[Dollie]

I'm not sure if I am starting off in the right place, but...

Hi I'm Laura, I'm new to the site. I'm 22 and drive a Civic Type R 30th anniversary edition, which is a fantastic car..which might make you wonder what I'm doing here, well...

I fancy a change, I have always liked mini's, I need a car which is better on mpg, I currently drive 40 motorway miles a day. I have never driven a mini but I hope too soon. I believe a mini is a good step for me, I am hoping to move out next year and I need to save a bit. A mini will be cheaper to insure thats certain! The civic well it really is a beast but do I need a beast anymore? Am I growing up??

Anyway I will stop rambling now, and let you tell me all teh reasons why selling the civic and getting a mini will be a good idea.

Prompt reasons

[rec]

you're not growing up, if anything you're becoming more of a child by buying a MINI

welcome by the way !

[Mister]

Welcome to MINI2

I hope you take a look at some of the threads in here that discuss mileage so that you can make an informed decision. The MINI is a wonderful car (I've had 3 myself), but if your sole concern is fuel economy, you may want to do a little research.

[minisoopercooper]

welcome to MINI2

I would seriously suggest you take a test drive in a Cooper D - most people on here are getting around 60mpg out of them - and having a blast doing it

[mikbmini]

Don't count on the MINI being cheaper, if you go for a Cooper S like I have then you might end up spending more! I upgraded from an Audi A3 1.8 Turbo. Mind you, I'm not trying to put you off as I derfinately wouldn't go back now

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Welcome to the site

Just like Mister said, although you may get much better consumption from a MINI you will need to choose your MINI with care. Stay away from R53 Cooper S's (like mine ) if fuel consumption is your top priority!

Personally I'll live with the mpg for the fun it gives me

[Hartge210]

Hello Dollie, well hello Dollie (that's that line out of the way)

Welcome to MINI2

I p/x 'd a CTR for my current car (210bhp MCS) & have to say I'm having more fun with the mini. I reckon my car is quicker than a CTR & a lot less 'frantic' to drive. The supercharged engine gives a lot more instant power rather than waiting for the ivtech to 'kick in'.

At 49 I'm definately not growing up, just enjoying these great little cars.

Good luck with your choice of model

[Nebdingo]

MPG?? PHOOEY!!!

Mini Cooper S all the way!! *s******s......

good luck on your choice!

[Dollie]

Thanks for the warm welcome!
The MPG isn't the only factor but I have to take it into consideration.
I really can't wait to go and drive one now, I'm growing to like them more and more each day.

[humph]

Welcome Dollie

Good luck with the car hunting. If you can give us a clue on your budget for a car we may be able to give you a more informed idea of what to look for (niggles etc.). The 1st and 2nd generations are completely different beasts, the second being quite a bit more frugal when it comes to fuel, but the 1st is a nicer looking car (my opinion only). I get on avaerge 34mpg out of my 1st Gen Cooper, a first gen S will be about mid 20's. Don't believe the manufacturers figures when it comes to economy (well 1st gen anyway) as they were a bit generous to say the least. Do a search there are plenty of threads on buying advice.

[Dollie]

I would really like a cooper s but I think the cooper is lovely too, budget wise I obviously have the CTR to either part/x or sell privately. I haven't set a budget yet as I have seen so many examples, I'm not sure really what I would aim for. I can't afford a £17k plus 07 but maybe a modest £12k or paps a little stretch more. It all depends on the mini I fall in love with.
I'm not sure what you mean about the generations but I assume it is regarding newer coopers compared to classics.

[rec]

i got a 15k Cooper and it's ace fun, nippy, sticks to the road and revs like hell.

dont discount the Cooper in favour of the S - that's all i'm sayin

[humph]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dollie (original)

I'm not sure what you mean about the generations but I assume it is regarding newer coopers compared to classics.

Hi again Dollie, If you bought a brand new MINI (or anything after NOV 06) you be buying a second generation. Models made 2001 to Nov 06 are first generation, and these are split into pre and post facelift. Check out this link, it should help.

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f...ni_generations

Sounds like you will be going for a 1st generation. Great cars, fun to drive. Try and buy as new as possible (obviously), clutch is the common weak point. If you go ONE/Cooper do everything in your power to get a post facelift (post July 04) model as the gearbox pre July 04 is notoriously troublesome. Also having had pre and post facelift models I can say that build quality is improved considerably on the post facelift.

Loads of threads on here with advice on what to look for.

Happy hunting.

[Dollie]

Thanks so much for all your input, I am also currently relaying your infomation to my Dad who is helpin me to look for my mini. Neither of us have had a mini so we are learning it all now, I am finding some lovely examples, and I'm bursting to drive one very soon.

[Ali @ Woodys]

Welcome Dollie.. and if i can be of any help in your search look me up ... page me or mail me... always happy to get someone into the MINI of their dreams

[Dollie]

Ok great, maybe if I manage to narrow my search I will put some details on here for you Mini experts to look over. It's nice to find such a friendly and informative site.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by Humph (original)

I get on avaerge 34mpg out of my 1st Gen Cooper, a first gen S will be about mid 20's.

Fuel consumption does tend to vary between cars and drivers; my old R50 Cooper consistently averaged 37-38 mpg and my R53 Cooper S averages 33-34mpg

The original R53 is not good, but it can still return sensible numbers. In a direct comparison (same route, speeds, traffic condition, weather & driver) between an old R53 S and a new R56 S I got another 4 or 5mpg out of the newer car.

Tigger.

[Dollie]

I think MPG has a lot to do with how the car is driven too obviously. Good to see some honest, actual owner figures. I thought Mini stated more miles per MPG on their sites etc.

[FergusM]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dollie (original)

I think MPG has a lot to do with how the car is driven too obviously. Good to see some honest, actual owner figures. I thought Mini stated more miles per MPG on their sites etc.

every manufacturers mpg are generally optimistic... they are all calucualted running a car on a rolling road with no accelerating or hills... so very unachieveable. Much better knowing what people genuinely get.

[Dollie]

Yes definately, you guys and girls drive them which is why I am here for info.

Another thing the speedo being in the centre of the dash, does this bother you?

My gear stick is in the centre raised onto the dash in my CTR took minites to get used to what I now consider a very natural position for gear changes.