Mini or 1 series

[huwdm]

Looking for a small(ish) economical car and must be BMW or Mini (dont ask why it just has to be.
New or nearly new.
Was thinking of 1 series diesel - 118d 120d or 123d or even a 1 series coupe.
Supposed to be good mpg and good to drive.
Then I went to see a Mini. I have never really been a fan but after a look it seems worth considering. A Mini Cooper D.
Smaller, cheaper than a BMW, better MPG and also supposed to be a good drive.
It is for mostly business driving so dont need space but always would be good to have something have decent to drive.
Any thoughts appreciated.
H

[dannytherev]

Go and drive the 123d(the 120d is worth a look also) Huw you will be amazed brilliant handling, stupid mpg and fast have driven both the hatch and coupe would say the cuope is better looking .With regards to the mini cooper d the facelift mini's aren't as agile as the early cars and the heavy diesel lump doesn't help either hth let me know what you get

[huwdm]

Thanks Danny - off test driving a Mini today.
If anyone has a 1 series d or Mini cooper d would be interesting to know what actual mpg they achieve.

[Antonio 82]

I borrowed my grandparents' Mini Cooper (petrol) recently and can confirm they're as good as the magazines say they are.

I'm good friends with one of the Mini salesmen at Sytner Cardiff, so if you want his details just let me know. I'll ask him not to give you the usual 'salesman spiel'

[Funk]

123d here. Behaving = 51mpg. Completely misbehaving 32mpg.

RWD is brilliant.

[Ti22]

It's got to be a 123, RWD all the way!

[garreth64]

Funk said:

123d here. Behaving = 51mpg. Completely misbehaving 32mpg.

RWD is brilliant.

+1

Somewhere in between = around 40mpg


Am I also allowed to say even better with a remap

[Gumstabber]

I hate the inside of the mini's. It's supposed to be retro but what I think they really mean is that they had a lot of bits and bob's and just haphazardly glued them all on top of each other.

[huwdm]

Drove the diesel mini today and was very impressed. Very responsive steering and can really feel the road.
Bad points as mentioned slightly dodgy interior - particularly the biggest speedo in the whole wide world.
If I can live with the interior - which I think I can I think it might be on. All down to price.
118d 120d 123d all great to drive also - just looking a little expensive in comparison.
The search continues and yes the details of the man at Sytner would be useful but would prefer to stay local if I can.
Will keep you up to date with progress...

[jep]

Huw, if these guys aren't too far away from you, I can recommend Green Bower in Slebech (Haverford West) for both BM and Mini. I found them brilliant to deal with when I had my 525, even though they didn't supply it. They were also happy when I was looking for it, whereas the Swansea dealer didn't want to know.

[dannytherev]

jep said:

the Swansea dealer didn't want to know.

I'll second that Huw

[huwdm]

Opted for diesel Mini cooper in the end. The 1 series are great. It was a close run thing but fancied a real change. I am sure alot will disagree and alot will agree. Its a personal thing I guess.

[NicDale]

dannytherev said:

jep said:

the Swansea dealer didn't want to know.

I'll second that Huw

I'll agree with that too, i bought my 03 Cooper S from Haverfordwest instead of Swansea due to a real so and so of a salesman, tried to buy a Z4 from Swansea and again had an indifferent experience, tried to buy a 330i and again was met with a poor attitude.

Shame really as Martin Trainer is a decent guy.

[dannytherev]

huwdm said:

Opted for diesel Mini cooper in the end. The 1 series are great. It was a close run thing but fancied a real change. I am sure alot will disagree and alot will agree. Its a personal thing I guess.

Hey Huw you bringing it along on sun for brekkie?

[huwdm]

Yes probably. Will make a change.