New Car - Opel Astra or Mini??

elle

I'm looking to buy a new car probably after Christmas. After a bit of searching I have narrowed it down to the new Opel Astra (1.4L, 3 door) or the Mini One/Cooper. I haven't the slightest idea which is a better car or which I should go with. Any tips or ideas would be appreciated? Driving a Yaris at the moment and hoping not to go much bigger than maybe 1.4L engine!!!

CharlieCroker

elle wrote: »

I'm looking to buy a new car probably after Christmas. After a bit of searching I have narrowed it down to the new Opel Astra (1.4L, 3 door) or the Mini One/Cooper. I haven't the slightest idea which is a better car or which I should go with. Any tips or ideas would be appreciated? Driving a Yaris at the moment and hoping not to go much bigger than maybe 1.4L engine!!!

There'a a brand new Astra due in the next couple of weeks so bare that in mind. Also, the new 3dr isn't going to be launched for another 12 months or so. Saying that, the new 5dr Astra is a fantastic looking car, and has, imo, the best looking interior of ANY car that size, judging by the photo's that i've seen of it.




While the Mini is a fantastic car to drive, its also hugely impractical with both tiny back seats and boot.
Also, to get a MINI with any type of decent spec is goint to cost you the bones of €25000, but it will hold its value better.

Obviously, its completely down to personal choice but if it was my money i'd be looking at the Astra with a few options.

Anan1

Have you driven both yet? If not, start there.

bf

The new Astra is a nice looking car, but the accountant in me says the Mini would be a better long term buy as it will hold its value much better than an Astra

EPM

Also these days paying a reasonably high level of road tax for a weak enough 1.4 engine is madness. Check out a diesel model before deciding. I would wait for the new model too

Zube

Anan1 wrote: »

Have you driven both yet? If not, start there.

Don't test drive the Mini Cooper unless you can really afford to buy and run it, because if you test drive it, you will buy one.

By comparison, the Astra is just 14 feet of car.

Absurdum

Mini!!!!!!!!!!1

Owen

Running a MINI isnt expensive - servicing for 5 years is 250 Euro, and Tax is 156 Euro for either the One, or the Cooper.

maggy_thatcher

EPM wrote: »

Also these days paying a reasonably high level of road tax for a weak enough 1.4 engine is madness. Check out a diesel model before deciding. I would wait for the new model too

The 1.4 engine that the new Astra has is in the B class tax rate (see http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/17609), which is pretty good.

EPM

maggy_thatcher wrote: »

The 1.4 engine that the new Astra has is in the B class tax rate (see http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/17609), which is pretty good.

But as the OP is looking for a 3 door it will the the old model Astra she'll be buying as the launch of the new sport hatch is a little off yet.

johnjojo

i changed my mini cooper at the beginning of the summer for an opel astra. it was the worst decision of my life. the astra is slow, boring and handles like a boat, it feels as if the chassis is bent.

the mini cooper was such a fun car to drive had a great soundsystem in it. it was quick, light and handled like a go kart. one problem though was i went through 2 clutches a gearbox and powersteering went.

I am already selling the astra after xmas to get a GTI cant wait

Dont go for the astra. i would advise everybody not to waste there money on an overpriced astra. they are not worth a 3rd of there price

vectra

elle wrote: »

I'm looking to buy a new car probably after Christmas. After a bit of searching I have narrowed it down to the new Opel Astra (1.4L, 3 door) or the Mini One/Cooper. I haven't the slightest idea which is a better car or which I should go with. Any tips or ideas would be appreciated? Driving a Yaris at the moment and hoping not to go much bigger than maybe 1.4L engine!!!

Off track a little but If I were going for a new 1.4 then I would certainly consider this one >> Leon

Pixie001

Definitely go for a mini!!! I absolutely love mine, although I have to admit I find it quite expensive to run - mine drinks petrol (it's a 1.6), although I have heard that the diesel is quite fuel efficient! It's such a fun car to drive!

30rob

i like the new astra especially the interior on the se model i saw .any one have any experience wit the 1.7 cdti(110 bhp) version of the new astra?? looking at a 2010. i also have driven a cooper 1.6 petrol.loved it. lots of fun to drive on country roads. the "s" version would be even guicker again.just not enough space for me unfortunetly.