New jalopy

[Jeremy]

I don't think it's much to do with the size to be honest, more to do with it simply not being an old Mini, combined with the BMW philosophy of disguising the shortcomings of the car by simply releasing a new model.
Not long enough / need more boot space..
Too small..
Need a van..
Want to do some off roading..
Not sporty enough..
Want a convertible..

See, I really don't get this argument. Does anyone criticise VW (or any other marque) for releasing new models?
So the Golf doesn't fit your needs? Ok;
Bigger boot?- Golf Estate
Sportier Golf- Scirrocco
Taller Golf- Golf Plus
More seats in a Golf- Touran
Off-road Golf- Tiguan
Convertable Golf- Eos, or errr Golf Cabrio
Saloon Golf- Jetta
Smaller Golf- Polo
Bigger Golf- Passat

Mini is a Marque, so why shouldn't they release more models to suit different needs? Every other marque does it.

Sorry for the thread hijack Campbell!

One of the best posts I've ever read on here.

I can't fathom the Mini Bashers. I've never owned one and probably never will but I have driven a few and they're brilliant. Coupled with low depreciation and TLC, running costs are virtually zero. What a tempting ownership proposition.

I've yet to hear the Mini Bashers suggested alternatives which offer the same blend of virtues. Vauxhall Corsa ? Hmm. The Suzuki Swift is about the only thing that vaguely springs to my mind.

I blame EVO magazine for this nonsense and some of the guff you read on the Pistonheads forums. Too many budding Troy Queef's hanging on their every word and unable to think for themselves. If it ain't an "Evo car" then I'd never be seen dead in one

Regards,

Jeremy

[woody]

A good choice Campbell. Club mans don't seem to command the premium over the hatch 2nd hand they do new. Wouldn't mind a clubvan in the future.

As for the mini Vs MINI argument, meh. I've owned 7 or 8 old ones and driven both BMW coopers extensively as GFs have owned them. Wasn't a fan a first as they weren't as much fun as my steer at the time, a 306 rallye, but they did grow on my and are a fantastic ownership proposition. Current cooper is 3.5 years old, 35k and has only required servicing ( covered by TLC for £200 upfront) and discs/pads after I took it on TT last year. They're no more expensive than the competition now (try speccing/picing a polo or fiesta with similar power& spec) get a solid petrol 45mpg, good residuals though not as good as previously, good on the Mway, frugal in town and enough fun on a B-road. We're really struggling with what to replace Jo's with tbh.

Enjoy Campbell.

[Mike Scib]

I've yet to hear the Mini Bashers suggested alternatives which offer the same blend of virtues.

Skoda Fabia VRS.

Bigger, faster, cheaper and more economical.

[steve_weegie]

I've yet to hear the Mini Bashers suggested alternatives which offer the same blend of virtues.

Skoda Fabia VRS.

Bigger, faster, cheaper and more economical.

I'd have one too. Cracking engine that PD130 - mapping an Audi version for a mate shortly & looks like at least 170 bhp is on the cards

[Jeremy]

I've yet to hear the Mini Bashers suggested alternatives which offer the same blend of virtues.

Skoda Fabia VRS.

Bigger, faster, cheaper and more economical.

A Vectra diesel would also be bigger, faster, cheaper and more economical but I can't see many Mini owners trading in just yet.

Undoubtedly a great car the VRS, but does it offer the same overall blend of virtues as a Mini, as an ownership proposition ? Not that I can see.

Regards,

Jeremy

[flyingscot68]

A Vectra diesel would also be bigger, faster, cheaper and more economical but I can't see many Mini owners trading in just yet.

Other than bigger I think you've got it wrong there.
We rent Vectra's in work all the time, they're slow, not that economical, low equipment levels and not very comfy. The petrol engined ones are even worse.
Would be bottom of any list of mine. They're also prone to many problems once they get to the 50k mark.

I'd stick with the Skoda Ocvtavia, better than the Vectra in every way.

[Doc883]

The only Vauxhall I have ever wanted to own was the Astra GTE MK1 way back in the 80's. There isn't a car in their line up that I'd want to own and I much prefer the equivalent fast Ford or Renault.

[Stevoraith]

That's interesting actually because back in '05 we chose a Fabia vRS over a Cooper. There were only pennies of difference in list price between the two but the Fabia was faster, bigger, more economical and had way more toys.

It even fared extremely well in depreciation too as we got back 47% of it's list price when we sold it after nearly six years!!

Can't say the new Fabia vRS appeals at all though- it's pretty cheap feeling inside and lists at £2k more than a Mini Cooper. Fair enough it's faster but it now isn't any more economical and if you spend that £2k on options in the Mini then the Mini will be better specc'd. Skoda have dropped the ball on that one I think

[campbell]

My allegiances to Skoda are thoroughly documented, however a Fabia was just not going to cut it. And I did try, believe me ...

The MINI is an experience. The Fabia is just functional. Case closed.

So, the Gangsta black rims are on now. Just the red calipers to go then

[Stevoraith]

Pics!

How do the kids like it?

[Fluoxetine]

Be interested to hear how you get on - I seriously considered one of these a few months back (a Hampton edition in frivolous Cooper S flavour), before electing to keep my Pug 205 and buy a push bike for my Irish transportation needs...

More pics please!

[Corranga]

See, I really don't get this argument. Does anyone criticise VW (or any other marque) for releasing new models?
So the Golf doesn't fit your needs? Ok;
Bigger boot?- Golf Estate
Sportier Golf- Scirrocco
Taller Golf- Golf Plus
More seats in a Golf- Touran
Off-road Golf- Tiguan
Convertable Golf- Eos, or errr Golf Cabrio
Saloon Golf- Jetta
Smaller Golf- Polo
Bigger Golf- Passat

Mini is a Marque, so why shouldn't they release more models to suit different needs? Every other marque does it.

Fair enough, I guess this is also why I chuckle a little when someone says they are unique or different.
For me though, as a classic Mini fan, I just don't see them as a marque.
I suppose the difference is that they started as a model, and have evolved into a marque, whilst VW / more or less everyone else hasn't, in recent years that is.

As for alternatives, surely you have to look at each individual case.
I mean there are cheaper, faster, more practical, better looking, better handling, more reliable cars out there, though I absolutely agree that MINI do seem to have almost the best level of balance out there, and as has been said, seem to be more favourably priced than in the past too.

Still, there has to be a reason I opted for a 159 rather than a MINI right..

Chris

[campbell]

A couple of people wanted to see some pics.




Can you spot the location of this church...clue...it featured in a previous SE Calendar with a different car in front, and a bit of snow!




Updated rims now installed...pic doesn't do justice, leave it with me...




Am away on business just now but family loving the Clubman, I'm told

[woody]

Chav!

[campbell]

I know, don't you just LOVE IT