What car do I buy to replace mini?

I_Love_Shoes

So I drove the Citroen DS3 and it was nothing special. The handling on it was awful! I took it round a roundabout at around 25mph, which is nothing for a mini, and it felt like the back was going to spin out!
Im looking at maybe getting a Seat Ibiza, off to test drive one this weekend.
Anybody own one of these or have any opinions of them?
My engine in my mini is well and truly f@cked so I want to get rid of that asap, I've heard a never ending list of problems with that engine!!!!

ILW

I would second prev suggested Alfa. Bit of class and steer like a go cart.

Tiddlywinks

kutsu119 wrote: »

Fiat 500 Abarth? 165bhp, faster than your mini, rarer, better car all around IMO.

I took the 500 Arbarth out for a test drive and really, really wanted to love it - I wanted the retro interior and needed a fast engine as I merge into fast moving, rush hour traffic so need the mid range to fast acceleration. Fun (and a lttle bit scary on back roads).

Anyway, the rear visability was really disappointing particularly if trying to reverse around nearside corners... also interior was tight on space.

I don't know why the OP dismissed a Volvo out of hand - if you get the right engine and interior they are definitely NOT boring... I loved my T5 engine and the D5 is superb and great to drive. C30 with a T5 engine would be good to try - the oly reason I didn't go for that was the driving position had a blind spot for me.

Anyway, I ended up with a new Cooper S petrol and love it...

OP - why diesel? What's wrong with getting yourself a Mini Cooper S? You don't seem to travel the miles to warrant a diesel.

I_Love_Shoes

I just like the torque you get from a diesel and how easily it can go up hills too.
I like the fact that in my current mini it can really go when needed to and it was doing 60mpg and I only pay £20 a year tax, I cant find any petrols with the same oomph that are also economical.

homecookmum

But after years of family cars I bought a new Smart cdi 2&1/2 years ago and I will be replacing it with another Smart in June. I'm already looking at which model I will go for.
Now my kids have gone this is the best fun I've had driving since my little blue mini back in 1976. It is also the most economical, £0 tax, terrific mpg, and a great spec for the money. Plus with the tailgate it takes my supermarket shop easily.
I think I'm going to get a cabrio next. :j

Tilt

I'm Fiat through and through, but I don't like the new 500L. It's too much like the Mini Counrtyman. 500 itself is a wonderful car but a tad on the small side. The Abarth version is about £2k cheaper (new) than the Mini Cooper but is more or less equal on performance.

Mito would be my suggestion. Stands out from the crowd as do all Alfa's.

emmell

Have you looked at the Audi A1......very nippy (I have the 1.2 auto) easily as chuckable as a Mini, more room in the Boot........I love mine and I like the ones with the two tone roof . Worth a test drive.

ML.

I_Love_Shoes

Hmm they are quite nice the Audi A1s, I might go and test drive one, just a bit over budget but I can still dream!
I just dont want the Audi reputation! Haha!
Are they pretty reliable cars?

gilbert_and_sullivan

I_Love_Shoes wrote: »

Are they pretty reliable cars?

Neither.

Don't get too tied in to only Diesel having power, its not the fuel its the forced air whether turbo or supercharger that makes the difference, a petrol with forced induction will have just as much and generally more poke without the emissions controller problems associated with modern Diesels.

If you drove a non turbo Diesel you'd learn the meaning of sluggish..:eek:

I'm not a Ford fan but i understand the new 1 litre forced induction petrol engine as fitted to Focus is supposed to be a little belter, its apparently going into Fiesta if it isn't already, might be worth a look.

The thing to remember with all turbochargers is that unless you treat them with a little TLC, by allowing the lubricating oil to warm a little before driving hard, then allowing the engine to tick over for a few minutes to allow the oil to cool after a hot run then a short turbo life is almost guaranteed.

Long life oil schedules and poor quality oil will also shorten a turbochargers life considerably.

I_Love_Shoes

gilbert_and_sullivan wrote: »

Neither.

Don't get too tied in to only Diesel having power, its not the fuel its the forced air whether turbo or supercharger that makes the difference, a petrol with forced induction will have just as much and generally more poke without the emissions controller problems associated with modern Diesels.

If you drove a non turbo Diesel you'd learn the meaning of sluggish..:eek:

I'm not a Ford fan but i understand the new 1 litre forced induction petrol engine as fitted to Focus is supposed to be a little belter, its apparently going into Fiesta if it isn't already, might be worth a look.

The thing to remember with all turbochargers is that unless you treat them with a little TLC, by allowing the lubricating oil to warm a little before driving hard, then allowing the engine to tick over for a few minutes to allow the oil to cool after a hot run then a short turbo life is almost guaranteed.

Long life oil schedules and poor quality oil will also shorten a turbochargers life considerably.

Tell me about it, the turbo has just packed up on my mini, despite it being serviced and having oil changed when mini recommend them!
To be honest I drive pretty sensibly most of the time, I just like to know the power is there when I want it and it can do high speeds on the motorway.
Surely a 1 litre engine cant be very powerful when it comes to high speeds and quick power (eg overtaking)??