Mini Cooper replacement for my mum...

Mum is currently on her 2nd Mini Cooper (but still a Mk1 version of the modern ones).

She likes it because:

a) It's nice to look at
It's nippy and can overtake without being a stiff out and out hot hatch
c) The standard wheels aren't too wide so it's good in the snow (she lives up in the Scottish Borders and commutes approx 15 miles to work everyday)
d) With the rear seats folded down the dog can fit in the back
e) It's pretty economical.

She's looking for a replacement and is considering the latest version but is less keen on the revised looks.

So what other current models are out there? Around the 110-130 bhp nippy hatch mark?

Do they do a sportyish 500 that isn't an Abarth?

What are the new Citroen DS like?

I'm not really up to date with modern small cars....

My wife had a MKI Cooper. Nice car, she loved it but I felt it was a bit sluggish and wished it was a Cooper S

When she changed she didn't really like anything else at the time so we got her another Mini but this time a MKII Cooper S. She loves it.

The styling change isn't overly dramatic and I actually prefer the look of the new one. It might grow on your mum.




Tell her to go for the Mini.. but get the S

[L3nny]

If she's got a car that fulfills all her needs why does she want a new one?

[G]

Cars/bikes get old and you just fancy a change.

What's your mums budget? Get her to sit in an RCZ and I bet she will fall in love... I'm gutted they were not on my car list.

The DS3 will be a little bigger than the Mini.

And like for like...pound for pound...should be cheaper to buy and own.

Style is off course...purely up to the owner.

The DS3 depreciation is still a little unknown as still a new car so the Mini may be the better bet if that is an issue.

These cars are not economical and I certainly wouldnt buy these cars if size or economy was an issue...they are all about the looks.

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Tim in Belgium

Do they do a sportyish 500 that isn't an Abarth?

According to the fiat website, a 500 Sport can come with a 1.4 litre petrol engine which puts out 100bhp. Dont know how that compares with her current Mini though.

I think out of the two i.e. the Mini or the 500 I'd take the 500 I much prefer it looks wise.

I quite like the new Ford Ka as well. So I'd chuck that into the pot to.

[L3nny]

Ok, so she likes the shiney shiney, nothing worng with that.

What about the Alfa Mito or the Fiat Panda, they even do a 4x4 panda which would be good on the snow and has a big boot for the dog.

I'd still get a new mini though.

snow - check
dog - check
can over take (walkers) - check
economical - check
nice to look at - subjective

Friend from work had a mini, then after that an alfa mito, I personally prefered the mito, looks wise and drive wise, but things were creaking after like 2 weeks, and the distorsion in the door panels is a disgrace. But nice car non the less.