Mini

rdb2012 · 13 Jun 2021 at 08:22

Hello everyone,

I currently have Mercedes C200 Coupe. My PCP is coming to an end and would like to replace it. I have looked for an alternative and the only car that I would be excited to get is the Mini(Mini Hatch 5 doors)

However every time I speak to someone regarding it. They suggest it is a women’s car and that I am downgrading from my current car.

What’s everyone view on this?

Thanks

HoneyBadger · 13 Jun 2021 at 08:35

I’d imagine it’s only a step down in terms of interior quality, go check one out and don’t listen to ignorant people and their opinion.

paradigm · 13 Jun 2021 at 08:47

If you like them, why does anybody else’s opinion matter?

People say my TT roadster or my 440i convertible are hairdressers cars, but in my opinion taking the roof off makes any trip seem more special, I couldn’t care less what others think about my car choice, it was my money and it’s my tastes I’m satisfying.

Asking for opinion on build quality, equipment/options, reliability or comparing vehicles in your price range is one thing, but basing your choice solely on the opinions of others on aesthetics is a pretty daft thing to do.

Resident · 13 Jun 2021 at 10:18

EDIT: Image system on here sucks donkey gonads

WJA96 · 13 Jun 2021 at 10:22

Do you give a **** what other people think? If the answer is yes, then a Mini probably isn’t for you.

[TW]Fox · 13 Jun 2021 at 10:39

I have one of these. It is an excellent car.

It is not, however, a C200 Coupe and is quite obviously a downgrade from one of those with one exception.

The navigation/infotainment system on the Mini is vastly superior to the system on the C200, which is probably about the worst such system on a premium car in the last 10 years. But in every other respect the C200 is simply a better car - it is more refined, it has a better interior. But presumably you already understand this, so I'll focus on the Mini.

The Mini itself is an excellent little car. It is very refined for a small hatchback, is fun to drive and has a range of engines which has no real point if you avoid the base model Mini One. Even the 3 cylinder 1.5 Cooper is quick and efficient, the Cooper S even better. The interior is well put together and doesn't at any point feel unacceptable in terms of quality, given the size and price of car. It's also been incredibly cheap to run. Arguably we don't really need it anymore and could manage with a single car but it's so inexpensive to keep on the road there seems little point.

As for other people, who cares? If we only ever bought cars based on other people we'd have to drive a Ford Focus - in terms of 'image' I prefer the image of the Mini to that of my BMW. The MINI is a fairly neutral car - it doesn't really say anything about it's driver and it appeals to a wide range of people. Whereas the BMW generally tends to appeal to idiots.

There is, however, an all-new C Class saloon out now. There is no way I'd pick a Mini over one of those, it looks brilliant..

BigT · 13 Jun 2021 at 10:50

I recently got a current gen four year old JCW convertible so a double whammy of inappropriateness for me being a middle aged bloke. I don’t care for other peoples’ opinions and it is great fun to drive and puts a smile on my face.

I can’t compare the mini hatch to a C200 but I’ve owned lots of Mercs, BMWs and JLR products as well as other premium brands and I have to say the mini is really quite well put together. Switchgear, plastics and the leather in mine are all not far off the premium brands and the infotainment is very good, although I’ve not owned anything else younger than 5 years to compare it to. It, and everything about the inside, was a significant step up from the Abarth I also test drove IMO.

Go drive one and if you like it go for it and don’t listen to other people.