What car do I buy to replace mini?

GolfBravo

I_Love_Shoes wrote: »

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!

Mini 1.6 diesel?

Oh, it's just the self-destructing Peugeot-Citroen 1.6 diesel engine. It is a 12p copper fuel injector washer/seal that eventually kills the £3500 engine.

There is a whole procedure involved when fixing the failed turbo on the 1.6 diesel - simple turbo replacement is just not enough, it will die again soon.

I_Love_Shoes

GolfBravo wrote: »

Mini 1.6 diesel?

Oh, it's just the self-destructing Peugeot-Citroen 1.6 diesel engine. It is a 12p copper fuel injector washer that eventually kills the £3500 engine.

There is a whole procedure involved when fixing the failed turbo on the 1.6 diesel - simple turbo replacement is just not enough, it will die again soon.

Yes I know.
Its been driving around for 2 weeks in limp mode, so im hoping a new turbo will solve the problem, i think if it was anything else the engine wouldnt have lasted more that 10 mins.
Im going to get rid of it as soon as ive forked out £1500 for all this bloody work to be done on it!

emmell

I_Love_Shoes wrote: »

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?

As for reliability, I can't really say as I bought it new in May 2010, it hasn't even had it's first service yet.

I have two problems that I want them to sort out at the service....a squeaky parcel shelf and a passenger seat that only seems to lock in place when it is pushed right back, so loads of room for the front passenger, not so much for the poor unfortunate that sits behind. but as I don't often have a rear passenger it's not such an urgent repair.

The 1.2 petrol is very nippy (I also don't like sluggish cars). Plenty of poke for overtaking and definitely great on the Motorway.

It has been uber-reliable, but so was my petrol Mini Cooper.

Another car I have owned that I thoroughly enjoyed driving was the new shape (2007 was mine) Honda Civic.

ML.

I_Love_Shoes

So I've been to test drive the A1, tried the 1.6 105bhp TDI and it was ok, nothing special, then the salesman persuaded me to drive the 1.4 122bhp petrol and now I want one!!!
I always said id stick to petrol but with the DPF problems ive been having and just how fun the petrol was, I want to get one of them now!
Thanks for everybody's help, I have finally made my mind up!

TradePro

Out of the frying pan into the fire I would say...

Audi A1 is nothing special and prices are just silly for what it is. Most VAG cars suffer mechanical problems, and the 1.4 TSi is a major offender.

Buy something Japanese or Korean, please.

I_Love_Shoes

TradePro wrote: »

Out of the frying pan into the fire I would say...

Audi A1 is nothing special and prices are just silly for what it is. Most VAG cars suffer mechanical problems, and the 1.4 TSi is a major offender.

Buy something Japanese or Korean, please.

What kind of problems do the A1s suffer from?

TradePro

A1 is quite new yet, so I couldn't say specific things about it to be 100% honest, however, VAG cars generally are not reliable, and the 1.4TSi engine suffers many issues (check out Honest John for other models with it fitted).

Add to all of this that it can cost £20k for a supermini, it's just a really bad idea.

I know many people choose 'image' over reliability, but think about how crazy it is - do you really think anybody says 'wow' as you drive past them? No matter how 'sexy' your car is, there is always a posher, faster, better looking one in the car park...

After the problems with your Mini, I am simply suggesting a change of plan for you.

GolfBravo

I_Love_Shoes wrote: »

What kind of problems do the A1s suffer from?

VAG 1.2, 1.4 and 2.0 TSI all seem to suffer from faulty timing chains around 60K+ miles (or even earlier) - their chains are just too weak for turbochargers, torque reversals stretch them easily. Apparently now VW replace them under warranty as soon as customers complain about rattling noises when cold.

Also the 7-speed gearbox sometimes (10K+ miles) develops a rattle (apparently only heard from outside), which VW/Audi say is "normal".

There were also some issues with the turbochargers overheating and disintegrating due to faulty heat shields - apparently this is no longer the case (fixed in 2011).

Edit: according to both AutoBild and ADAC Motorwelt magazines VW have fixed the timing chain problem (supplier issue).

flea72

I_Love_Shoes wrote: »

I dont mind the Peugoet sports car but its a bit too expensive for my budget.
I think the Fiat 500L are brand new so I doubt I can get one for under £10k. I am sure a normal fiat 500 is much smaller than a mini, minis are quite wide.
My boyfriend has the 06 onwards cooper S and it is a tiny bit quicker than mine (but Im normally first off the line- haha)
I dont know, but i think they weigh about the same, I cant feel the difference when I have driven both, but then I havent looked up the official stats

You are wrong on the mini-500 sizing. The mini may look bigger externally, due to the boxy styling, but the interior of the 500 is bigger, as is the boot space.

Ive dealt with 100s of mini owners who have converted to the 500, due to price and size.

If you want the speed and hard driving style, thn as already suggested look at a 500 Abarth. However they are more into the mini pricing structure

emmell

Glad you have driven the A1 and enjoyed it.....I'm still thoroughly enjoying mine nearly 2 years down the line.....Oh and I have just found out it's a 1.4 cos they don't do a 1.2 auto, silly me

don't take any notice of the doubters, there is no such thing as a totally reliable, fault free car.....It's a machine for god's sake.....if there is I'll buy one.....but I don't like boring ten a penny cars so please don't recommend any to me.

My last three run-abouts.....a 56 plate Mini Cooper a 2007 Honda Civic a 2010 Ford Fiesta and now a 2011 Audi A1...... I walked out of the launch of the Fiat 500 because all they could do was compare it to a Mini!!! So I went out and bought the Mini......better the real thing than the copy.

So buy what you feel is right and probably stick with petrol as opposed to diesel

ML.