2 Cars vs 1 Do it all?
Discussion
Hi everyone, been a while since I've posted despite lurking everyday, but now I could use some advice so here goes.
Currently I've got an Elise for fun weekend blasts, short trips & a R56 JCW Mini for my commute to work.
I've just moved into my first home so I'm considering the benefits of single car running costs. With my commute now ~40 miles a day (90% on the motorway), the miles on the mini are adding up and it feels a little out of its depth, I had also planned to sell the Elise this year after the move, but I struggle with how to replace the void they'll both leave, I've become very fond of both cars and would miss them both a lot.
There's not a lot out there that really stands out to me as a replacement for both, F80 M3 & Giulia QF are tempting but with fuel & energy costs increasing I'm not sure that's such a good idea. Although part of me thinks sod it, go for it, before we're forced into EV's.
The upcoming Civic Type R & the manual Supra appeals to me, but the depreciation hit is a put off. Overall I need a bit of a steer in the right direction, so appreciate any advice, cheers!
Currently I've got an Elise for fun weekend blasts, short trips & a R56 JCW Mini for my commute to work.
I've just moved into my first home so I'm considering the benefits of single car running costs. With my commute now ~40 miles a day (90% on the motorway), the miles on the mini are adding up and it feels a little out of its depth, I had also planned to sell the Elise this year after the move, but I struggle with how to replace the void they'll both leave, I've become very fond of both cars and would miss them both a lot.
There's not a lot out there that really stands out to me as a replacement for both, F80 M3 & Giulia QF are tempting but with fuel & energy costs increasing I'm not sure that's such a good idea. Although part of me thinks sod it, go for it, before we're forced into EV's.
The upcoming Civic Type R & the manual Supra appeals to me, but the depreciation hit is a put off. Overall I need a bit of a steer in the right direction, so appreciate any advice, cheers!
I have an F56 MCS with the JCW suspension and I love it but was considering also adding an Elise to the fleet. I would therefore be very grateful to know how you think your two compare?
In terms of your question though, I don't think you will find anything more enjoyable to drive and everything newer (e.g. new Supra) will be dulled down in comparison. For Minis I personally preferred the handling of the F56 over the R56 so you could look at getting a newer mini which is also surprisingly good at fuel economy on motorways (I get over 40 if I'm sensible on the motorway!).
In terms of your question though, I don't think you will find anything more enjoyable to drive and everything newer (e.g. new Supra) will be dulled down in comparison. For Minis I personally preferred the handling of the F56 over the R56 so you could look at getting a newer mini which is also surprisingly good at fuel economy on motorways (I get over 40 if I'm sensible on the motorway!).
Paul-scaa2 said:
I have an F56 MCS with the JCW suspension and I love it but was considering also adding an Elise to the fleet. I would therefore be very grateful to know how you think your two compare?
In terms of your question though, I don't think you will find anything more enjoyable to drive and everything newer (e.g. new Supra) will be dulled down in comparison. For Minis I personally preferred the handling of the F56 over the R56 so you could look at getting a newer mini which is also surprisingly good at fuel economy on motorways (I get over 40 if I'm sensible on the motorway!).
Thanks I'll give the F56 a go, anything you'd recommend looking out for on those? As for the comparison between the two;In terms of your question though, I don't think you will find anything more enjoyable to drive and everything newer (e.g. new Supra) will be dulled down in comparison. For Minis I personally preferred the handling of the F56 over the R56 so you could look at getting a newer mini which is also surprisingly good at fuel economy on motorways (I get over 40 if I'm sensible on the motorway!).
They are very different to each other but both offer good fun on the right roads. Mini has the creature comforts, better visibility and overall it's performance is more accessible more of the time. I actually prefer the pedal feedback & progression of the brakes over the Elise as well, the JCW stoppers are mighty!
But it doesn't produce the smiles the Elise does, I've got the supercharged one so it feels properly quick, makes a great noise and almost feels like an extension of yourself when you're driving it. I've rarely driven them directly back to back but after being in the Elise, the mini feels tall & the steering quite numb but altogether a bit easier to hustle along.
I was worried I'd find the Elise uncomfortable, aside from getting in / out of it, it's surprisingly comfortable. I'd recommend earplugs or semi noise cancelling earbuds for any long motorway trips, but absolutely doable.
A lot of useful info out there for Elise shopping, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!
Dblue said:
Probably get a commuter car that can better cope with that but one car to do it all - stay away from the 500bhp saloons , big costs but nowhere near as engaging as something like an FK8 Type R. Get a real low mileage facelift car rather than buy new . Does it all in my experience
FK8 seems like a great fit for a do-it-all option, I'm just not 100% sold on it's looks, it seems the upcoming model is a bit more subtle so I think I'll hold on until more info is available or even a test drive before I'll decide what to do.That's how I bought the Mini, definitely more comfortable with that idea as well, appreciate the input!
It seems a financial decision is being made, as well as a need for a decent commuter car.
We used to own a VX220 and a first gen MINI. So I understand how the cars you have get under your skin.
Personally, I would keep the Elise and then get a boring diesel commuting shed.....a Passat or Octavia commuter perhaps? As someone else mentioned it will make the Elise seem more special and you will have a comfortable commuter with lower running costs.
We used to own a VX220 and a first gen MINI. So I understand how the cars you have get under your skin.
Personally, I would keep the Elise and then get a boring diesel commuting shed.....a Passat or Octavia commuter perhaps? As someone else mentioned it will make the Elise seem more special and you will have a comfortable commuter with lower running costs.
Finances are one thing and maybe they get the last say. Two sets of insurance, MOTs and tax are undeniably an expense.
On the other hand, I reckon that if you replace both cars with one BMW or similar warmed up generic car and you sit in it for a 40 mile commute each day, you will probably never go out for a weekend blast again since in reality you'll spend so much time in it already. Moreover, you'll be paying big running costs for a car you drive the same as a 31whateverthesmallestdieselisnowadays droning along a motorway.
Needs must and all that, but compromise cars are usually mediocre at everything. It'll be too big, fat, isolated and dull to properly replace the Elise, it'll cost a lot more to run than a motorway droner needs to, and after having to spend Monday to Friday in it, the last thing I'd be thinking sounds fun is driving the same car again pretending I'm having fun.
Then again, not everyone thinks like me.
On the other hand, I reckon that if you replace both cars with one BMW or similar warmed up generic car and you sit in it for a 40 mile commute each day, you will probably never go out for a weekend blast again since in reality you'll spend so much time in it already. Moreover, you'll be paying big running costs for a car you drive the same as a 31whateverthesmallestdieselisnowadays droning along a motorway.
Needs must and all that, but compromise cars are usually mediocre at everything. It'll be too big, fat, isolated and dull to properly replace the Elise, it'll cost a lot more to run than a motorway droner needs to, and after having to spend Monday to Friday in it, the last thing I'd be thinking sounds fun is driving the same car again pretending I'm having fun.
Then again, not everyone thinks like me.
SamCar10 said:
Thanks I'll give the F56 a go, anything you'd recommend looking out for on those? As for the comparison between the two;
They are very different to each other but both offer good fun on the right roads. Mini has the creature comforts, better visibility and overall it's performance is more accessible more of the time. I actually prefer the pedal feedback & progression of the brakes over the Elise as well, the JCW stoppers are mighty!
But it doesn't produce the smiles the Elise does, I've got the supercharged one so it feels properly quick, makes a great noise and almost feels like an extension of yourself when you're driving it. I've rarely driven them directly back to back but after being in the Elise, the mini feels tall & the steering quite numb but altogether a bit easier to hustle along.
I was worried I'd find the Elise uncomfortable, aside from getting in / out of it, it's surprisingly comfortable. I'd recommend earplugs or semi noise cancelling earbuds for any long motorway trips, but absolutely doable.
A lot of useful info out there for Elise shopping, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!
Thanks for the comparison, I really appreciate it. They are very different to each other but both offer good fun on the right roads. Mini has the creature comforts, better visibility and overall it's performance is more accessible more of the time. I actually prefer the pedal feedback & progression of the brakes over the Elise as well, the JCW stoppers are mighty!
But it doesn't produce the smiles the Elise does, I've got the supercharged one so it feels properly quick, makes a great noise and almost feels like an extension of yourself when you're driving it. I've rarely driven them directly back to back but after being in the Elise, the mini feels tall & the steering quite numb but altogether a bit easier to hustle along.
I was worried I'd find the Elise uncomfortable, aside from getting in / out of it, it's surprisingly comfortable. I'd recommend earplugs or semi noise cancelling earbuds for any long motorway trips, but absolutely doable.
A lot of useful info out there for Elise shopping, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!
As for what to look for in the F56, I’ve had mine 18 months now from new and nothing has gone wrong at all but I’m sure there are more guides that can point you at what to be aware of. What I would say is that the F56 has undergone updates during its production run and some things are worth bearing in mind or are options to look for:
- tail lights have the union flag from 2018 onwards I believe;
- around this time the infotainment screen size improved and became touchscreen which is no big deal as I still use the controller, however I think apple car play came in here too which might be something you are after for a commuter car;
- it rides better on the 17” wheels than 18”, even though the 17s don’t look as good.
- the JCW suspension is a must so either get a JCW or get one where someone has specced the JCW suspension as an option. Make sure if it’s a JCW they haven’t specced the adaptive suspension because that one goes from soft to very soft.
- pre 2020 ish there was no particulate filter so the pops and bangs are much more prominent, after that they are quite subtle unless you get an aftermarket exhaust.
- pre 2019 there was an option to fit an electronic exhaust cutout that was “for track only” and is really good fun, and not too noisy on the inside either, but they are quite rare to find.
Enjoy, whatever you end up getting!
To echo the others, sell the Mini and get a mid sized diesel for the commute. I would be looking for comfy seats, auto (torque convertor type), adaptive cruse and an excellent sound system.
520d, XF 2.2d, E220d type of car. Maybe even worth looking at the Lexus GS450H if you want to stay away from diesel.
520d, XF 2.2d, E220d type of car. Maybe even worth looking at the Lexus GS450H if you want to stay away from diesel.
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