9 Responses to “Mini, Clubman, Cube, xb, wat what!”

1. Ann Says:
   November 30th, 2007 at 11:20 am

   Hi, I’ve been enjoying your blog posts on various things.

   I bought a new scion xb in 2006 (before the redesign.) I just love it. Very roomy inside and I like the odd quirkyness of the overall design. My only complaint is the 1.5 ltr engine, which means not got the greatest 0-60 ratio on the interstate and it REALLY doesn’t like big hills/mtns. Luckily, 99 percent of the time I’m a flatlander. I think the new ones have a bigger engine, so that solves that problem, although you dont’ get the good fuel economy you get with the smaller engine. Great flatlander city car. And I agree. I like the “look” before the redesign.

   Good luck!

2. Jim A. Says:
   November 30th, 2007 at 11:36 am

   I loved the Cube car (if you can call it a car), does it run on liqued Syrofoam?

   As they say these guys have way too much time on their hands…

3. tango! Says:
   November 30th, 2007 at 1:36 pm

   Ann, thanks for hitting up my blog and your note.. I’m glad to hear you love your scion as most scion users have mentioned to me. I might dig the new scion, but I guess I’ll have to scope out for older new scion models first.

   Ann: what other cars did you consider? Any other insights?

   Jim..yeah, I think your talking about the “modular car” made from styrafoam..yeah, its a cool idea where buyers custom shape their own cars, but not a reality. But I do dig the “Nissan Cube”… i’vee been waiting for it for wayyyy to long….

4. TOMAS Says:
   November 30th, 2007 at 4:18 pm

   I also have the previous generation Scion xB (2005 Release Series 2.0) and share the same thoughts as Ann. I was debating between the Mini Cooper S and xB and settled on the Scion since the Mini was a bit out of my price range at the time. Chances are that I’ll be looking into the Mini again when it comes time to shop for a car for my fiancé. Talking to some individuals who own Mini’s, they’re fun cars to drive and get decent mileage plus you get the white glove treatment from BMW Service.

   The Smart Car would be first on my list if I lived in a city like San Francisco or New York just because of it’s small size. And if money was no option, I would opt for a Prius with a Plug-In conversion or shell out $30K to convert my xB to an electric via AC Propulsion’s eBox system.

5. tango! Says:
   December 2nd, 2007 at 4:48 pm

   tomas,
   thanks for your note.
   How roomy is the xb 05? Is the 08 xb even roomier?

   I’m really diggin the Clubman and Nissan Cube, but so many people have pointed towards the xb. I’m all for a hybrid which is why i like the prous, but hopefully the rumored hybrid Cube is a truth.

   Any other tips on the xb or other cars?

6. TOMAS Says:
   December 3rd, 2007 at 2:19 pm

   The previous version xB is deceivingly roomy for both driver and passenger, my only complaint is the actual “luggage space” between the rear seats and the hatchback. You could probably fit 3 carry-on sized suitcases without folding down the rear seats. With the rear seats folded down, I’ve been able to shove some pretty large items from IKEA and The Home Depot back there without issue. I wouldn’t have a clue about the new model though, I know it is supposed to be larger and more powerful - I would definitely see both the Nissan Cube and xB in person to see if it will accommodate your lifestyle.

   And as I mentioned before about the Clubman and Mini in general, they’re fun to drive and good looking cars IMO; I’m about 90% sure that the Mini Cooper S will be the next car I own unless someone gives me a new Nissan GT-R for free.

7. tango! Says:
   December 3rd, 2007 at 3:28 pm

   yes, free cars are good..I’m trying to get a loaner to use for the next few months, perhaps buying what ever loaner I get if it rocks…otherwise, my eyes are on the cube and mini clubman.

   Space is important, as i tend to put lots of stuff in my truck..yes, i know, this is a sign of bad mileage….The cube seems like it has no trunk space unless u fold down the seats. Length wise its the same as the older xb.

   The clubman seems to have some trunk space without folding down the seats…but yes, it all comes down to the test drive whenever those 2 cars come out. I know the Cube is being tested in the states now….they even have some film promotional contest for students going on now for the auto show in April ( a sign of when the car will be announced)
   http://njection.com/blogs/jalopnik/archive/2007/11/30/nissan-cubes-in-nyc-with-ca-plates-spy-photos.aspx

   I’ll definitely be making a post once i decide what to get…who know…perhaps a hybrid will win my buy if its stylish enough.

8. tango! Says:
   February 23rd, 2008 at 5:34 pm

   nice xb08 vs cube comparison….though i still like the cube…but the mpg kinda sucks, so now the mini coop clubman looks liek the choice.:
   http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=124845?imw=Y#24

9. Michael DiTullo Says:
   June 12th, 2008 at 10:56 am

   We looked at the Clubman, the xB, the Element, the Audi A3, and the VW GTI. Our other car being a TT, this one had to have some practicality, so it had to sit 4 people relatively comfortably. Out of the selection, the clubman is the worse for 4 passenger comfort, but we went with it anyway because it is just so fun to drive. You can feel people smiling at you (especially in yellow). We really liked the GTI with the bigger “Potato Cut” wheels, it drove awesome, and had the right mix of subtle designerlyness, but we were scared of by VW reliability. The A3 also drove well, and was the most lux of the group, but in the end felt a touch wagony and the front end a tad dated. The xB and Element just felt a bit more entry level than we wanted (both nice, and a lot cheaper). All in all, the clubman, optioned out the way we wanted it, was pushing 30k but was definitely the right choice for us. We tested its capacities during the last week when my parents stayed with us…. 3 months in, still loving it.

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