Mini 998 good choice for new driver?

[casbar]

Had 5 mini's in the past, am now considering buying one for my son, who is a new driver at 17 and is just learning to drive.

Anyone any experience of suitability of the mini as a first car and how expensive it will be to insure

Edited by casbar on Friday 3rd November 16:46

[mini_lund]

casbar said:

Had 5 mini's in the past, am now considering buying one for my son, who is a new driver at 17 and is just learning to drive.

Anyone any experience of suitability of the mini as a first car and how expensive it will be to insure

Edited by casbar on Friday 3rd November 16:46

Hi there, Im 17 on the 28th November and will also be learning to drive.

Mini's as a first car...good choice really, simple mechanics (simpler than most!) Not too much power, small, accurate turning etc fairly easy to park...

As insurance goes, I own an 850 Mini City and did a quote by Liverpool Victoria for myself as 17, fully comp. The quote i got was £1072.26 thats the cheapest I've been quoted. BUT I have modifications you see, so they were also listed which bumps up the price. 998 is probably the engine to go for as 850's and 998's dont really differnciate when it comes to insurance pricing. If you're looking at 1275's or 1275 GT's etc then expect the price to be more of course. Good luck for your son with his driving lessons and test, whatever vehicle you choose! (Get a Mini) All the best. Tom

[guru_1071]

my 1071 engined mk1 is 137 quid fully comp.

my brothers 1979 1275 engined min costs me 18 quid a month....

been old - its not that bad

[xxplod]

Definately a good first car. I learned to drive in one and I still have one 14 years later! They're economical, not too quick, yet fun to drive. Routine servicing is easy and there's no reason why a 17 year old couldn't get stuck in and do a bit of DIY. A bit of sweat and tears over a car tends to breed a bit more care on the road!

Go for it!

And they don't depreciate now...