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I've got a 2010 1.4 mini and really rate it. Quality feel, handles well, and fun. On the boring side they depreciate well, have a good encap, are fairly efficient / comply with parking permits, tax, etc.
I can't really give any advice on what to look for / avoid, but the honest John reviews are always quite good.
I tried a diesel clubman and Cooper. The gear change on the diesel was really hard - but not on any others, so its probably random and would show on a test drive.
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mini/
I'd say the negatives (of mine) are;
- 4 seats
- stock hi-fi (the oem upgraded one is good)
- must have high revs going into 2nd to accelerate (Cooper is great)
- doesn't de-mist well unless using air-conditioning.
- the method of turning on the heated mirrors.
- firm ride (I like it and it handles well, but some passengers are less keen say compared with other cars)
Interestingly (well probably not really) the third door on the clubman is designed for the continent where a passenger would use it. Whereas in the UK it's a bit obsolete as it's on the drivers side. It wasn't moved because of the extra cost of relocating the fuel tank.
- 4 seats
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Also worth having a look at finance stuff. A breakdown repair guy the other day said you could get a smart car for £100p/m.... at that sort of price it's hard to think of a reason not to just lease new for 3yrs.
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I can't offer any advice on what to look for but from an ownership experience we have had ours for 2 1/2 years now.
2011 Clubman SD - Its been brilliant, goes well, cheap to insure / tax
Fairly spacious, we have managed many a long weekend with My Wife, 2 kids and I + luggage
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I have one. 2011 Clubman SD. I like it. Girlfriend drives it most of the time. She likes it. Fun to drive. Is what it is, no more, no less.
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hugo7
Cornish_Bike
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@magpie
I'm toying with the idea of buying a new car. For the first time ever something I would kind of actually want to own that costs more than a few hundred quid or is a hand me down.
Also the wife will probably be actually driving it most of the time as a commute to work (if/when she passes her test in a few months time) At the moment we have a 20 year old Passat (inherited) which I think she best stick with until she's had a few months actual daily driving in.
I want something that would actually be a bit of fun to drive and relatively practical economical.
I was thinking Mini Cooper Clubman S. I know there are a few Mini fans on here so I thought I would ask some advice about what to look for avoid etc. Seem to be available for around £4-6k
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