Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Shopping

From everyday essentials to big purchases, swap tips and recommendations. For the best deals without the hassle, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

diesel mini as a family car

16 replies

BatCrapCrazy · 27/05/2015 08:24

We are looking to buy a new car. We aren't totally sure of our budget. Could stretch to 13k (was thinking of buying a brand new Fiesta) but this would totally skint us out.
I came across a diesel mini (2007) yesterday at a dealership. 60k on the clock, amazing spec. It's a little over 5grand.
But we have a 3 year old and a 5 year old. I'm worried it's not practical. Would you do it?

OP posts:
CandyAppleFudge · 27/05/2015 08:52

I've got a Jcw works mini, and a 4 year old Dd. If we eventually have another child the mini will have to go due to space. The boot is tiny, for the moment with 1 child it works for me.

Original poster
BatCrapCrazy · 27/05/2015 09:04

We don't need space for a pram. Literally the only thing that goes in the boot is shopping but ive just started getting it delivered. I don't know what to do :( x

OP posts:
CandyAppleFudge · 27/05/2015 09:09

Another problem is when things tend to go wrong on them it's not a cheap fix. Hmm

Original poster
BatCrapCrazy · 27/05/2015 09:15

Yes I have heard that. I think maybe I'm better off getting a fiesta or something. I just love the minis Sad

OP posts:
WMittens · 27/05/2015 09:17

Looking for a hatchback between £5k and £13k - there are hundreds of options out there for you. Have a look for a suitable Honda, Mazda or Toyota, that would be my suggestion.

tibni · 27/05/2015 10:54

I have a mini and I love it. I also have 2 teenagers (1 disabled), dh and a Labrador dog - but I was determined to make it work and this isn't the main family car for holidays etc.
We were on eurotunnel last summer behind a mini with a newborn and all the gear required and the parents attitude was the same Smile
Until I could drop the pushchair etc. I had sensible 5 door Toyota, but I wouldn't go back.

APlaceOnTheCouch · 27/05/2015 11:02

I had a Mini when DS was born and kept it until he was about 2. After that it just felt too small eg trying to fit luggage in when going on holiday; trying to give more than one family member a lift when you have a fixed car seat, etc.

I didn't have any problems with the Mini from a mechanical pov but it felt cramped especially on long journeys.

I swapped my Mini for a Fiesta. It wasn't anywhere near as pretty but it was more practical.

Original poster
BatCrapCrazy · 27/05/2015 11:13

I really don't know what to do. I know if I go to test drive it today ill end up bringing it home lol

OP posts:
Original poster
BatCrapCrazy · 27/05/2015 14:49

I think I'm going to go for the mini

OP posts:
penisland · 28/05/2015 14:32

Unless you do more than 15k miles per year get a petrol. Don't punish yourself in a tractor!

Mini05 · 28/05/2015 15:00

I have an mini one D 05 with 56k on clock, I have it about 7 yrs now with no problems till this year!

I've spent to date about £1000 and still can't find the problem, so know I'm thinking do I spend more trying to source problem or change it!

I really think you need to do motorway driving for DieseL to give them a blast, as they become clogged up there not like a petrol car. So if yours is just for around town then I'd say petrol.

I love mine, it's got chilli pack,cooper gearbox 6 speed, steel mirrors caps etc and elec Blue colour.

Original poster
BatCrapCrazy · 28/05/2015 15:05

I use the motor way at least once a week and my route to work everyday is along a long stretch of dual carriageways so no worries about giving it a blast.
Are the cooper D's as economical as everyone is telling me?

OP posts:
wonkylegs · 28/05/2015 15:15

I was dead set on getting a mini but after test driving and weighing up the practicalities and a chance test drive (Toyota garage was opposite the mini one) I ended up with a Toyota Yaris, 10yrs later I've still got the Toyota and I love it more everyday. Every single one of my friends that bought a mini has swapped it for something else either for practical reasons or due to huge repair bills. My Yaris is not sexy but it's far bigger inside than the mini, it's been a dream to own, has cost me an annual service, one set of break pads and new tires and that is all in 10 years of being thrown about by me, I've got the 1.3l which isn't as big an engine as the mini but as it weighs nothing it's actually a nippy little thing. I can get 5 adults in it (which is better than my DHs executive car that's huge but has no room in the back), it fits kids , luggage, shopping, DIY stuff and I can just get 6yoDSs bike in it although I will have to look at bike racks when he goes up a size. I've never regretted buying this one rather than the mini and it was a hell of a lot cheaper too!

Original poster
BatCrapCrazy · 28/05/2015 18:12

I've had a Yaris before (pre DC) and I wasn't hugely keen on it. DP has just left to go and see the mini now.

OP posts:
Mini05 · 28/05/2015 19:14

I can get 70mpg on motorway from my one D, thing I would say I find hard is the gearbox it's the 6 speed box and I find it quite heavy to get it into reverse! Only problem I have, it's really sturdy and grips on the road excellent.
It's a bit of a pain if you are an adult getting in the back(I've been in it) just saying if you have any teenagers.

I can get 4 plastic bag of shopping and some on top in the boot. So not too small.

Original poster
BatCrapCrazy · 28/05/2015 20:33

DP Came home with the car. Bloody knew he would lol
First impressions: bloody love it

diesel mini as a family car
OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page