Audi A1 or Mini Cooper

[Rob 131 Sport]

We’ve had the wife’s 68 Plate Mini Cooper Black Edition Clubman for over 4 years and I’ve suggested it’s time for a change. The car runs beautifully (just turned 50k) and ignoring the 2 year servicing it’s been done annually at BMW and latterly a specialist. It’s by far the favourite car she’s ever owned and she’s really into the whole ‘Mini thing’. Unbelievably (for her) she doesn’t want to change it and I’m pushing the whole thing.
The replacement (to be registered on a 25 plate) has been narrowed down to either an Audi A1 30 TFSI S Line (Manual or Auto) or a Mini Cooper C Sport (they are all Auto). So far we’ve viewed the Audi (dealership and was just superb) and discussed figures. The Audi whilst functional does look a little dated. However we plan to keep the car for circa 8 years so practically and longevity are important.
The Mini by comparison is a few thousand pounds more and looks far more modern (we actually both like the exterior looks). However, the interior (with all that fabric or fabric effect) on the dashboard and door cappings together with some kind of box type thing in the middle I feel will look tatty very quickly. I’m also concerned that will all the electronic wizardry on the Mini stand the test of time over such a long potential ownership period.
Your thoughts and ownership experiences on both cars (appreciate the Mini has only been out for a few months) would be most useful in making an informed decision regarding the 2 vehicles.

Edited by Rob 131 Sport on Sunday 8th December 09:28

[ZX10R NIN]

A1 for me the new Mini really feels like a step down in quality especially when you consider the cost.

[Deerfoot]

If she loves it, it's been reliable etc etc then I'd be keeping it..

[Jamescrs]

Deerfoot said:

If she loves it, it's been reliable etc etc then I'd be keeping it..

I agree with this, not sure why you are pushing for a change?

That aside my wife is also a serial Mini owner and I think when someone is it has to be another Mini. My wife isn't particularly into cars at all but she loves Mini's.

[Rob 131 Sport]

Jamescrs said:

Deerfoot said:

If she loves it, it's been reliable etc etc then I'd be keeping it..

I agree with this, not sure why you are pushing for a change?

That aside my wife is also a serial Mini owner and I think when someone is it has to be another Mini. My wife isn't particularly into cars at all but she loves Mini's.

In addition she wasn’t particularly enamoured with the idea of selling the Mini now and using the Jaguar until March 1st. I’m pushing for a change as I like to keep the cars relatively up to date and the Mini has just turned 6.

[66HFM]

Rob 131 Sport said:

In addition she wasn’t particularly enamoured with the idea of selling the Mini now and using the Jaguar until March 1st. I’m pushing for a change as I like to keep the cars relatively up to date and the Mini has just turned 6.

Definitely another vote for keeping the Mini, if your wife loves it and doesn't want to change I'd stick with that.
6 years is just run in for a car, treat your wife to a private plate to prevent any need to have a new reg and enjoy saving the extra £s!

[Gastons_Revenge]

Why bother changing it, especially if it's been working perfectly? 50k miles at 6 years old, thing has been used less than the average car.
The constant cycle of consumerism people get themselves into with regular cars is baffling.

[Glosphil]

Keep the Mini until it's at least 8 years old.

[fflump]

You are in a dream scenario-the Mrs has a car she loves and does not want to change it.

In your shoes I'd be paying off the mortgage (or plotting my own car upgrade!)

[s-x-i]

Another vote for keeping your current MINI.

We have a 2018 '18' plate F56 Cooper which we have owned for just under 3 years. It has done around 63k miles and, like yourself, we have it serviced every year and it has been faultless.

In my opinion the A1 or new MINI wouldn't offer anything better over the Clubman that you have.