Where'd you put your money out of these 3?

[thenortherner]

I've owned a Cooper S Works 210 before, and a 2017 ST-3, so I've a good idea how they'll drive - albeit I've not had a JCW which is a notch up from the S Works.

MINIs usually depreciate heavily in my experience - I've had 4 - but the last 12 months have seen 3 door MINIs increase in price proportionally more than most have in these crazy times of used car prices.

I'd be looking to stick with the car for 18 months or so. I do around 15-18k miles a year. Equipment levels are slightly better on the Ford. The MINI has the JCW Pro Exhaust - I know they won't appeal to some, but I thought it was great. I also do a track day or two a year as well.

I'm more thinking of values in the next 18 months, and whether the near enough £5,000 gap between them is justified between the ST-3 and the JCW, let alone the massive premium of the ST200.

What'd you buy any why?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111059...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111269...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109247...

Running costs should be much of a muchness. All will get 40+ mpg on a run fairly easily.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd take the ST-3 the standard car is a peach but if I was doing 18k a year in one I would definitely change the springs for some Mountune ones as these improve the ride & lose none of the handling, while you're there you may as well add a (because why not) remap.

Depreciation will be similar on all of them.

At 19k I'd be tempted to get the newer 1.5T Fiesta:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111229...

Or the 308 PS270 GTI which is an absolutey cracking steer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111139...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112090...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Sunday 19th December 21:34

[thenortherner]

ZX10R NIN said:

I'd take the ST-3 the standard car is a peach but if I was doing 18k a year in one I would definitely change the springs for some Mountune ones as these improve the ride & lose none of the handling, while you're there you may as well add a (because why not) remap.

Thanks. I found the ride on my old 2017 firm but nowhere near as crashy as the MINIs I've had. Likely down to their run flats.

I agree with the remap. I had the Mountune map on mine but now the car's out of warranty there are other options too.

[georgeyboy12345]

The Mini will be more reliable

[thenortherner]

I've a budget of up to £19k. I'd like something with half decent levels of equipment, returns decent enough mpg and has covered ideally fewer than 30,000 miles.

Would you have any other suggestions?

I'm not looking for a 208 GTI. I've had one before and another's not for me.

[ZX10R NIN]

georgeyboy12345 said:

The Mini will be more reliable

More reliable than what? The Mini will be no more reliable than the Fiesta & will cost more to put right.

[Belle427]

I prefer the JCW and would guess it will hold its value better.
Big difference in price though and only you can decide what your happy paying.

[ChrisH72]

Those prices are crazy.

I have a 2017 66 plate ST3 which I bought 18 months ago from a main dealer for £9k. It was a high miler but was one owner and full history and I’ve had no problems with it. Currently on 73k miles and running fine.

Now I know prices have gone up but £17k for that st200??!

Who knows what will happen over the next 18 months? To be honest I wouldn’t be spending that much on these kinds of cars if depreciation is a concern. I’d actually be going for something a bit older with more miles for less money and perhaps consider going for the next class up in hot hatches.

How about a late model (2016) RS Megane 275? Nice ones should be closer to £15k.

Or if you really want to spend 19k then maybe an i30N?

[GreatGranny]

The 308 GTI looks a bargain against the Fiesta and MINI's.

The newer shape Fiesta just looks plain against the older ones and the wheels IMO don't do it any favours.

OP, go for the less fashionable hot hatches like the 308.
If you're doing 15k miles a year then it would be a larger hot hatch for me.

[CG2020UK]

Sizing up gives you a better car across all areas.

A 308GTI will be superior to the JCW or ST. Also recommend the Megane or Astra GTC VXR.

I personally think if you are buying a car now you are going to get rinsed come resell time no matter what. I remember seeing an ST200 this time last year for £11K. You are simply buying at the peak of the market or close enough to it. Prices will have to correct soon and you'll be left out of pocket.

Buy whichever car you prefer and don't worry about the depreciation. Personally I'd take the latest Fiesta ST with 1.5L engine quicker than either I reckon it will hold its money better.

[thenortherner]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I do quite like these... appreciate it's not to everyone's taste though! It has every bit of kit you could ever want or need.

https://www.bristolstreet.co.uk/used-car/2755448/f...

Their value compared to the ST-3 without the fancy suspension is pretty good. There's hardly anything in it as far as price goes.

[CG2020UK]

thenortherner said:

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I do quite like these... appreciate it's not to everyone's taste though! It has every bit of kit you could ever want or need.

https://www.bristolstreet.co.uk/used-car/2755448/f...

Their value compared to the ST-3 without the fancy suspension is pretty good. There's hardly anything in it as far as price goes.

That is where I’d put my money.

I’ve been keeping an eye on them as love the colour.