Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

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.