3 replies to this topic

[profmatt]

I'm 43 but only learned to drive last year. I learned in a Ford Focus and bought one. It was shiny and had all mod cons, but I found it a bit large. I took Pass Plus course in a Suzuki Swift, which I much preferred in terms of size, if not prettiness.

After I took my Ford in for its first service, I fell out of love with it. The service (at a Ford dealership) cost £400 and they even wanted another £1,300 to replace the aircon, which they said was broken beyond repair. (I had never noticed.) Plus the insurance was high (about £700) as was the road tax (£215). So I sold it.

But I miss having a car, so I started looking for a new one. I wanted something that was cheap to run (I'm more worried about insurance and road tax than petrol, as I don't drive much: I only did 3,000 miles in a year in my Ford). I wanted to spend about £2,000. And I wanted it to be cool. I know you can buy second hand Polos or whatever, but they just look, well, rubbish.

And then I found this: http://www.johnbrown...rare-automatic/

I really love the look of it. Is it safe? Is it practical? Is it too expensive? Is it difficult to drive? Is it a huge risk? Am I being an idiot? Many questions and worries!

I've asked in the valuation thread about the price, but here's another question: will it hold its value? I don't mind spending double my budget on it if I could resell it in a couple of years if I really had to in an emergency or something and I'd get most of that back. The money's just sitting earning hardly any interest in my rainy day fund bank account.

Any advice or encouragement would be very gratefully received!

[conlad]

I've posted on your other topic but here is some food for thought...

http://www.ebay.co.u...=mini automatic

Have a look through the automatics on eBay and see what you reckon :)

[profmatt]

That's really helpful. Thank you.

[KernowCooper]

What you need to remember that the design of the mini is 60yrs old and therefore it needs more attention then a modern car and you need to watch out for rust in major areas and treat them with wax, with electronic ignition they can be a reliable car and something you will get a smile every time you drive it.

Have a look round the various section of the forum and you'll pick up tips on how to run and look after your new car

Edited by KernowCooper, 08 March 2013 - 02:40 PM.