[jasonfields007]

I'd go for a facelift Cooper S so after 04 with Chili. You can't go wrong.

[Scrogg]

I'm really surprised that nobody has mentioned that £20k will easily by a GP now!

[I love MINI, Laura]

Well yes there is the GP amazing MINI, but its not really for a family man whos thinking about turning down the boxster because of the lack of seats.

[mister.t]

Go for an R56. The One seems heavily spec'd, so you may have trouble selling it on, even at a great loss. Plump for a pukka R56 Cooper. I would steer clear of launch motors, they've been thrashed to within an inch of their lives. Unless you are doing motorway miles, then I can see no point of buying an ex demo over a factory build. A Cooper D would also be a great bet. Ours was just over £16k in the en, and doesn't it feel great without finance The joys of saving

[Scrogg]

Quote: Originally Posted by I love MINI, Laura (original)

Well yes there is the GP amazing MINI, but its not really for a family man whos thinking about turning down the boxster because of the lack of seats.

I know, but the GP seems to be suggested in pretty much every other 'what car should I buy?' thread, so this one just didn't seem complete without it!

[speedsman]

Hard choice. After driving the new mini both the cooper and S version i feel its just lost that something. Almost to refined, some of the things look like they have been done on a budget with the aim of making as much profit as possible. The only thing the new versions have going for it is fuel econ. If you want to get a new mini then get the cooper. Personally get a 2nd hand mcs with the supercharged engine. Other cars TT not bad not alot of space in the back for the kids if that is a concern. What about nissan 350Z very nice. Honda s2000 amazing engine. The choice is yours!

[DerekH]

Push the boat out and go with the new 08model MCS low spec should be very good on fuel, we just got our new R56 MCS low spec and love it £16755 & the cost of the spots £150. Chilli Red , white roof , Bonnet stripes, 17" Crowns, Red colour line , JCW free mats tlc free, Fogs, seat height ajustment ,and 3 spoke leather sw. the car looks great have a look under R56 Chilli Red role call pictures without spots fitted. No air con needed in north east scotland as cold.

[louisthethird]

............

[mister.t]

Keep looking around for the R56 though. The are very few R56s that are like that. Ours is a Jan 07 build, and it looks like it has just rolled off of the factory floor after 4k miles. Just look out for one that has been well looked after if the R56 is your thing. That Cooper S looks a beauty too!! PS/B with S Spokes look fantastic. Very best of luck on whatever route you fancy taking.

[Tracie]

If there's nothing wrong with your current MINI why sell it, keep it and treat it to a few mods.

[Tonyt3]

Keep the Mini for weekdays and buy a 17k Porshe Boxster for the weekends.

Despite whay the negative people are saying, you can run a Porsche without brealing the bank.

Buy a non S version Boxster. The car is a paragon of reliability and build quality is second to none. Residuals are rock solid, so you could run it for 2 years and lose virtually nothing. Servicing is expensive at a puker Porsche dealer, but many owners of 4 plus year old Boxsters now use specialist non franchised dealers to service the cars at about half the main dealer costs. As you'll only be using it at weekends your costs will be lower, as will your insurance as you could put it on a restricted milage second car cover.

As its a non S version you can be fairly sure its been used sensible and not ragged.

You'll lose about 3 grand in depreciation over 2 years, about the same amont that you lose driving a Mini off the forecourt.

Friend of mine did this last year with a Boxster - he has no regrets and as long as you put a bit aside for the serviceing its as sound an investment in a car as you can find.

When else will you be able to afford a Porsche.....?

[Scrogg]

Seems like good advice to me!

I know two people that have "non-S" Boxsters (one 2.5 and one 2.7) as weekend cars, and they are both chuffed to bits with them.