Thinking of buying a Mini - thoughts?

[sweetsugartea]

Opinions good or bad please. I've heard mixed reviews, people either love or hate them...

I currently have an Audi A5 sportback which I absolutely love and will be sad to part with but it costs an absolute fortune in petrol (1.8). Insurance is expensive too. I've only really driven saloons but want something a bit smaller and cheaper to run.

I have seen a Mini Hatch, 2014 plate. 1.5 petrol. 72,000 miles. Any good??? I don't know anything about them but it's the only smaller car that I like!

They’re expensive on maintenance and I don’t think they’re very comfortable.

Brilliant cars love mine , maintenance is no more expensive than other cars just don’t take it to bmw for anything.

My friend has one. She's had loads of cars in the past - Audi Merc BMW etc her Mini is her favourite. She loves it.

We travelled a 4 hour journey in it abx it was very comfy. Way more spacious than I expected too

I'm thinking of getting one for my next car

I wanted a Mini but found them rough I the suspension. Ended up with an Audi A1, absolutely love it.

Wanted one for years, got one, sounds like you're inside a baked bean can on a motorway and has just cost me the best part of 2.5k to replace some faulty exhaust sensor which caused the engine to cut out. Aesthetically cute. Mechanically crap!

(Will likely replace with a golf which is a a bit dull, but previously never failed us!)

I'd wanted one for years because the couple of experiences I'd had with them they'd been fun to drive. The above comment about a baked bean can on a motorway pretty much sums it up, the suspension is too firm and I found it quite uncomfortable very quickly. I replaced it 12 months later.

The only one I drove was a 52 plate Cooper S. It went well but the ride was very harsh and it tram-lined every rut and groove on anything but a perfectly smooth road. Rear seats were pathetic and the boot was poor.
It's possible there was something wrong with it, but I couldn't live with one.

Had loads of minis over the past twenty years. The different models vary considerably in terms of driving experience. Currently have a countryman which is similar in size to a golf. I’d say the basic models can feel quite stiff on the suspension but the newer models are generally a comfortable drive. Best to test drive a few different types of min to find what suits you.

We our selling our 2013 mini tomorrow. It has been a great little car.

I had a mini one convertible for nearly 8 years, absolutely loved it. Sold it, got bored quickly and really missed driving a mini so went back to a mini hatch cooper s. I smile every time I start the engine.

I've got a mini cooper sport, it's the best car I've ever had. Got it new last year. Comfortable, nippy, easy to park and absolutely fun to drive. Only problem is all the boys racers want to race me. Sometimes I take them on. 😎

Had a 2005 Mini Cooper for 8 years. Absolutely loved it. The boot is small but you learn how to pack it. I fitted a full travel system in mine regularly too.

Never had any bother with it at all it was a fantastic car and yes it was a firm ride esp on the motorway. Never once drove it and didn't enjoy it x

Had a mini cooper convertible and was the best fun car - sunny day, roof down bliss. But the mechanic laughed when he saw what I’d bought and said they love minis because of all the work they bring them. After only very few years there was a problem (think with the electrics but cant remember) and they said it was a write off as the only way to fix it was to completely remove the engine! Very sad to say farewell to mini and miss it.

But apparently electric convertible coming out …

Check the emissions and tax rates on it from April, I'd also be looking for a lower mileage. Unless you don't do much the second they hit 100 the value plummets.

Can you afford to be closer to the 40-50,000 miles? Means any major faults done and then you have more mileage to enjoy before any bigger spend.

I'd also get the best spec, pano roof, all the extras as when you come to sell that will help.

Test drive, but you may want to look at Audi A12 as well? Also fun and nippy but being from Audi it maybe a good 2nd option.

I had a 1.5L (I think) petrol Cooper for 5 years. It was enormous fun! Tiny boot, not especially efficient, felt a bit vulnerable on the motorway, but I loved it. Sold it because I got a company car.