What to get next; 1 Series, A3 or Golf?

[Lightly_Salted]

So this would technically be my second car, after my current 2007 Mini One. I've still got some time to go before my insurance goes down enough to make owning one of the above reasonable, and to have some savings behind me, but hell the idea is on my mind so I'm asking the question anyway!

So, the Mini is getting on, I do love the little thing but one day it'll either give up it's go, or I will bid it farewell. I'm looking at the following options as a 'next car';

- A BMW 1 Series (Ideally the more nippy ones, the 120D is nice but insurance may say "NO!").

- An Audi A3 (Again, I want some power behind the wheel, I absolutely love the interior of the A3).

- A newer model Golf (They actually look quite nice, I was suprised at the design and quality imo, but I didn't really know what to expect).

Now I plan on going second hand. I mean, it's going to be my second car after my Mini, it's only fitting? That and I don't really need a brand new one. I'm talking low mileage, good service history second hand btw all from 2015 onwards at around £7k-£9k, not one that hasn't been serviced since it was purchased and somehow has 300k+ miles on it going for £50 and a snickers.

The exterior of the BMW is nice, but the interior is no where near as nice as the A3 in my opinion. The Golf is just a middle ground really. I know the basic stuff (What makes my eyes go "Oooooooo"), but about the stuff I don't know that more experienced minds will be able to answer; What would each be like in terms of maintenance? General cost? What they're like to daily drive? How functional are they? And going from such a diddy little car like the Mini One, would size be of an issue?

Is finance a good/bad idea for purchasing a second hand car? Would I might as well just go for a new car on finance?

Ah, I've blagged on, I'll stop. Any input will be appreciated! (Depends, I suppose....)

Cheers!

[DrFeelAverage]

I had almost the same car progression as you, when my '08 Golf went bang I borrowed my sisters 2007 Mini One for a month as a stopgap.
I then bought a 2014 Golf 1.6 TDI. It's very practical and well made, nicely laid out interior, and has loads of useful features like all round parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, touchscreen, bluetooth, adjustable boot floor etc.
Downsides are because its a 105ps diesel its not very quick, and because its a lower powered one it doesn't have independent rear suspension. Not a problem if you're getting from A to B but if you want to drive spiritedly it won't feel as good as your R56 Mini for example. I also have the 5 speed manual which is fine, but the ratios feel weirdly spaced.
It does indicated 60+ mpg on the motorway journeys I use it for, hasn't gone wrong in 20k miles and I bought outright with a warranty from an Eden garage.
If I'd had more funds when buying, I'd have bought a 1.4 TSI, ideally with the DSG, although that gearbox has been known to have some problems.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say look at the Focus it's a good car for sensible money.

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

[Mr Tidy]

Tricky decision you have there.

In 2008 I bought a pre-registered 123d that I kept for over 6 years and 80K miles - then I started reading about BMW N47 engine crank-shaft issues, so I sold it and bought a BMW Z4 Coupe.

Since then all my BMWs have had a petrol straight 6 petrol engine!

If you could manage the insurance you really ought to try a 130i as it has a great engine.

Sorry I can't help with your other options though.