What should I buy - Golf TDi 130 or Mini Cooper?

[asmith83]

Hi

I'm going to buy a new car around xmas time, I've got a budget of £3,500 - £4,000 max.

I definitely want a hatchback (my last 2 cars have been barges and I want something that's easier to find a parking space for) I'd like something that's pretty nippy (or will make me smile when I drive it) I'd also like a comfy interior and decent MPG (40mpg+ my current car is giving me 20/25mpg at the moment.)

I've whittled my choices down to a Golf TDI 130 or a MINI Cooper - my brain tells me that the Golf is the one to go for - I drove one a couple of years ago and was impressed with the surprising amount of torque and can imagine this would keep me smiling - plus if I get bored I can remap in the future.
It also appears to have more toys than the Mini for a similar price - the only negative I can think of is it looks a little bland.

However my heart tells me to get a MINI because I've always wanted one. I know it's a lot less powerful but I love the styling inside and out - I'm just not sure how long it'll take before I'm bored of this? I also know it has great handling.

Anyone have any experience of the two or any other suggestions that might fill my criteria? Which would give me more for my money?

[Stu R]

MINIs are great fun

[Silent1]

The last shape mini cooper is an awesome car, the engine sounds awesome and loves being driven, I had one before my 'S and loved it. They can be tuned as well but obviously not being forced induction it's limited.
If you want a motorway miles buy the golf, if you want a fun car get a cooper with chilli pack and sports suspension

[asmith83]

Good to see the MINI getting all the love, I must admit that kind of surprises me too. Interesting.

[sleep envy]

Drive both - ex mrs envy had a mini which i hated driving as the driving position, for me, was awful

[scenario8]

I'll chip in;

I currently have a MINI Cooper of what I imagine is similar value (54 pate with 100,000 miles) regularly drive Mark V diesels - and by conincidence am about to have an enforced change to a low spec Golf diesel.

If you haven't driven a MINI much before you may find the driving position, the ride, the steering, the kart like handling and other features of the car all a bit odd. The truth is that many modern cars are so refined and wallowy that a car that actually responds to your inputs or reflects the road beneath it can feel a little peculiar. On the plus side, once you've got used to it, or lived with it for a short while you may find the immediacy of the controls great fun. The little blighters really are hilarious fun, although a little gutless. If you live in the congested South East, as I do, with little hope of achieving any great speed they can be a right laugh whizzing around in.

The Golf is likely to be much more grown up in feel, much less responsive and much less kart like. In my experience the handling is nigh on dangerously understeery and boring as hell. However, you pays your money and makes your choice. On the motorway the Golf will be much less tiring and there really is (a brief spurt) or torque galore. MPG will be nearer 50 than 40 for the MINI but I would expect a higher overall running cost to the Golf. Needless to say the Golf is a proper 4 or 5 seater with a big boot against the 2+2 nature of the MINI.

If it were my money I'd go for the MINI again. But it isn't, and it isn't my choice either, so I shall spend the next 5 years endlessly disappointed with my company's decision and envious of the drivers of the cheeky littly minxes for Oxford.

Enjoy either.