Mini versus fiat 500

[sawman]

Looking at picking up a small car for me to run as a commuter and also for my new driver daughter to use. I will be taking a lease car from work laternext year so she will use it all the time then hopefully until she has finished uni when she can buy her own.

Budget wise up to 5k which seems to get me into 2012 500s or 2008/09 minis . Which would be a better ownership proposition . I have never driven a mini but have had a few goes in a 500 (i quite like the twinair!)

[Yipper]

If it's for work, then it's probably worth getting a more manly car. Something like a Focus ST.

[sawman]

Thanks for the input....
Not quite as helpful as I was hoping

[steve-5snwi]

Both nice cars, the twin air suits the 500, both have niggles, The mini is better built and feels nice inside, it has a better driving position and you can sit low, the 500 you sit high and the steering only adjusts for rake.

Both would make very good used buys, the 500 might cost you slightly less to run but would be more fussy on oil and oil changes. Drive both and see what you prefer, i suspect you would prefer the mini and your daughter the 500. As a Mini owner I really should side with the Mini but i think the TA 500 being slightly newer might just pip it.

[sawman]

Useful, thanks i think I’ll have to go for a spin in a mini

[alorotom]

Yipper said:

If it's for work, then it's probably worth getting a more manly car. Something like a Focus ST.

This can’t be serious ... if so thank god I don’t have to work with misogynistic people like this

I’d go with the 500 personally, I’ve had a few as rentals (FOR WORK) this year and loved them, I’m contemplating replacing my Q7 with either a 595or 695 next year

[Rayy]

If your daughter is young and has only just got her licence, it’s likely that insurance costs will decide things so check this first.

Otherwise Having driven both lately I’d say a mini feels much more ‘solid ‘ and will be better to drive.

[sawman]

Rayy said:

If your daughter is young and has only just got her licence, it’s likely that insurance costs will decide things so check this first.

Otherwise Having driven both lately I’d say a mini feels much more ‘solid ‘ and will be better to drive.

Not much difference in insurance from what i csn see. In some cases mini is cheaper, which surprised me a bit

[Kawasicki]

if you prefer bar stool seating, take the 500.

[Challo]

Driven both and I prefer the 500. Fun to drive, cheap, can get some cool colour schemes and will be easy for your daughter to drive.