08/09 mini vs 13 Swift

joey100

Just looking for a bit of advice, Girlf is looking at getting a new (to her) car. Had been looking at a few different cars but when she tried a mini she loved it. From looking around seems servicing costs and running costs can be expensive enough. Would probably be looking at an 08/09. Had her heart set on this until she seen the new Suzuki swift, for a bit more more she could buy a brand new swift. Test drove it and she liked it. Now she's torn between the two.

Anyone have any experience of either of these cars? Any advice from anyone who knows more about cars than me?

Idbatterim

what engine is in the mini? a1.4 or 1.6ish I presume?

joey100

She's been looking at the 1.4.

Zubeneschamali

joey100 wrote: »

She's been looking at the 1.4.

If she can stretch to a Cooper, I'd say go for it.

The lesser models are a bit feeble, might as well be in a Swift.

Idbatterim

the 1.6's are far better, as its based on emissions, so I doubt there is any difference in tax and if there is it wont be worth mentioning... Take a look below, running costs shouldn't be any different between the two...

1.4L
Fuel consumption (urban) 41.5 mpg
Fuel consumption (extra urban) 64.2 mpg
Fuel consumption (combined) 53.3 mpg
0 - 62 mph 10.9 seconds
Top speed 115 mph
Cylinders 4
Valves 16 v
Engine power 95 bhp
Engine torque 103 lbs/ft

1.6L
Fuel consumption (urban) 40.9 mpg
Fuel consumption (extra urban) 62.8 mpg
Fuel consumption (combined) 52.3 mpg
0 - 62 mph 9.1 seconds
Top speed 126 mph
Cylinders 4
Valves 16 v
Engine power 120 bhp
Engine torque 118 lbs/ft

reasonable purchase price for an 08 petrol seems to be about 10k IMO, 09 there seems to be a lot more diesels... thats just my quick observation from some quick research...

Marcusm

Most Minis would have been sold with a 5 year TLC pack to cover servicing labour (but not fluids) plus 5 year parts/labour warranty each of which is extendable.

Donnelly117

I had a diesel mini while my MCS was in being fixed. I was surprised how hard it would pull at low revs...it was like a train. Unfortunately being a diesel you have to change gear right as it about to get moving. The clutch also has a weird anti stall thing which was annoying. Other then that it was great on diesel even with me driving the nuts off it.

galwaytt

I know someone with a Mini D and it lives in the garage. Has a penchant for starter motors. I blame the Stop/Start nonsense.

A friend had a 1.6 petrol Cooper and gearbox issues and a general feeling of flimsiness led him to sell it.

I think the Suzuki would be a good long term bet, but in the nicest spec I could find.

colm_mcm

Just buy a fiat 500?

joey100

Cheers Lads, if she was looking at the swift she would be looking at the 3 door version so would be 12,995. Doesn't come with a/c but other than that seems pretty decent. I'll have a look at a few mini's and see what I can find. Thanks for the info.

dollybird2

I had a Swift (09) and loved it. It drove very nicely, compact to park, nice spec (GLX model), 1.4 petrol, never had a days trouble with it and put 100k on clock. I had a Mini Cooper (06) previous to the Swift (1.6 petrol iirc) and it broke my heart with repairs & problems. I'd go with the Swift any day. The new models look great.

Ray13

what county are you buying in? there is a free pre-purchase motor assessor service depending on area....

Ray13

PM of course

ba_barabus

Ray13 wrote: »

what county are you buying in? there is a free pre-purchase motor assessor service depending on area....

Can you give more info on that?