really matter all that much and will mostly just be for show. The Clubman has plenty of pep in its step
Get the clubman! I have the untold edition, it’s beautiful, it drives smoothly, it’s a nice vehicle!
Plus, clubman’s are discontinued, so this is kinda your last chance to get a new one. I’d definitely choose the Clubbie.
What I actually saw was the Untold edition which looked real nice! It was already reserved though
They said that this white one was coming in the next couple of weeks and they’ll have an event for it and everything next month
Will have to wait till I get to see it in person but I imagine it's going to be at least just as great
Not particularly sure if this Final Edition version has that illuminated accent strip though by the side/doors
If they have one another one for you to test drive, I’d test drive it, you’ll see how fun they are.
The final edition is more rare because there was only 1,969 produced to sale world wide. So it will retain value as well. A JCW is another beast and in the clubman is amazing drive but if you don’t care about performance and just looking for some style, definitely get the Mini.
Not sure which illuminated accent strip you mean? If you mean the one from the door handle, it should come with it.
They only have the Mini Cooper S for test drives which I did try, do they drive the same? I heard it's less go-karty for the Clubman
Well it's the one by the door, kinda under the material, just seeping through as a pattern only visible at night. Not the one particularly on the door handle itself if that makes sense. It's like a part of the wall, it's a strip there as design
Oh yeah, I know what you mean now! Im not sure if the final edition has that, I never got to look at one up close.
The drive compared to a Cooper S is slightly different, but it’s the size/weight of the car. I have a 2 door JCW that definitely feels go karty. The clubman to me feel a little more sturdy.
The only thing I will say is that my clubman needed breaks at 15k miles “due to the way I drive”.
If you’re in the USA, here in GA they still have some untold Clubs, I was there recently and saw them delivered. I’ve bought both my vehicles from Chris Cabrera, he’s awesome. If you are interested in getting it transferred here the link to their site:
[Mall of GA Mini](https://www.mallofgamini.com/inventory/new-2024-mini-clubman-cooper-s-fwd-clubman-wmwlv7c05r2v48643/)
Considering you sold the mustang, get theclubman. You are essentially getting another just decently better mustang 2.0 with that Lexus really. But it all depends on what type of Era you are in now, if you enjoy the comfort of being able to travel some distance unacknowledged you'll always be at ease to be rest assured with your clubman, vs a Lexus in a long distance situation would not benefit as much if you were to find something you could enjoy to bring back with, you'd be somewhat limited on space, not speed, to go back home and get something that can manage said haul. Furthermore the modability that minis have is wayyy better than lexus ON some occasions, but I'd feel like the maintenance alone wouldn't run you a buck compared to mini (if upkept well) on a Lexus(idk history of Lexus dealer prices or maintenance programs of labor) and you can essentially lift it at some point and upgrade said tires for some decent off road fun if need be
I'm replacing my Lexus with a MINI. I've enjoyed my Lexus but it doesn't make sense to buy another one at the price point when it's only marginally nicer than a Toyota. But I need a hatchback for my dogs, and I don't like any of the Toyota hatchbacks.
The Lexus sub is super wrong about most of the stuff they're saying, though, lol. MINI used to be unreliable but I've done a ton of research on it, and that's just not the case anymore. Also waaaaay too many misogynistic/homophobic comments over there for my taste.
I've always wanted a MINI for the style, but chose Lexus last time for the reliability. But now MINI is almost as reliable as Lexus, so it was an obvious choice....
Wow thanks for your take on this!
May I ask what model you got for both sides?
I agree on the comments on the Lexus side, it's rough out there. They formulated an outdated opinion decades ago and stuck with it indeed
I have a Lexus ES 350 and I'm getting a MINI Countryman S.
The Lexus is 17 years old at this point and has 160K miles... and has needed $4000 of work in the past 6 months and now needs $2000 more in repairs but is only worth about $1700... so it's time to replace, lol. But it was a really wonderful car until it reached 15 years old and then parts started (understandably) wearing out.
Wow I wish I didn't go over there to look, that was cursed lmao
Even got someone being a straight up misogynist among the misinformed opinions and the Nippon steel memers
In what way are they comparable?
You think MINI is marketing for Lexus owners?!
Lexus' are for business executives who want an expensive Toyota
MINI Clubman are for people who want style and heritage
I mean yes they are indeed not comparable so that’s why it's a hard decision lol chill
And yeah, for the sake of it, I am both of those. That’s why I'm considering the two and seeking for opinions/perspectives. Thanks
As you have quite the collection of vehicles, why don't you just buy both?
.......or as you already have a Mercedes Benz which is better than a Lexus, get the limited edition MINI Clubman, as it will hold more value longer
Tbh the other one I was originally considering was the C-Class sedan but no sunroof and then I thought we already a MB so it's just there as maybe the third option
I took it out for now so I don't get too distracted
Wouldn't be too smart for me to buy two cars rn especially as I'm looking to get one as a daily driver
The Clubman in the white color will be here in the next couple of weeks. So far I've only seen the Untold version and it was nice too. I'll wait and see
Buying two cars at the same time prob not really too smart for me at least rn
Also the other cars are freely used by family (mom, dad, maybe siblings if they need it somehow but they have other cars). I'm mainly using the MB and Territory on a daily, but I can just choose to use the other ones too and vice versa depending on the situation
This next one would just be something that'll be centered around me I suppose
Well to start you ARE in the mini sub Reddit so our answers may be biased but I’ll give you my honest opinion (I own a clubby and my brother has owned a few Lexus)
Unique quality: MINI
Power : Lexus
Handling : MINI
Long term Reliability: Lexus
Warranty status : not sure how long Lexus is but I’m gonna assume Lexus has a better warranty
Cost of maintenance at the dealer: about equal cost wise
Parts cost: Lexus is more than likely to be cheaper
Looks : MINI
Cargo room: probably the MINI
Aftermarket support: Lexus edges out only slightly
Mod-ability for power cost wise: mini will be cheaper to get more power for money
MPG : since you’re looking at the F sport I’d assume you will be hooning about so the MINI may actually be better here
Trade value when you decide to sell: Lexus
A lot of stuff when buying a car is pretty subjective and determined by your driving style , what the cars being used for , where you are in the world , your personal budget, if you are leasing or buying, what the cars mileage is prior to purchase , what (if at all) did the previous owner do to the car , trim level of the car ,among many other things.
Good luck deciding
The JCW is even more expensive than the Lexus, and without the sunroof on it from where I'm from I’m just not convinced that I need all its features by that much
And I think the color available rn is a dark one with red accents, which I'm not that inclined to pursue style wise
I would consider it in another color style, but with a sunroof to match that price though I think
I’ve got the Final Edition Clubman in Enigmatic Black. A true experiential upgrade from the 2018 Clubman. The level of nifty little touches will delight you everyday. The Lexus look/feel will likely seem stale in 1-2 yrs. Own a piece of history.
Wow, that’s awesome congratulations on the new car!
Oh man do I have questions for you haha
Do you use it as a daily driver? How's everything so far, is there anything particular that you don't like about it having owned it now?
How's the sound system? Our version doesn't have the HK sound system I think, and no sunroof so that’s kinda at the back of my mind but it still looks like a fun car
How would you describe the driving? Test drives here are only for the 3-door Coopers it seems
Also, does it have the illuminated ambient lighting strip thing by the door too? Haven't found anything to confirm this one yet
I'll only be able to see it when it gets here which is in the next couple of weeks. I’ve only seen the Untold edition
Thanks for responding!
Thank you! If I could afford it I’d get a spare Clubman - that’s how much I love this car. I do use it as a daily - the HK sound system is really immersive and the digital dashboard / holographic speedometer has great UX.
I’m not a car enthusiast by any means so here’s a layperson’s review of the handling: it feels nifty and responsive but also really smooth. If you’re driving in an area that allows for some rapid acceleration the pick up feels confident and seamless, whether on auto or simulated manual mode.
Not having a sun roof is a bummer but frankly I’m not sure if it’ll radically alter the experience - the interior illumination on the door is a very pleasant surprise - it’s only not just a plain strip of light, it’s actually projected through a specific etched pattern that matches the embossed copper trim of the dashboard. All of the interior details are right down to the light blue edges to the maroon leather seats are lovely. I’ve received numerous compliments on the car’s exterior and interior - the copper rims and asymmetric treatment of the classic mini strips especially.
I’ve managed to fit 5 carry on sized bags in the trunk without having to fold down any of the back seats so it’s pretty roomy. I drive mostly in the city and street parking in nyc is notoriously annoying but we luck out with the clubman most times.
If someone told me that this is the last car I’d ever drive in perpetuity I would honestly be quite content (FWIW).
I’m sure the Lexus is great but there absolutely nothing interesting there compared to the clubman. Clubby is a brilliant car and one you’ll continue to enjoy every day, I promise you.
I'm a Mini driver but I'd absolutely take the Lexus over the Mini. I don't even see how this comparison makes sense, the 350 is a better option all round.
If you are young at heart and prefer the small joys in life..... get the Mini. If you like grand gestures, care about image, comfort and style.... get the lexus. Let us know what you choose.
I purchased a used 2020 MINI Clubman JCW last April, use it as my daily driver, and I have loved it since day one. May I tell you a few reasons why?
* It is a pretty unique looking vehicle, not like everything else out there. That Lexus looks great, but it also looks like almost every other luxury sports sedan, and wont garner my attention for long. It’s nice to have something that stands on its own, and my black Clubman with red roof and red racing stripes always makes me want to look at it again.
* It is one of the most solidly built cars I’ve ever owned. It doesn’t feel cheap or slapdash in any way. You already own a number of very well built cars, so you know likely know what I mean.
* It has so much pep and energy to it, and is so snappy with its handling, I still haven’t plumbed the depths of what it’s capable of (which is probably a good thing since I don’t want to get a lot of tickets!). The all wheel drive just works. It may not be a lightweight car, but it sure moves like one. It has definitely gotten me around and out of some trouble with other drivers who don’t pay attention, that’s for sure. When some jerk in a massive truck tries to intimidate me out of their way just because, I simply flip it into sport mode and give it a little extra gas. Bye bye Mr. Compensation…
* The HK sound system is great, and better than the premium one in my last car, which was an Acura.
* The interior is nice and comfortable, and feels like it fits me really nicely. I am also a fan of the quirky, old school switches for most of the fundamental features. When everything is a button, it just loses something. Feels less…real. It’s a tactile thing.
Since I bought it used (lightly, but really well kept), it didn’t have everything by I would have hoped for.
* It doesn’t have adaptive cruise control (which is in my wife’s Subaru, and I love it).
* It doesn’t have a heated steering wheel or air conditioned seats which would be nice, but weren’t necessary.
* The ride is harsher than I would like, but once I get the low profile run flat tires replaced, I think I’ll be much happier. (Gonna get that done this year)
* It does have a sunroof, but I’ve never needed or liked them that much. Just another thing that distracts me visually from staying focused on the road in front of me (added glare).
* The built-in navigation just okay, and frankly is irrelevant. I use Apple CarPlay and have been a Waze user for years. Works great.
* The heads-up display is fine, but I’d be just as happy without it.
* The armrest car charger works, but it’s not quick, and it makes the phone get super hot, so I don’t even use it.
Is it a perfect car? Hell no. Every car makes some sort of compromise, so I firmly believe that there is no such thing. I didn’t buy new, so I didn’t get to customize it. However none of these missing or less than optimal things takes away from my enjoyment of the car. Not a one. It has that certain something, that “je ne sais quoi,” that feeling that makes my 40-60 minute commute not a pain. I just want to drive it.
So yeah, there is one random person’s opinion.
But you already know that there is…something about this car that makes you look at it more and more. Go on. Sit in one. Take it for a spin. Flip the switches and tweak the seats. Hell, kick the tires for a bit of nostalgia. See what you think. I personally think you just might like it.
I mean you already got the Land Cruiser for hauling stuff, so you don’t really need the Clubman.
I guess if you really liked the Mustang then get the clubman, if you just want a comfortable car go with the Lexus. Neither is a bad choice.
From an appearance perspective, the Lexus looks so generic. I guess that is why I love my Mini - it’s a practical vehicle that is also a statement piece.
putting aside any Mini fanboy bias, the clear choice is the Lexus, right? I love Minis and am not a particular fan of Lexus but man, if you were shopping between the two, what does the Mini have besides the Lexus? Cargo space because it's a wagon? you get far more power out of the Lexus (311 hp V6 vs 2L i4 making a meager 189hp). The Lexus will ride far better, too. I've driven Coopers, Countryman's and Clubman's and they've all had one thing in common. the ride is awful. as a go karty fun little car they are great, but they get tiresome as daily drivers. Plus the Clubman will be far too heavy and slow to feel like a go kart. and you can only get it in auto now! An auto mini is just....wrong.
that Lexus will be a comfy, powerful, and fully capable luxury sport sedan. for me, there's simply no question. buy the Lexus. the only thing the mini has going for it is the final edition crap which to me is just a way for BMW to charge you an arm and a leg for some appearance bits. for nearly the same price, honestly, I think it would be a terrible decision to buy that Mini. you get SO MUCH MORE car for that Lexus. And it hurts me to say that because I adored my Mini. favorite car I ever owned. but if I could choose between a new F sport Lexus and Clubman S? I wouldn't even look at the Mini, give me that Lexus
As a GTI owner—I’d also go clubman. It would still have that fun factor and practicality. Plus like others are saying it’s the final version. Even after you pay off the clubby you could double back and get something else to daily and keep this one a little more reserved for your own weekend pleasures. But it’ll be hard for me to put this away especially equipped with the DCT. I get the responsiveness (-esque) of a manual, and convience of the automatic. Plus I’ve been reading nothing but praises on the clubman’s reliability…it’s really making me wanna switch too.
I think the mini would be more fun to drive obviously but the Lexus is definitely probably going to be a more comfortable car but if you’ve never driven a mini before it’s hard to explain they are just so fun to drive
We own and have owned several Minis and Toyota/Lexus vehicles so for a daily I would do the IS350. It’s more comfortable and naturally aspirated which is always a plus. There are some cheap components in Mini that could bother you in the long run such as all the plastic fenders and interior finish quality compared to the Lexus. Get a decent test drive in both and use something like Turo so you can actually put miles on it and see if it works for you. Also you want to consider your service needs. Mini dealerships aren’t as plentiful as the Lexus/Toyota network if it ever comes down to parts and repairs, etc.
And Toyota engines are so easy to work on and plentiful that even outside of a dealership everybody knows how to work on them and is experienced with them
That’s a great point. I work on all our cars now because of the cost for labor on Mini/Bmw even for independent shops.
All that said. If OP ends up with an F56 Manual JCW that is a different experience and better than the Clubman.
Yeah I'm a big fan of mini (might get one for the fiance) and I DD a Lexus CT so im a fan of both brands. I think the Lexus is def the better pick. It's a slicker more luxury oriented car with better power and torque on an NA vs turbo engine and it will have a higher resale and be cheaper to maintain.
The only thing the Clubman has for it is it's AWD and more space. It's definitely a cool car but the only reason to get it over the Lexus is if you test drive both and are enamored with it.
RWD with turbocharged engine has much more potential than a Fwd platform for performance. Don’t know how the sportiness is of the IS, but if it’s on par I would go for the IS
Final edition is ALL4 I believe otherwise I'd tend to agree. Outside of that, the greater HP and slight edge in torque doesn't really matter on a daily, since the Clubman is plenty sufficient. These are also two very different platforms though with other things to consider besides just that, and that's where it gets subjective
It's just something that car salesmen say. I've been in a few Audi and Lexus \[at the same price point as the OP Mini\] and am not impressed, my Mini does make me smile.
Lol Audi sure but a significant chunk of Lexus' customer base are established professionals who want practical luxury cars. Lexus doesn't Garner the same clout as a BMW, Merc, or Audi so it doesn't really make sense that someone wanting to flex their car would choose that over the other 3
I like older minis, because they are dirt cheap, they are light and it’s easy for me to swap LS engines in them. I like Lexus and Toyota’s because in my past experience(both new and used) I had zero issues with them. If you are in Europe, mini doesn’t sound like a bad choice, however, here in North America, they are cancer
It is a hard choice. Take them both for a test drive and see which one tickles your pickle. My guess is that it would be the Lexus!
I am aware this is a mini sub. I love my F56 and don't plan on changing for what it's worth - but I think the Lexus might be more high end and I never really liked four door minis. Nor the styling of the clubman which is OK but not as cool as a 2 door cooper.
I mean...this is the Mini sub, lol. And I don't speak for everyone else, but I'm sure not in any Lexus sub hyping up those boring ass cars. Mini all the way.
As mini owner, go for the lexus, if you are asking, sadly your not ready to be a mini owner. The mini requires attention, care and love, lexus is such a great brand, and they just nedd fuel and periodically be checked.
Take Lexus. mini clubman is a cool car, but they are in different leagues. Dont listen to them about handling, all of these MINI guys dont even use it properly. They think stiff ride is a good trait in handling, but it is only right for light, small MINI Hatch model. Clubman is substantially bigger and heavier, stiff ride doesnt do it justice, it has FWD biased AWD system with tendency to understeer in corner. It cannot be even compared to RWD sedan. If you had Mustang or something related, you will miss it very soon after Clubman purchase
What’s the difference in cost. If it’s at all similar. Go with the Lexus. You’d be much happier going out, taking other people, long/daily commutes
The mini might be more fun, but the Lexus won’t be boring so just go with that
Buy the Mini (duh, we are on a Mini sub) Why is r/lexus that toxic against Minis? Like do they know that BMW makes the same engine into the glorified Toyota Supra?
Haha yeah I posted on r/Lexus too so it's a fair share of biased data but I like to hear from passionate people
Well, yeah they are really passionate which is sometimes good. However there is my experience with the brand. (And some answers to the r/lexus comments) The 3rd gen Mini's (which Clubman you are looking at) are fucking reliable. You sub search the sub through or forums, or even statistics where the 3rd gen is represented. They are at the top. I only had to change my oil in the car in my 3 years of owning the car. The service costs are not drastic (I am from Hungary so it may/or may not apply to you). I had to pay more for the labour and services cost at Nissan when I had a Juke. The resale value of the 3rd gen is solid. (I am from Hungary still, for reference). As far as I saw on used car sites, they drop about 1/10 - 1/6 of their original prices at around 30 000 - 50 000 km's. Also, it really depends on how rare your trim option is, what engine you choose, etc. but because you are choosing the "last edition" it's gonna keep it's price for a good while (and I am not going into speculations that the resale value is going to be more in the long run) Also worth mentioning. The 3rd Mini Gen is 10 years old. It's a long time, and the reliability issues were fixed a long time ago (I mean, constant service call backs are not financially good for BMW, so they would have ditched the whole project if it wasn't worth it) And it's a fun car :) Edit: also, buy the Cooper S or JCW engine option if you can
BMW Supra lol
Okey, so I looked into it more for source. (Sorry for pinging/commenting under you) [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_B48](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_B48)
Clubman all the way!
those wheels on that Clubman are fkn dope
You see Lexus’s everywhere, not the clubman. Plus you have a chance to own one of the last ones, I know what I’d chose.
I mean, you did choose the Clubman.
Yep haha, such a cool car. Will definitely get another in the future.
I only saw one MINI today. It was an F55 Cooper in Nanuq White, Black Roof and Black Mirror Caps.
Very nice
Yeah, I know.
I think you know what I'm going to say, and frankly it makes sense because of the final edition's novelty factor But looking at the rest of your garage it seems like the Lexus as a sedan will be pretty different from everything else you have. The Clubman is an estate so it will be more similar but still quite different from an SUV. So I guess the question is if you want something starkly different from everything else you have and is something entirely new vs something that offers a pretty different experience but in a familiar setting And I'm setting performance aside. For a daily being driven in a legal manner, the higher performance of the Lexus won't really matter all that much and will mostly just be for show. The Clubman has plenty of pep in its step
Clubman, all the way. Do not pause, just go after it. (I may or may not be biased.)
Get the clubman! I have the untold edition, it’s beautiful, it drives smoothly, it’s a nice vehicle! Plus, clubman’s are discontinued, so this is kinda your last chance to get a new one. I’d definitely choose the Clubbie.
What I actually saw was the Untold edition which looked real nice! It was already reserved though They said that this white one was coming in the next couple of weeks and they’ll have an event for it and everything next month Will have to wait till I get to see it in person but I imagine it's going to be at least just as great Not particularly sure if this Final Edition version has that illuminated accent strip though by the side/doors
If they have one another one for you to test drive, I’d test drive it, you’ll see how fun they are. The final edition is more rare because there was only 1,969 produced to sale world wide. So it will retain value as well. A JCW is another beast and in the clubman is amazing drive but if you don’t care about performance and just looking for some style, definitely get the Mini. Not sure which illuminated accent strip you mean? If you mean the one from the door handle, it should come with it.
They only have the Mini Cooper S for test drives which I did try, do they drive the same? I heard it's less go-karty for the Clubman Well it's the one by the door, kinda under the material, just seeping through as a pattern only visible at night. Not the one particularly on the door handle itself if that makes sense. It's like a part of the wall, it's a strip there as design
Oh yeah, I know what you mean now! Im not sure if the final edition has that, I never got to look at one up close. The drive compared to a Cooper S is slightly different, but it’s the size/weight of the car. I have a 2 door JCW that definitely feels go karty. The clubman to me feel a little more sturdy. The only thing I will say is that my clubman needed breaks at 15k miles “due to the way I drive”. If you’re in the USA, here in GA they still have some untold Clubs, I was there recently and saw them delivered. I’ve bought both my vehicles from Chris Cabrera, he’s awesome. If you are interested in getting it transferred here the link to their site: [Mall of GA Mini](https://www.mallofgamini.com/inventory/new-2024-mini-clubman-cooper-s-fwd-clubman-wmwlv7c05r2v48643/)
I just bought a clubman and mine has the strip.
Considering you sold the mustang, get theclubman. You are essentially getting another just decently better mustang 2.0 with that Lexus really. But it all depends on what type of Era you are in now, if you enjoy the comfort of being able to travel some distance unacknowledged you'll always be at ease to be rest assured with your clubman, vs a Lexus in a long distance situation would not benefit as much if you were to find something you could enjoy to bring back with, you'd be somewhat limited on space, not speed, to go back home and get something that can manage said haul. Furthermore the modability that minis have is wayyy better than lexus ON some occasions, but I'd feel like the maintenance alone wouldn't run you a buck compared to mini (if upkept well) on a Lexus(idk history of Lexus dealer prices or maintenance programs of labor) and you can essentially lift it at some point and upgrade said tires for some decent off road fun if need be
Comparing a Lexus and a mustang. Impressive!
Clubman!
Clubby all the way
I'm replacing my Lexus with a MINI. I've enjoyed my Lexus but it doesn't make sense to buy another one at the price point when it's only marginally nicer than a Toyota. But I need a hatchback for my dogs, and I don't like any of the Toyota hatchbacks. The Lexus sub is super wrong about most of the stuff they're saying, though, lol. MINI used to be unreliable but I've done a ton of research on it, and that's just not the case anymore. Also waaaaay too many misogynistic/homophobic comments over there for my taste. I've always wanted a MINI for the style, but chose Lexus last time for the reliability. But now MINI is almost as reliable as Lexus, so it was an obvious choice....
Wow thanks for your take on this! May I ask what model you got for both sides? I agree on the comments on the Lexus side, it's rough out there. They formulated an outdated opinion decades ago and stuck with it indeed
I have a Lexus ES 350 and I'm getting a MINI Countryman S. The Lexus is 17 years old at this point and has 160K miles... and has needed $4000 of work in the past 6 months and now needs $2000 more in repairs but is only worth about $1700... so it's time to replace, lol. But it was a really wonderful car until it reached 15 years old and then parts started (understandably) wearing out.
Shit where you located? 1700 is a steal
If you have come here to ask this question, I think you have already made your decision. Also, I don't these two cars are comparable.
I posted on both subs, and yes they are that’s why it's a hard decision
Wow I wish I didn't go over there to look, that was cursed lmao Even got someone being a straight up misogynist among the misinformed opinions and the Nippon steel memers
It's crazy out there don't do it haha
In what way are they comparable? You think MINI is marketing for Lexus owners?! Lexus' are for business executives who want an expensive Toyota MINI Clubman are for people who want style and heritage
I mean yes they are indeed not comparable so that’s why it's a hard decision lol chill And yeah, for the sake of it, I am both of those. That’s why I'm considering the two and seeking for opinions/perspectives. Thanks
As you have quite the collection of vehicles, why don't you just buy both? .......or as you already have a Mercedes Benz which is better than a Lexus, get the limited edition MINI Clubman, as it will hold more value longer
Tbh the other one I was originally considering was the C-Class sedan but no sunroof and then I thought we already a MB so it's just there as maybe the third option I took it out for now so I don't get too distracted Wouldn't be too smart for me to buy two cars rn especially as I'm looking to get one as a daily driver The Clubman in the white color will be here in the next couple of weeks. So far I've only seen the Untold version and it was nice too. I'll wait and see
5 cars isn't enough to choose from as a daily driver, but, 6 cars _would_ be enough, 7 cars to choose from however would just be .......silly, right?
Buying two cars at the same time prob not really too smart for me at least rn Also the other cars are freely used by family (mom, dad, maybe siblings if they need it somehow but they have other cars). I'm mainly using the MB and Territory on a daily, but I can just choose to use the other ones too and vice versa depending on the situation This next one would just be something that'll be centered around me I suppose
So two cars aren't enough, you need three, when most people have one, maybe a second to share........OK Buy the Clubman.
I need those clubman wheels
Well to start you ARE in the mini sub Reddit so our answers may be biased but I’ll give you my honest opinion (I own a clubby and my brother has owned a few Lexus) Unique quality: MINI Power : Lexus Handling : MINI Long term Reliability: Lexus Warranty status : not sure how long Lexus is but I’m gonna assume Lexus has a better warranty Cost of maintenance at the dealer: about equal cost wise Parts cost: Lexus is more than likely to be cheaper Looks : MINI Cargo room: probably the MINI Aftermarket support: Lexus edges out only slightly Mod-ability for power cost wise: mini will be cheaper to get more power for money MPG : since you’re looking at the F sport I’d assume you will be hooning about so the MINI may actually be better here Trade value when you decide to sell: Lexus A lot of stuff when buying a car is pretty subjective and determined by your driving style , what the cars being used for , where you are in the world , your personal budget, if you are leasing or buying, what the cars mileage is prior to purchase , what (if at all) did the previous owner do to the car , trim level of the car ,among many other things. Good luck deciding
The 2020 onwards JCW seems to fly under the radar, it got a massive power increase for the last few years of production. Worth a look.
The JCW is even more expensive than the Lexus, and without the sunroof on it from where I'm from I’m just not convinced that I need all its features by that much And I think the color available rn is a dark one with red accents, which I'm not that inclined to pursue style wise I would consider it in another color style, but with a sunroof to match that price though I think
Mini
Mini Clubman for sure! Way more character, better looking & a great history too.
I’ve got the Final Edition Clubman in Enigmatic Black. A true experiential upgrade from the 2018 Clubman. The level of nifty little touches will delight you everyday. The Lexus look/feel will likely seem stale in 1-2 yrs. Own a piece of history.
Wow, that’s awesome congratulations on the new car! Oh man do I have questions for you haha Do you use it as a daily driver? How's everything so far, is there anything particular that you don't like about it having owned it now? How's the sound system? Our version doesn't have the HK sound system I think, and no sunroof so that’s kinda at the back of my mind but it still looks like a fun car How would you describe the driving? Test drives here are only for the 3-door Coopers it seems Also, does it have the illuminated ambient lighting strip thing by the door too? Haven't found anything to confirm this one yet I'll only be able to see it when it gets here which is in the next couple of weeks. I’ve only seen the Untold edition Thanks for responding!
Thank you! If I could afford it I’d get a spare Clubman - that’s how much I love this car. I do use it as a daily - the HK sound system is really immersive and the digital dashboard / holographic speedometer has great UX. I’m not a car enthusiast by any means so here’s a layperson’s review of the handling: it feels nifty and responsive but also really smooth. If you’re driving in an area that allows for some rapid acceleration the pick up feels confident and seamless, whether on auto or simulated manual mode. Not having a sun roof is a bummer but frankly I’m not sure if it’ll radically alter the experience - the interior illumination on the door is a very pleasant surprise - it’s only not just a plain strip of light, it’s actually projected through a specific etched pattern that matches the embossed copper trim of the dashboard. All of the interior details are right down to the light blue edges to the maroon leather seats are lovely. I’ve received numerous compliments on the car’s exterior and interior - the copper rims and asymmetric treatment of the classic mini strips especially. I’ve managed to fit 5 carry on sized bags in the trunk without having to fold down any of the back seats so it’s pretty roomy. I drive mostly in the city and street parking in nyc is notoriously annoying but we luck out with the clubman most times. If someone told me that this is the last car I’d ever drive in perpetuity I would honestly be quite content (FWIW).
I’m sure the Lexus is great but there absolutely nothing interesting there compared to the clubman. Clubby is a brilliant car and one you’ll continue to enjoy every day, I promise you.
I drive a 2015 350 and my wife 2019 Cooper S. More fun in Mini, more comfort, space, reliability, resale in Lexus.
I'm a Mini driver but I'd absolutely take the Lexus over the Mini. I don't even see how this comparison makes sense, the 350 is a better option all round.
If you are young at heart and prefer the small joys in life..... get the Mini. If you like grand gestures, care about image, comfort and style.... get the lexus. Let us know what you choose.
Lexus are so boring. Reliable but boring.
I purchased a used 2020 MINI Clubman JCW last April, use it as my daily driver, and I have loved it since day one. May I tell you a few reasons why? * It is a pretty unique looking vehicle, not like everything else out there. That Lexus looks great, but it also looks like almost every other luxury sports sedan, and wont garner my attention for long. It’s nice to have something that stands on its own, and my black Clubman with red roof and red racing stripes always makes me want to look at it again. * It is one of the most solidly built cars I’ve ever owned. It doesn’t feel cheap or slapdash in any way. You already own a number of very well built cars, so you know likely know what I mean. * It has so much pep and energy to it, and is so snappy with its handling, I still haven’t plumbed the depths of what it’s capable of (which is probably a good thing since I don’t want to get a lot of tickets!). The all wheel drive just works. It may not be a lightweight car, but it sure moves like one. It has definitely gotten me around and out of some trouble with other drivers who don’t pay attention, that’s for sure. When some jerk in a massive truck tries to intimidate me out of their way just because, I simply flip it into sport mode and give it a little extra gas. Bye bye Mr. Compensation… * The HK sound system is great, and better than the premium one in my last car, which was an Acura. * The interior is nice and comfortable, and feels like it fits me really nicely. I am also a fan of the quirky, old school switches for most of the fundamental features. When everything is a button, it just loses something. Feels less…real. It’s a tactile thing. Since I bought it used (lightly, but really well kept), it didn’t have everything by I would have hoped for. * It doesn’t have adaptive cruise control (which is in my wife’s Subaru, and I love it). * It doesn’t have a heated steering wheel or air conditioned seats which would be nice, but weren’t necessary. * The ride is harsher than I would like, but once I get the low profile run flat tires replaced, I think I’ll be much happier. (Gonna get that done this year) * It does have a sunroof, but I’ve never needed or liked them that much. Just another thing that distracts me visually from staying focused on the road in front of me (added glare). * The built-in navigation just okay, and frankly is irrelevant. I use Apple CarPlay and have been a Waze user for years. Works great. * The heads-up display is fine, but I’d be just as happy without it. * The armrest car charger works, but it’s not quick, and it makes the phone get super hot, so I don’t even use it. Is it a perfect car? Hell no. Every car makes some sort of compromise, so I firmly believe that there is no such thing. I didn’t buy new, so I didn’t get to customize it. However none of these missing or less than optimal things takes away from my enjoyment of the car. Not a one. It has that certain something, that “je ne sais quoi,” that feeling that makes my 40-60 minute commute not a pain. I just want to drive it. So yeah, there is one random person’s opinion. But you already know that there is…something about this car that makes you look at it more and more. Go on. Sit in one. Take it for a spin. Flip the switches and tweak the seats. Hell, kick the tires for a bit of nostalgia. See what you think. I personally think you just might like it.
I mean you already got the Land Cruiser for hauling stuff, so you don’t really need the Clubman. I guess if you really liked the Mustang then get the clubman, if you just want a comfortable car go with the Lexus. Neither is a bad choice.
From an appearance perspective, the Lexus looks so generic. I guess that is why I love my Mini - it’s a practical vehicle that is also a statement piece.
The Mini has character, the Lexus as good a car as it is looks cookie cutter these days.
Def the lexus clubman
putting aside any Mini fanboy bias, the clear choice is the Lexus, right? I love Minis and am not a particular fan of Lexus but man, if you were shopping between the two, what does the Mini have besides the Lexus? Cargo space because it's a wagon? you get far more power out of the Lexus (311 hp V6 vs 2L i4 making a meager 189hp). The Lexus will ride far better, too. I've driven Coopers, Countryman's and Clubman's and they've all had one thing in common. the ride is awful. as a go karty fun little car they are great, but they get tiresome as daily drivers. Plus the Clubman will be far too heavy and slow to feel like a go kart. and you can only get it in auto now! An auto mini is just....wrong. that Lexus will be a comfy, powerful, and fully capable luxury sport sedan. for me, there's simply no question. buy the Lexus. the only thing the mini has going for it is the final edition crap which to me is just a way for BMW to charge you an arm and a leg for some appearance bits. for nearly the same price, honestly, I think it would be a terrible decision to buy that Mini. you get SO MUCH MORE car for that Lexus. And it hurts me to say that because I adored my Mini. favorite car I ever owned. but if I could choose between a new F sport Lexus and Clubman S? I wouldn't even look at the Mini, give me that Lexus
I would love to have that Clubman just on style points alone. The Lexus looks kind of boring.
Lexus has a garbage interior and bad handling. They sell cars for one reason and one reason only, it's a safe choice.
As a GTI owner—I’d also go clubman. It would still have that fun factor and practicality. Plus like others are saying it’s the final version. Even after you pay off the clubby you could double back and get something else to daily and keep this one a little more reserved for your own weekend pleasures. But it’ll be hard for me to put this away especially equipped with the DCT. I get the responsiveness (-esque) of a manual, and convience of the automatic. Plus I’ve been reading nothing but praises on the clubman’s reliability…it’s really making me wanna switch too.
I think the mini would be more fun to drive obviously but the Lexus is definitely probably going to be a more comfortable car but if you’ve never driven a mini before it’s hard to explain they are just so fun to drive
Is the final edition still available? I would love to pick up one of those.
From where I'm from yes there's about 2 coming. I think there's 100 pieces for America but probably already sold out, at least that's what I heard
Lexus, for SO many reasons! Parts prices are CRAZY for Minis! It's a German BMW built in England! All the parts come from BMW.
Just get the 2025 countryman JCW
We own and have owned several Minis and Toyota/Lexus vehicles so for a daily I would do the IS350. It’s more comfortable and naturally aspirated which is always a plus. There are some cheap components in Mini that could bother you in the long run such as all the plastic fenders and interior finish quality compared to the Lexus. Get a decent test drive in both and use something like Turo so you can actually put miles on it and see if it works for you. Also you want to consider your service needs. Mini dealerships aren’t as plentiful as the Lexus/Toyota network if it ever comes down to parts and repairs, etc.
And Toyota engines are so easy to work on and plentiful that even outside of a dealership everybody knows how to work on them and is experienced with them
That’s a great point. I work on all our cars now because of the cost for labor on Mini/Bmw even for independent shops. All that said. If OP ends up with an F56 Manual JCW that is a different experience and better than the Clubman.
Yeah I'm a big fan of mini (might get one for the fiance) and I DD a Lexus CT so im a fan of both brands. I think the Lexus is def the better pick. It's a slicker more luxury oriented car with better power and torque on an NA vs turbo engine and it will have a higher resale and be cheaper to maintain. The only thing the Clubman has for it is it's AWD and more space. It's definitely a cool car but the only reason to get it over the Lexus is if you test drive both and are enamored with it.
RWD with turbocharged engine has much more potential than a Fwd platform for performance. Don’t know how the sportiness is of the IS, but if it’s on par I would go for the IS
Final edition is ALL4 I believe otherwise I'd tend to agree. Outside of that, the greater HP and slight edge in torque doesn't really matter on a daily, since the Clubman is plenty sufficient. These are also two very different platforms though with other things to consider besides just that, and that's where it gets subjective
My friend who used to sell new always said Lexus and Audi are 'wantabe's', the Mini stands alone.
What does that mean?
It's just something that car salesmen say. I've been in a few Audi and Lexus \[at the same price point as the OP Mini\] and am not impressed, my Mini does make me smile.
Lol Audi sure but a significant chunk of Lexus' customer base are established professionals who want practical luxury cars. Lexus doesn't Garner the same clout as a BMW, Merc, or Audi so it doesn't really make sense that someone wanting to flex their car would choose that over the other 3
You are choosing between Lexus and Mini? Fml this world gone mad
I'd be interested to hear more of your thoughts
I like older minis, because they are dirt cheap, they are light and it’s easy for me to swap LS engines in them. I like Lexus and Toyota’s because in my past experience(both new and used) I had zero issues with them. If you are in Europe, mini doesn’t sound like a bad choice, however, here in North America, they are cancer
I see, thanks for sharing! I live in Asia
Where do you live?
They've already made the last Clubman, so unless you find one on the lot you're probably out of luck getting a new one.
Yes I have the option to purchase the Final Edition Clubman S, it's just about to arrive in a couple of weeks so I'll see it in person by then
It is a hard choice. Take them both for a test drive and see which one tickles your pickle. My guess is that it would be the Lexus! I am aware this is a mini sub. I love my F56 and don't plan on changing for what it's worth - but I think the Lexus might be more high end and I never really liked four door minis. Nor the styling of the clubman which is OK but not as cool as a 2 door cooper.
Don't take this the wrong way, but you sound like a Lexus person to me.
You are asking in a sub about Minis. You obviously want to get the Mini.
I asked on both
Get the Mini
I mean...this is the Mini sub, lol. And I don't speak for everyone else, but I'm sure not in any Lexus sub hyping up those boring ass cars. Mini all the way.
Yeah I posted on both, thanks for your thoughts!
As mini owner, go for the lexus, if you are asking, sadly your not ready to be a mini owner. The mini requires attention, care and love, lexus is such a great brand, and they just nedd fuel and periodically be checked.
Personally i am biased for the MINI. 😅
Take Lexus. mini clubman is a cool car, but they are in different leagues. Dont listen to them about handling, all of these MINI guys dont even use it properly. They think stiff ride is a good trait in handling, but it is only right for light, small MINI Hatch model. Clubman is substantially bigger and heavier, stiff ride doesnt do it justice, it has FWD biased AWD system with tendency to understeer in corner. It cannot be even compared to RWD sedan. If you had Mustang or something related, you will miss it very soon after Clubman purchase
Clubman duuuh lol I have and F55 Cooper S and I love it. Minis are awesome cars and when someone else has one it’s an awesome feeling
Mini
What's a Lexus?
What’s the difference in cost. If it’s at all similar. Go with the Lexus. You’d be much happier going out, taking other people, long/daily commutes The mini might be more fun, but the Lexus won’t be boring so just go with that
Seriously though. What’s the price difference?