I'm after some advice on the above. Currently have a need for a second car probably keep for 3 years. Mostly town work with either 1 or 2 120mile round trip each week.
Had a Fabia 1.9TDI as a rental car and was amazed at the performance and economy - badge doesn't bother me one bit!!
However I'm concious that its been out for a while and over 3 years the residual on the Mini will be better.
1) How does the trade rate the diesel? Doesn't seem to be many around used - is this good or bad. A friend has a regular Cooper and the fuel economy is really bad - hence the interest in the diesel.
2) If I do go for the Mini what are the vital options to add - clearly aircon, anything else??? The list seems to be very long!!!
Any advice would be gladly welcome - especially anyone who has a Mini D.
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The diesel engine in the Mini D comes from the Toyota Yaris. I haven't driven it, but apparently it's significantly underpowered in the Mini and rather frustrating as a result. Depreciation isn't the only factor to consider - you have to live with the car for those three years. I'd say the novelty factor of the Mini will wear thin after you've paid handsomely for all the extras, put up with the cramped interior and had it scratched a few times by the envious. I don't think the Mini D will hold its value the way the petrol variants have, as the sluggish engine response will make it a slow seller in the first place. Fabia will still retain a decent percentage while being faster, more usable and still handling quite well, if not as sharp as the Mini. Consider the vRS version.
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andymc
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The Skoda VRS is a quick car, but what is really useful is the huge surge in higher gears!
They come with a six speed box, and if I had the money I would be exchanging my Fabia 1.9tdi as soon as possible!
Have a look at www.briskoda.net for some ideas - it's a Skoda enthusiast's site with many useful pieces of information, including links to tuning workshops where, for example. the standard 100 bhp tdi can be chipped to give around 130 bhp.
Oh envy :)
Roger in Spain
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I haven't tried the Yaris diesel in the Mini, but I suspect its held back a little by the extra weight. Try one yourself, but you could also look on this site to get some longer-term views: www.mini2.com/forum/. By the way, the 1.4 Yaris engine has now been upgraded, by fitting a variable-vane turbo, to give 89bhp and more torque. This engine is now available in the Corolla, so might get into the Yaris and Mini.
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i think you should look at either 1.2 16v clio which will do 47mpg on a nice journey or a 1.5 dci 100 clio looking at the late 60mpg, its bigger inside then the mini, little smaller then the fabia, but is much safer, and cheaper to buy,maintaine and sell, good perfomers too. i mean you can pick brand new 1.2 clio sport up for like 7K.
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Thanks for all your prompt comments and advice, I take AndyMc's point on the mini being underpowered (and small!!!).
I wasn't thinking of the VRS Fabia just the 100bhp TDI - Malteser - how many miles have you done in yours and have you had any problems.
You hardly see any TDI Fabias used either - Found an 8K mile 1.4 16v petrol - December 2002 - up for £6100, comfort spec with aircon. Think the price is okay but I guess I should hold out for the TDI.
I'll let you know the outcome when I've had a drive of the Mini
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The Mini will look cute and hold its value well (because it looks cute). I imagine it will handle pretty well, too.
However I can't see it as anything like as complete a package as a Fabia, albeit they are different cars for pretty different jobs.
I do like the Clio dci though - I have driven one of those, love the handling and the equipment, and although it's not especially spacious or that stylish, it is an extremely pleasant and fun mode of transport. My choice would be the 1.5 dci 100 Dynamique.
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Its not diesel but.... Honda Jazz? very economical and reliable?
Maybe less reliable - Fiat Idea (gas or derv)
Hyundai Getz - very roomy for the external space.
How about a 2nd hand Focus with TDCi engine. Superb drive and great performance/economy mix. Best car of all these for the longer trips.
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Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive?
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Audkid.
The car has covered 62,000 kilometers: Faults - powersteering sensor cable failed at 56,000 km, replaced under warranty. (A known weakness in both the VW/Seat/Skoda PAS apparently).Should be sorted now I expect.
The battery completely failed last Monday , just 3 years, 2 months from new! I have no idea if this a common fault or just bad luck.Do save up for a new one though, the branded battery is 140 Euros - about 103 quid!
Apart from that the car has been absolutely fine and I would recommend one as a decent sized supermini which is pretty quick when you want it to be.
Roger in Spain
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If you want the Mini add to the cost:
Aircon
Alloys if not standard
cd player etc
or you may have trouble selling when most Minis have this spec
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The deal is done! Have driven both and (are you sitting down) the Fabia trounced the Mini in all areas - other than handling and image?.
I am blown away by how good the little car is. Had a succession of 6 Audis (A4's and A6's) and the refinement of the Fabia on the motorway comes a very close second.
Considered the vRS 130bhp one but the grey nylon seats didn't look like they'd stand up to much abuse and given the current rarity value attached to them the nearly new ones are expensive.
So got a 12-month-old, 8k mile 1.9TDI Comfort with a selection of extras, air-con, CD changer etc for a very reasonable sum - over £5K less than a Mini D.
We'll have to see how the reliability stacks up but given that my 4 month old Audi Cabrio has been in the dealer 9 times with different problems it doesn't have much to live up to!
Thanks for your comments and advice! I'll let you know how I get on!
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Hope you like the new car!
Top Gear the other week put the vRS against a MINI and it beat it on the track (not in the corners, mind!).
It's interesting to compare the two as they're at opposite ends of the image scale. And £5k is a lot to pay for cuteness!
FWIW, I bought a MINI but of all the opposition (Punto, Ibiza, Polo, whatever) the Fabia was my favourite.
Happy motoring!
Lee.
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Lee
MINI adventure in progress
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Good for you! Have you got the Mini yet or is it on order?
People at work (knowing how difficult to please I am, when it comes to cars) are having trouble believing I've bought one. They think either I've gone mad or the Fabia might actually be quite good! My 3 year old is less convinced and I've been told "we're not having a Skoda" many times over the last few days!
Roll on cheap motoring!
I did see the Top Gear piece - It was difficult not to choose the vRS but I just wanted something anonymous and errrr... cheaper!!!
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We've had the Mini now for about a year and a half now and it's been good fun. Eyewateringly expensive for a car of its size but well built and most importantly, cute!
I honestly think your workmates will be impressed by the Fabia, it's well put together and IMHO, has an excellent interior - I loved the clear lines, showed the Polo up as being gimmicky (if there is such a word).
Your 3 year old is a tougher audience - saw that Argos are selling a portable DVD player for £99. That, along with a couple of choice DVDs for long comfortable journeys will certainly do some persuation on the junior contingent.
That it hasn't got the stiff suspension and rock hard run flat tyres of the Mini is good news for you too as you'll have a lot less car-sickness to cope with/clear up!!
Lee.
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Lee
MINI adventure in progress
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