Which car would you buy with around 6k?

[Minimini]

I'm looking to upgrade my first car which is a 56 Mini one seven for something a bit newer but i can't decide what would be a good buy.

I've been looking at Seat Ibiza's which seem like they would be a good buy for the age and mileage that i could get and similarly Citroen DS3's but I'm a bit wary of buying a Citroen as i would like to keep it for probably the next 2-3 years until I've finished university and start earning properly so i need something quite reliable.

I would ideally love a newer Mini, a BMW 1 series or a Golf but seems like decent ones are a bit out of my price range! I could probably stretch to 7K at a push but i would ideally like to stick to around 6.

Any thoughts? I'm starting to get a bit stressed with car searching already and i have nobody with decent car knowledge in real life to help.

Thanks!

[bobbo89]

As you've suggested a DS3 or an Ibiza i'm guessing you're not needing anything bigger than a small hatch so what other needs/wants are there? Diesel or petrol? Performance? Running costs? etc etc

[Minimini]

There is only me so i don't need anything big. I would like a 1.6 engine, I'm not too worried about fuel costs as i don't do many miles, it's only really used at weekends around town and the occasional road trip. I don't really need a diesel.

[bobbo89]

Have you looked at Suzuki Swift Sports?

[Minimini]

As my Mini currently is a 1.6 i don't really want to go any smaller engine size wise.

[Minimini]

No i hadn't considered them, i will have a look now.

[RobM77]

The MINI is a wonderful car in terms of its connected road feel. You could very easily go backwards in driveability. For example, an FN2 Civic Type R like my wife has would be a good buy for your budget and requirements, but I have to say I prefer the MINI's steering, throttle response, brakes, and general road feel, to the extent that I may actually prefer driving it! If I was in your shoes I'd be looking at an MX5 or a faster and more focused MINI.

[bearman68]

I think 6k is a difficult position to be in. Big bills, and you're force to keep the car and suck it up.
And the cars that you have mentioned certainly have the potential for big bills.

My money would go on a 2k Volvo, Toyota or Ford. Late model (>2010) Focus 1.6 diesel would be a good shout, quite tidy to drive, and economical, with much less potential than a 1 series for big bills. And it would save you about 3k off your budget.

[bobbo89]

RobM77 said:

The MINI is a wonderful car in terms of its connected road feel. You could very easily go backwards in driveability. For example, an FN2 Civic Type R like my wife has would be a good buy for your budget and requirements, but I have to say I prefer the MINI's steering, throttle response, brakes, and general road feel, to the extent that I may actually prefer driving it! If I was in your shoes I'd be looking at an MX5 or a faster and more focused MINI.

The problem with a faster or more focused Mini at this price range is that it'd land him with a Prince engined Cooper S which is a massive no go having owned one! I've also owned an FN2 Type R and whilst OK it doesn't really deserve a Type R badge.

MX5 isn't a bad shout, depends on how much of a driver focused car he wants....

[Minimini]

I know i seem to be in a difficult position budget wise, not old, but old enough to start potentially costing money! I may try and save up a little more to try and get something a bit better.

[Minimini]

What years of Mini's should i avoid? I've seen a couple of 2012's in my price range.

[Nickp82]

bobbo89 said:

Have you looked at Suzuki Swift Sports?

I would definitely have a Swift Sport personally, they are great to drive, reliable and reasonable to run in terms of cost.
Ideally you want a Mk2 with the Nav update (came in on a 63 plate I think) as this had DAB etc too but not sure if they have dropped to £6k yet.

[RobM77]

bobbo89 said:

RobM77 said:

The MINI is a wonderful car in terms of its connected road feel. You could very easily go backwards in driveability. For example, an FN2 Civic Type R like my wife has would be a good buy for your budget and requirements, but I have to say I prefer the MINI's steering, throttle response, brakes, and general road feel, to the extent that I may actually prefer driving it! If I was in your shoes I'd be looking at an MX5 or a faster and more focused MINI.

The problem with a faster or more focused Mini at this price range is that it'd land him with a Prince engined Cooper S which is a massive no go having owned one! I've also owned an FN2 Type R and whilst OK it doesn't really deserve a Type R badge.

MX5 isn't a bad shout, depends on how much of a driver focused car he wants....

I was very careful to say 'faster and more focused MINI' and not Prince engine Cooper S.... There are lots of other options available, from an earlier Cooper S, to something non-factory standard. I'm just worried that the OP will have got used to the MINI's general feel and responses and will be disappointed by most other cars thereafter - it's what happened to my wife after her first car, a Ford Ka.

Having experienced and driven a lot of Type Rs, I think the FN2 does deserve to be compared to the rest from a performance, engine, gearbox and handling perspective. What lets it down in my opinion are the controls: the steering, brakes and throttle are way too sensitive at the beginning of their travel. I find it a very frustrating car to drive from that point of view.

[Minimini]

I think thats part of my problem, even though i have a budget three times what my Mini cost me, nothing seems like it compares to my Mini! Everything seems like a bit of a downgrade.

[bobbo89]

Minimini said:

I think thats part of my problem, even though i have a budget three times what my Mini cost me, nothing seems like it compares to my Mini! Everything seems like a bit of a downgrade.

They are quite nice places to be, especially for what you pay for them! Think there was an upgrade to the Prince engine around 2012 although not sure. Basically they coke up like hell, burn oil for fun and break cam chain tensioners resulting in ‘death rattle’. Shocking engine!

[Minimini]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

These are the ones I've been looking at, although the newer one is only a Mini One and not a cooper but it seems like a good price.

[troika]

I’d be buying a nearly new Toyota Aygo with the balance of 5 year warranty.

[bobbo89]

It’s only the Cooper S with the turbo engine you need to worry about, no issues AFAIK with the NA Cooper engine

[ZX10R NIN]

With your price point in mind I'd actually grab something like an Alfa Giulietta with it's well proven 1.4T drivetrain, I know you said you didn't want anything less than a 1.6 but that engine has more torque/bhp than your Mini.

Although the cars below are a bit bigger than you were looking at because they're warm hatches they're quick & capable of having fun with, in comparison to Supermini's they won't be as sharp but they're entertaining nonetheless.

Giulietta Veloce although you will have to stretch the budget a smidge but that'll be dependent on your haggling skills.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Astra GTC 1.6T SRI These are good VFM with a potent engine & a decent chassis:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

2.0T Megane Coupe Privilege

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Dynamique

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

1.4T GT Line

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Peugeot RCZ GT

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

1.6T 208 Feline

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

2.0 C30 R Design

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

More mainstream but not necessarily better options are the options below:

1.6T Focus Zetec S these are very hard to in 180 spec but worth seeking out & they're a very good steer

Ibiza FR but these don't represent good value vs performance:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Abarth 500

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mini Cooper S Coupe

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Cooper S

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Minimini]

I really like those Alfa Romeo's actually.