Mini cooper 1.5 or suzuki swift sport?
Discussion
I am hoping to purchase a new car within the next few months. Looking at spending around 8-10k. Im after a 'warm hatch' that's not to uncomfortable to drive due to most of my driving consisting of speed bumps and potholes.. surprisingly lol. Spent weeks looking at the tons of variety available and keep finding myself ending up at the suzuki swift sport 1.6 and the mini cooper 1.5 I've looked over the peguot 208s (ideally would love one of the gtis as IMHO there is a hatchback with such great interior but I think the 130hp jump from my little 107 May be a bit to much of a leap) searched for polos, golfs, a1s, 500 abarths, fiestas, mazda2s, clios, Ibizas, and leons but feel like for the money the mini and suzuki seem to be the best of the bunch and I'm struggling to decide between them as the suzuki has about 10k less on the clock and two years newer but the mini has dual climate control and imo does look a bit better. So the question is is there anything I'm missing is there a clear answer to weather the mini or suzuki is better or is there a different car I should be considering? Thanks in advance
I seem to read a lot of horror stories about MINI engines and the B38 is no exception although I have no personal experience of it.
The Swift seems fairly reliable.
Personally, I would slam these into an insurance comparison website and then add in a Fiesta Zetec 1.0 140 and a Fiesta ST as they seem very reasonable on insurance. I also find that STs have more enthusiastic owners so are often cleaner and better looked after. A car you don't have to thrash is often likely to have led an easier life.
As with anything, if you google common issues with these cars, something usually comes up.
The Swift seems fairly reliable.
Personally, I would slam these into an insurance comparison website and then add in a Fiesta Zetec 1.0 140 and a Fiesta ST as they seem very reasonable on insurance. I also find that STs have more enthusiastic owners so are often cleaner and better looked after. A car you don't have to thrash is often likely to have led an easier life.
As with anything, if you google common issues with these cars, something usually comes up.
The local and pretty big BMW main dealer service centre near me had to separate the MINI side out to another location because it was causing huge delays for BMW owners. That says enough for me!
Suzuki Swift Sport would be my choice of the two but I agree in that you'll probably want more power sooner than later and would look for something turbocharged that you could remap in time to prolong ownership.
Suzuki Swift Sport would be my choice of the two but I agree in that you'll probably want more power sooner than later and would look for something turbocharged that you could remap in time to prolong ownership.
I have a zc32 the shape your looking at and its great. Now mine has a cage and bucket seats etc but it has all the toys bluetooth, usb, aux, aircon, folding mirrors, autolights etc and is great on fuel. Travelled to europe and even when thrashing it it gets brilliant econonmy.
Easy to work on and fix if need be. Even in the current state its comfy.
You really get alot for your money. They go well have to rev them all the way and in the twisty bits handle brilliant.
If you get a early one the zc31 you get less power but they are cheap now.
Easy to work on and fix if need be. Even in the current state its comfy.
You really get alot for your money. They go well have to rev them all the way and in the twisty bits handle brilliant.
If you get a early one the zc31 you get less power but they are cheap now.
Can't comment on the Mini, but now on my fourth Suzuki. 2017 Baleno Boosterjet, the Swift's anonymous cousin. Very similar, on the same chassis (currently).
Pros: cheap to own, insurance £200, VED £140, 57 MPG. Annual service just gone £147. Japanese built cam-chain engine.
Drive is not luxurious but car is 'brisk' for a 111HP shopping car. Very competant daily drive, space for five people at a push. More fun than you'd think. OK on long trips to Brussels and back. Good boot space.
SZ-T is better spec (Nav unit & Aircon) than the base SZ-3, SZ-5 gets dual zone aircon, radar brakes and cruise.
Cons: Interior is adequate, but not thrilling. Torsion bar rear suspension hops about a bit if you get too frisky with the Go pedal. People come up to you in car parks asking 'what is it?'
I haven't had a mechanical or electrical problem with any of the Suzukis I've owned, other than self-inflicted ones with flat batteries so I keep buying them because they don't give me any grief.
Suggest you test drive Mini and Swift (Or a Baleno.) Better Mini interior might tempt, or the 'better' Suzuki reliability. Mini may have increased residuals at sale time.
Many demonstrators appear around December, so a 'pre-reg' car could be 10% cheaper.
Pros: cheap to own, insurance £200, VED £140, 57 MPG. Annual service just gone £147. Japanese built cam-chain engine.
Drive is not luxurious but car is 'brisk' for a 111HP shopping car. Very competant daily drive, space for five people at a push. More fun than you'd think. OK on long trips to Brussels and back. Good boot space.
SZ-T is better spec (Nav unit & Aircon) than the base SZ-3, SZ-5 gets dual zone aircon, radar brakes and cruise.
Cons: Interior is adequate, but not thrilling. Torsion bar rear suspension hops about a bit if you get too frisky with the Go pedal. People come up to you in car parks asking 'what is it?'
I haven't had a mechanical or electrical problem with any of the Suzukis I've owned, other than self-inflicted ones with flat batteries so I keep buying them because they don't give me any grief.
Suggest you test drive Mini and Swift (Or a Baleno.) Better Mini interior might tempt, or the 'better' Suzuki reliability. Mini may have increased residuals at sale time.
Many demonstrators appear around December, so a 'pre-reg' car could be 10% cheaper.
LuS1fer said:
I seem to read a lot of horror stories about MINI engines and the B38 is no exception although I have no personal experience of it.
The Swift seems fairly reliable.
Personally, I would slam these into an insurance comparison website and then add in a Fiesta Zetec 1.0 140 and a Fiesta ST as they seem very reasonable on insurance. I also find that STs have more enthusiastic owners so are often cleaner and better looked after. A car you don't have to thrash is often likely to have led an easier life.
As with anything, if you google common issues with these cars, something usually comes up.
Ok thanks for the heads up on the mini I did read quite a few horror stories regarding the engines in the cooper s, foolishly I didn't even think to look up comment faults on the 1.5. I have looked at the 140 fiestas before but never bothered even looking at the insurance to due me living in a bit of a rough area and every other week someone's fiesta ( or any other car that doesn't take a petrol head to know it's good fun) seems to go missing, but having read what you put I thought I'd check the insurance out as it only takes a matter of 5 mins and I was very surprised it's £1100 which is less than £100 more than the swift! I know the fiestas are brilliant cars aswell as my mate let me have a short blast in his one (only 1.25) but it is a very fun and engaging car, anyway so I thought I'd have a look at the st on insurance just so I could laugh at the crazy price they want but amazingly that is just £800! Most certainly will be looking at the beginning of next year for a test drive! The Swift seems fairly reliable.
Personally, I would slam these into an insurance comparison website and then add in a Fiesta Zetec 1.0 140 and a Fiesta ST as they seem very reasonable on insurance. I also find that STs have more enthusiastic owners so are often cleaner and better looked after. A car you don't have to thrash is often likely to have led an easier life.
As with anything, if you google common issues with these cars, something usually comes up.
Pappyjohn said:
Get the pug GTi. It's great and 8 grand will get you a good one. After a mini or swift sport you'll only want something faster so get it now if insurance isn't a problem.
Otherwise swift sport for me for reliability. The mini has a feel good factor that many cars can't replicate.
Otherwise swift sport for me for reliability. The mini has a feel good factor that many cars can't replicate.
ninjag said:
The local and pretty big BMW main dealer service centre near me had to separate the MINI side out to another location because it was causing huge delays for BMW owners. That says enough for me!
Suzuki Swift Sport would be my choice of the two but I agree in that you'll probably want more power sooner than later and would look for something turbocharged that you could remap in time to prolong ownership.
I do think about what if I get a swift then the inevitable craving for more power comes quickly, I may end up selling then swift after a year and losing a couple of grand wishing I had just immediately gone for a 208 or something similar. I think the thing that is in the back of my mind though is the fact it is a very large jump in power from my little 107, I suppose the swift would possibly be a stepping stone unless I really fell in love with it. The insurance isn't a problem as if I remember correctly the 208 was actually around 50-100 pounds cheaper! My final worry about the 208 is the likely hood of waking up one morning to find it's not on the drive where I left it.with saying that though if I am ever to by a performance spec car whether it be a GTI, ST or anything else I would get it de-badged immediately so hopefully nobody would clock on Suzuki Swift Sport would be my choice of the two but I agree in that you'll probably want more power sooner than later and would look for something turbocharged that you could remap in time to prolong ownership.
Kev_Mk3 said:
I have a zc32 the shape your looking at and its great. Now mine has a cage and bucket seats etc but it has all the toys bluetooth, usb, aux, aircon, folding mirrors, autolights etc and is great on fuel. Travelled to europe and even when thrashing it it gets brilliant econonmy.
Easy to work on and fix if need be. Even in the current state its comfy.
You really get alot for your money. They go well have to rev them all the way and in the twisty bits handle brilliant.
If you get a early one the zc31 you get less power but they are cheap now.
Easy to work on and fix if need be. Even in the current state its comfy.
You really get alot for your money. They go well have to rev them all the way and in the twisty bits handle brilliant.
If you get a early one the zc31 you get less power but they are cheap now.
Slushbox said:
Can't comment on the Mini, but now on my fourth Suzuki. 2017 Baleno Boosterjet, the Swift's anonymous cousin. Very similar, on the same chassis (currently).
Pros: cheap to own, insurance £200, VED £140, 57 MPG. Annual service just gone £147. Japanese built cam-chain engine.
Drive is not luxurious but car is 'brisk' for a 111HP shopping car. Very competant daily drive, space for five people at a push. More fun than you'd think. OK on long trips to Brussels and back. Good boot space.
SZ-T is better spec (Nav unit & Aircon) than the base SZ-3, SZ-5 gets dual zone aircon, radar brakes and cruise.
Cons: Interior is adequate, but not thrilling. Torsion bar rear suspension hops about a bit if you get too frisky with the Go pedal. People come up to you in car parks asking 'what is it?'
I haven't had a mechanical or electrical problem with any of the Suzukis I've owned, other than self-inflicted ones with flat batteries so I keep buying them because they don't give me any grief.
Suggest you test drive Mini and Swift (Or a Baleno.) Better Mini interior might tempt, or the 'better' Suzuki reliability. Mini may have increased residuals at sale time.
Many demonstrators appear around December, so a 'pre-reg' car could be 10% cheaper.
The reliability of the suzuki is one of the factors that it is really appealing to me and Kev_Mk3 mentioning its easy to work on is good news as I'm not great with working on cars can do simple things on both my car and bike but I don't have much skill when it comes to mechanical work. When it comes to interior I think it looks quite smart not amazing but good enough and I think after spending a year in my 107 anything with air con and a dab radio will feel like pure luxury! Also as for people coming up and asking 'what it is' actually appeals to me, I like the thought of having something different that people won't know unless they are a bit of a petrol head. Although i do understand if it is a regular occurrence it would get on your nerves. I Have to admit in the 4 years i have on the road never saw a baleno! Good looking cars though they look very similar to the Ibizas.Pros: cheap to own, insurance £200, VED £140, 57 MPG. Annual service just gone £147. Japanese built cam-chain engine.
Drive is not luxurious but car is 'brisk' for a 111HP shopping car. Very competant daily drive, space for five people at a push. More fun than you'd think. OK on long trips to Brussels and back. Good boot space.
SZ-T is better spec (Nav unit & Aircon) than the base SZ-3, SZ-5 gets dual zone aircon, radar brakes and cruise.
Cons: Interior is adequate, but not thrilling. Torsion bar rear suspension hops about a bit if you get too frisky with the Go pedal. People come up to you in car parks asking 'what is it?'
I haven't had a mechanical or electrical problem with any of the Suzukis I've owned, other than self-inflicted ones with flat batteries so I keep buying them because they don't give me any grief.
Suggest you test drive Mini and Swift (Or a Baleno.) Better Mini interior might tempt, or the 'better' Suzuki reliability. Mini may have increased residuals at sale time.
Many demonstrators appear around December, so a 'pre-reg' car could be 10% cheaper.
Sorry for the delayed response! Every time I went to reply it would direct me to a page about new users have been temporarily banned from replying.
Bear in mind the 208 uses the same Prince engine as the Mini with it's reliabilty issues. I looked at an orange GTi and very nice it was too but two people who work for a Peugeot dealer told me to walk away, that's all I'm saying.... plus the ST was just a better drive.
If the ST is cheaper on insurance, surely it's a no-brainer - just go for an ST2 (part leather, bum warmers, DAB radio) as the ST3 has the constant key signal which unlocks the doors as you approach but makes theft easy.
There is a recall out for early STs (my last one was a 63 plate and I had the letter but traded it for a 65 plate to avoid it).
I really would not worry about the jump in power and performance, a throttle is operated by your foot and has a slow setting. Worth bearing in mind that the ST is an easy drive, lots of low down torque and with 6 gears, 37-40mpg is the norm. I think the 140 has 5 gears - I originally went looking for one but after driving the ST, the 140 was instantly dismissed.
I have never yet had an issue with theft - most body kit thieves tend to target dealers. Maybe go for black which is less obviously an ST and take the badges off - wheels are a giveaway but people aftermarket those anyway. Could have them painted black...
If the ST is cheaper on insurance, surely it's a no-brainer - just go for an ST2 (part leather, bum warmers, DAB radio) as the ST3 has the constant key signal which unlocks the doors as you approach but makes theft easy.
There is a recall out for early STs (my last one was a 63 plate and I had the letter but traded it for a 65 plate to avoid it).
I really would not worry about the jump in power and performance, a throttle is operated by your foot and has a slow setting. Worth bearing in mind that the ST is an easy drive, lots of low down torque and with 6 gears, 37-40mpg is the norm. I think the 140 has 5 gears - I originally went looking for one but after driving the ST, the 140 was instantly dismissed.
I have never yet had an issue with theft - most body kit thieves tend to target dealers. Maybe go for black which is less obviously an ST and take the badges off - wheels are a giveaway but people aftermarket those anyway. Could have them painted black...
I'd go for the ST also, it ticks lots of boxes and will probably be the most fun also. I always go for top spec when buying cars if possible because I like things like auto headlights, auto wipers, power fold mirrors etc but if that's not important and if the security thing is an issue then ST2.
I've driven a 1.5 Turbo Mini Cooper briefly as a courtesy car and really didn't like it.
It sounded like a diesel, felt stupidly highly geared and only really picked up when you revved the nuts off it. Mrs Tidy's R56 Cooper is a much better drive.
I think I'd be looking for one of the last naturally aspirated Swift Sports, but realise that isn't an option if the OP has to have new.
It sounded like a diesel, felt stupidly highly geared and only really picked up when you revved the nuts off it. Mrs Tidy's R56 Cooper is a much better drive.
I think I'd be looking for one of the last naturally aspirated Swift Sports, but realise that isn't an option if the OP has to have new.
I think that's what attracts me to the swift so much! It being the last of the N/A, that being said though it is also keyless entry and start so I think it is just the simple case of getting a steering wheel lock to deter any chancers! Hopefully the ST drops in price after Christmas as that will really make my decision much easier. even after reading all the horror stories of the zetec s eco boost engines I had a look at them as I thought the suspension would be abit more forgiving than the ST, it astonished me that they command pretty much the same price at the ST!
LuS1fer said:
Bear in mind the 208 uses the same Prince engine as the Mini with it's reliabilty issues. I looked at an orange GTi and very nice it was too but two people who work for a Peugeot dealer told me to walk away, that's all I'm saying.... plus the ST was just a better drive.
If the ST is cheaper on insurance, surely it's a no-brainer - just go for an ST2 (part leather, bum warmers, DAB radio) as the ST3 has the constant key signal which unlocks the doors as you approach but makes theft easy.
There is a recall out for early STs (my last one was a 63 plate and I had the letter but traded it for a 65 plate to avoid it).
I really would not worry about the jump in power and performance, a throttle is operated by your foot and has a slow setting. Worth bearing in mind that the ST is an easy drive, lots of low down torque and with 6 gears, 37-40mpg is the norm. I think the 140 has 5 gears - I originally went looking for one but after driving the ST, the 140 was instantly dismissed.
I have never yet had an issue with theft - most body kit thieves tend to target dealers. Maybe go for black which is less obviously an ST and take the badges off - wheels are a giveaway but people aftermarket those anyway. Could have them painted black...
That's the 208 off the list for sure then haha! Yeah I did look at the 140 zetec s myself as I read the suspension was more forgiving but they want the same price for ST with the same milage. Personally I just couldn't spend the money on it knowing I could have got an ST instead If the ST is cheaper on insurance, surely it's a no-brainer - just go for an ST2 (part leather, bum warmers, DAB radio) as the ST3 has the constant key signal which unlocks the doors as you approach but makes theft easy.
There is a recall out for early STs (my last one was a 63 plate and I had the letter but traded it for a 65 plate to avoid it).
I really would not worry about the jump in power and performance, a throttle is operated by your foot and has a slow setting. Worth bearing in mind that the ST is an easy drive, lots of low down torque and with 6 gears, 37-40mpg is the norm. I think the 140 has 5 gears - I originally went looking for one but after driving the ST, the 140 was instantly dismissed.
I have never yet had an issue with theft - most body kit thieves tend to target dealers. Maybe go for black which is less obviously an ST and take the badges off - wheels are a giveaway but people aftermarket those anyway. Could have them painted black...
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