best upgrade from mini cooper 53 reg ?

2013

2013

2013

Soldato
Joined
29 Dec 2012
Posts
4,345
Hi all,

We Looking to get some a lot of advice and information on upgrade from a mini cooper 53 reg, what would be the best option ?

there's a lot out there but without testing all of them, it would be hard to see the best option, so please help ( its a small invstment.

Some back ground, the mini cooper was the first car after passing.
The driver is short 4ft.7in, does not drive much so still considered a new driver, gets nervous and does not like driving in new or busy areas, needs to be able to drive and I think the copper is a reason.

The problems faced with the copper,
1. it does not feel as fun to drive as the learner cars (Ds3, 208) I was thinking, its because they are newer cars.
steering feels heavier (thinking it could be the steering fluid ?)
2. Hard for people to get in the back.


The top requirements for the upgrade
1. Needs to be easier to driver and comfortable
2. Good high seating position.
3. cheap to drive,
4. look good.
5. easier to get in the back.

The few options ive thought are,
check out the mini, see if its a fluid issue,
2.sell and replace with a used Ds3 or corsa,
3. lease out a brand new car like audi a1 (3 or 5 door), ds3, brand new mini (3 or 5 door),208,

any other advise ?
 
Without meaning to sound harsh reference the driver, I doubt it has anything to do with the car. For a new driver a Mini Cooper is ideal because it is compact, easy to park and in my experience a good steer. This person just needs to do a heck of a lot more driving to gain in confidence.

If you have doubts or complaints about the steering take this into consideration. It is over 10 years old now. Have you had any of the suspension parts refreshed, such as the bushes. Also how old/how much tread is left on the tyres. These make a massive difference to the way the car "feels".

Any 3 door car comes with a certain limitation when it comes to people getting in and out of the back. So if you want to make that easier....buy a 5 door car.

Go and test drive the cars you are on about buying then make the best financial decision. Personally replacing a Mini with a DS3/Corsa is just a side step really. But buying a bigger car to give a nervous driver will then give them even more to worry about.
 
Yes, you could be right ?
No, Most of the work was done when we got it, all tyres are good,

Yeah I can see what you mean.
 
Is 'heavy' steering not one of the traits of the mini cooper. Normally stiffer steering = more fun on twistys. It's probably designed like this.
 
I could be, im just going by what I was told, It maybe a better idea for me to drive myself to get a better idea.
 
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