Ozwin Posted 11 January 2013 Posted 11 January 2013 More specifically one of the newer-ish models? Looking at one for my first car, but being completely clueless when it comes to cars I thought I'd get some opinions on them before setting my sights on it. The only issue I've heard is that they're a bit expensive to fix but I'm sure they say that about every car these days.
Jimothy Posted 11 January 2013 Posted 11 January 2013 More specifically one of the newer-ish models? Looking at one for my first car, but being completely clueless when it comes to cars I thought I'd get some opinions on them before setting my sights on it. The only issue I've heard is that they're a bit expensive to fix but I'm sure they say that about every car these days. Never owned one, but when I was looking for a new car last year and I considered one, a few people at work who had owned them told me they drank petrol like mad.
Saxondale Posted 11 January 2013 Posted 11 January 2013 I was once interviewed for a job as Staff Writer on Mini Magazine (about old Minis). Think I was let down when I had to admit to the editor that I'd never driven one. My ex has a new MINI, which I used to drive a lot. Great cars and a superb drive. Fairly reliable, probably more expensive to fix than a Fiesta but not crippling so. Go for it.
SystonFox Posted 11 January 2013 Posted 11 January 2013 Brother in law works at mini sytner nr fosse park. Parts department. Really nice place to work I've been in to work on my own car a few times. Power steering pump fails alot Most stuff is expensive especially tyres. As a first car I'd say no buy a fiesta, corsa, 206 in the same budget you'll get more for your money
SystonFox Posted 11 January 2013 Posted 11 January 2013 Then again if you want a mini the main reason people like them is the style and brand. If your hearts set on it you will buy it, they're like Apple products of the car industry. It's all about the brand
Soar Fox Posted 11 January 2013 Posted 11 January 2013 Both of my sisters have got them. One has got a mini one that my dad bought when it was 3 years old, and my other sister has got a Cooper. Lovely cars and nice to drive. Neither of them have had any major problems with them. Like Systonfox said tyres are expensive, but that's because most of them have run flats. All in all I'd happily buy one, but I would look for a diesel though.
Saxondale Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 Then again if you want a mini the main reason people like them is the style and brand. If your hearts set on it you will buy it, they're like Apple products of the car industry. It's all about the brand No it isn't. They are excellent to drive, fabulously well-built and stylish. Both of my sisters have got them. One has got a mini one that my dad bought when it was 3 years old, and my other sister has got a Cooper. Lovely cars and nice to drive. Neither of them have had any major problems with them. Like Systonfox said tyres are expensive, but that's because most of them have run flats. All in all I'd happily buy one, but I would look for a diesel though. Not necessarily. The petrol engines are very good. They changed them around a few times - the later ones have the Prince engine, which is a good plant. The diesel is a good motor. People assume that because it's a BMW 1.6 Diesel that its the same engine as a 116d or 316d - it isn't. The 1/316ds are actually the 2.0 engines remapped. The motor in the MINIs is a JV with Peugeot. It is the same engine as in various Diesel 207s, 307s, 308s and 407s. It's also fundamentallty the same as the Ford 1.6Ds in Fiestas and Focuses.
Miquel The Work Geordie Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 One of my mates has had frequent troubles with his, seems like more trouble than it's worth for a hairdresser's car.
Captain... Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 My parents have had 2 mini Coopers in the last 20 years, old and new, very decent cars,very enjoyable ride, you're paying a bit extra for the style, but they both had the same problem in the end, they both got nicked. Mini's especially Coopers are desirable cars for thieves, and by having one you become more of a target. A friend of mine at uni had her mini nicked too.
CupidStunt Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 Missus had a JCW cooper works, This car is set up differently to the others, and is probably why i hated it Very uncomfortable as a passenger due to the hard suspension set up Great car to smash around corners, it felt like it was on rails. Would i get another? NO I feel its a car most people would have, then get rid maybe a year later. I know a few people who have owned one, and not one of them found it to be a keeper.It all depends on what you want it for? A single occupant lady, yes, anything else, dont bother. @Captain Shrapnel I dont think for one minute these cars are thief magnets, what do you base that assumption on?
SystonFox Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 The fact he knows 3 people who've had them nicked? @bornblue ; if someone wants a mini they get a mini. It's down to the brand. It's in their head and gives them sleepless nights until they buy one. It bugs them. I know this cos people I know who wanted one bought one and then when they had it 6 months a whole host of problem arose and they regretted it. Sure this doesn't apply to everyone
Legend_in_blue Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 I know two people who have had one and timing chains went on both. That's not a cheap fix.
scottthefox Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 Wrote one off about 2 years ago, they roll surprisingly well......
Trav Le Bleu Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 They're not mini's - they're small BMWs. And they're not even that small.
Orkneyfox Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 The 4 wheel drive ones look like fun and just what i need up here. Oh and here are some nice pictures: and
hebangsthedrums Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 They're not mini's - they small BMWs. And they're not even that small. I agree - awful pastiche of the original for me. Matter of taste but I see them as a girls car Bear in mind though as they are effectively a BMW parts/maintenance will be ££££
Saxondale Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 The fact he knows 3 people who've had them nicked? @bornblue ; if someone wants a mini they get a mini. It's down to the brand. It's in their head and gives them sleepless nights until they buy one. It bugs them. I know this cos people I know who wanted one bought one and then when they had it 6 months a whole host of problem arose and they regretted it. Sure this doesn't apply to everyone I've never had a several-year-old car without problems! I tell a lie - the most reliable car I've ever had was my first car, a SEAT Cordoba, which I bought for £375. Ran like a dog when I bought it, so I changed the oil and filters, plugs and ignition leads. Sweet as a nut after that!
Guest Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 More specifically one of the newer-ish models? Looking at one for my first car, but being completely clueless when it comes to cars I thought I'd get some opinions on them before setting my sights on it. The only issue I've heard is that they're a bit expensive to fix but I'm sure they say that about every car these days. God no! Hideously small, low level cars for midgets and certain women.
pSinatra Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 I've known 2 people that have had minis & they have both had nothing but trouble. That isn't indicative of all minis & it may be that the people I know have been unlucky. I had the impression that they had a bad reputation & when speaking to a mechanic recently, he said that the early versions did suffer a lot of problems, but BMW made significant changes & that things had vastly improved. I can't remember when exactly he said those changes were made, but anything earlier than a 53 plate seems to ring a bell. Someone like BornBlue might know a bit more about this? One of the owners was my mrs (a 55 plate). Nothing majorly wrong with it, but a series of little things. There always seemed to be something & it had bugger all chance of ever getting through it's MOT.
Ozwin Posted 12 January 2013 Author Posted 12 January 2013 What are some alternatives then chaps? You lot have well and truely put me off now .
stix Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 What are some alternatives then chaps? You lot have well and truely put me off now . What's your budget?
Ozwin Posted 12 January 2013 Author Posted 12 January 2013 1.5/2Kish I know Mini's are a bit more than that but I was prepared to spend more on one cos I've always liked them. But now...not so much.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.