T'other half changing cars.....Worth it?

[WorAl]

Currently the OH is running a 60 Reg Fiat 500, still in warranty, Full Dealer History, only 15k miles Etc, she loves the car, but as she is a bit of a Petrolhead, she wants to change and try something different, but justifying it is difficult as she only does around 5,000 miles a year.

She's looking to change the car to buy a Mini Cooper Diseasle (cheaper to tax/insure than a petrol version, so only option she is considering). Problem being, she can't afford a new one, so in her price range would be a 58 Reg car with around 40k miles on the clock. The car comes with a manufacturers warranty for a year, so that isn't a problem, however, it's an older car with almost 3x the mileage on the clock.

I'm finding it difficult to justify changing apart from saying, "if that's what you really want, get it". Any PH words of wisdom? This is rather like those silly new car threads where people mention a new Focus RS for £35k then someone chirps up with, "well you could have a 15 year old Ferrari for the same price". You see my problem?

[Willy Nilly]

It's not worth it, but if that's what the lady wants...

[Fantuzzi]

Whats the price limit, tax limit, mpg wants?

Or is she really set on a Mini...

[WorAl]

Fantuzzi said:

Whats the price limit, tax limit, mpg wants?

Or is she really set on a Mini...

Just the Mini, or keep the car she has.

[bigandclever]

'Loving' her current car and wanting to change it for a leggier, older, diesel isn't being a 'Petrolhead' - it's being fickle

But we all make daft decisions just because, so why not?

[Fantuzzi]

mrcoffee said:

Are they not very similar cars...?

Why change from a brand new, petrol city car with warranty, to an older diesel city car with 3x mileage.

I dont know why if you want a fun car you would jump to, and only to, a diesel mini....

[WorAl]

Fantuzzi said:

mrcoffee said:

Are they not very similar cars...?

Why change from a brand new, petrol city car with warranty, to an older diesel city car with 3x mileage.

I dont know why if you want a fun car you would jump to, and only to, a diesel mini....

Nothing about being more fun really, just fancying a change of car to a Mini, but the fact she has to go to an older/higher miles car is causing issues, if they'd been the same age/mileage, she'd have had it by now. The reason the derv came around was because, they have similar running costs to the current jeloppy.

[Bill]

It's not worth changing for something so dull IMO. The new car thing will wear off pdq, and then she's left with a diesel Mini. And she's going to take a bath on the depreciation on the Fiat before paying top dollar for a diesel that she doesn't need.

[V88Dicky]

If she's only doing 'city' miles, the last thing she wants is a diesel, she'll spend more in the process.

Ask her to try a Swift Sport.

[wiliferus]

Is it the diesel thing thats swinging it, or the Mini? Surely she'd get better value for money from a Cooper S as Dervs tend to have better residuals, and at 5k at year the difference in running costs are nominal.

[Fantuzzi]

Has she driven a Mini to see if she prefers it, I found the 500 rather fun. If she fancys a change perhaps something a little more coupe shaped if you havnt got kids (Im imagining no given the 500s rear leg room...).

[mattuk89]

+1 on the cooper S, as stated if shes only doing 5k, then a diesel is pointless, at least she can have a bit of fun in the supercharged 1.6 , if thats what she is into, and still has a mini.

[Kolbenkopp]

Wonder what she thinks the Mini could do better that a 500. Handling is a bit better probably when pushed, or is it the torque that is lacking? IMO help her figure out exactly what the cost of change will be. Probably enough to fund running a cheap classic as a weekend car. The Mini doesn't make sense IMO, modern diesel + short trips = potential big bills.

If she likes driving, try getting her into a Swift Sport. Not much bling or badge, but an cracking little warm hatch.

[VxDuncan]

She has a good car that she likes. But is bored and wants to change.

Her life is currently meaningless, she's bored witless. Nothing to focus her mind on.

She should consider Travel, Babies or recreational pharmaceuticals.

Or take up knitting.

[GroundEffect]

How much less are we talking to insure/tax a diesel?

Remember, at 5,000 miles a petrol is cheaper to run considering they cost less to begin with.

[23rdian]

Pointless IMO

What's the obsession with Derv when you do this kind of mileage to save a few pennies on road tax?

If she really wants a BINI at least get a fun one

[mat777]

A diesel BINI on 5k miles a year? She wont make up the higher fuel costs with extra economy doing such a small mileage. Also, have fun with clogged DPFs on all those short journeys

[wildcat45]

Would she not consider an Abarth 500?

[Pints]

It's all been said already. Getting a diesel for only 5k a year is madness.
If she claims petrolhead credentials and wants a MINI, get a Cooper S.

[Vince70]

Can't you get her a mini first, I think they are less than 11 grand new and it's got to be nearly as economical as a diesel without the hassle.