which one better-- BMW 1 series or MINI cooper?

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Whatmm

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i did set my heart on 1 series but i would like to have more opinions on my decision.
in consideration of look, drive, performance, handling, reliability, resale value.....of those 2 cars pls.
i don't really care about how roomy the car is really. price and insurance doesn't matter. this will be my 1st car BTW. thanks for the help. xx
 
i prefer the 1 series, but many people think the mini cooper is more fun. So i guess it depends on what your looking for.

The 1 series is much smoother than the mini.
 
I wouldn't go for either, but the BMW is far better - more space, better built, far more practical, etc. The resale value of both are good, but the Mini has suffered from some reliability issues & during a credit crunch, I can foresee the values of such a basically impractical car going down steeply. With a Mini, you're paying for image at the expense of space inside. You may not be worried about space, but the next owner may well be.
I don't buy into the looks of either - BMW have always made good looking cars, but the 1 series is like a little van (or Allegro estate for those of us who remember them), and the Mini buys into the ethos of a car that nostalgia has been very kind to. I just cringe at the sort of people who buy them. No boot or legroom in a car with the same wheelbase as a Land Rover Discovery...
Expensive choice for a first car too, but it's your money.
 
There is NO match.. The BMW 1 Series is a real drivers car (Rear wheel drive) and has super build quality/resale value.
The mini is now 10 a penny.
 
Mini Cooper S. The 1 series would be faster in a straight line but in every other criteria the Cooper is far and away the better option. Technically the Cooper's a BMW anyway. You'll still be getting high-class build quality. I've been in one of them and they're nippy little cars, pretty retro on the inside but still nice, and they have a nice high-revving engine too. Although it also depends on what 1-series we're talking here. The old hatchback one isn't that brilliant, but the new coupe one is.

Also the Cooper will be much much cheaper in the long run.
 
they are both nice. i would choose the mini only if you get the s trim. it is small, light, and turbocharged. front wheel drive handling is easier to predict and adjust. this is the car to get if you want to have fun with it.

yes it's true that the 1 series is RWD, but all the computers, traction control, limited slip, etc. takes the fun out of it. i say this car is better looking and probably smoother. it is a comfort car for sure, but that's kinda boring.
 
the 1 series is way more expensive. However it does probably have a better build quality.

I have owned both. The MINI was a 2002 cooper and it was plagued with problems! New gearbox, steering column, wheels and tyres had faults etc. It was annoyingly small. Couldn't get SHOPPING in, it was difficult to get ito the back etc. I know the built quality and reliability of the MINI is vastly improved since my one. Only buy post 2006 minis.

Having said that, it was a great fun car and theres a huge community of min owners out there who organise runs etc if your into that kind of thing.

I had a 1 series 118d and it was a good all rounder. A bit small in the back (not as small as the mini). Its rather bland in all honesty. I got bored quite quickly. Its a nice car to drive but can be a bit cramped it your like me (6ft 2").

One thing to watch out for is the BMW/MINI servicing/maintenance costs. If you dont have a warranty, your looking at spending potentially 1000s looking after them. Even a simple oil change can cost £250+.

Just for your own interest, go have a look at the new renault megane. Im not a fan of renaults but i had a look at their new range the other day and was well impressed. German quality (debatable) at French prices.

As for resale values... both are fairly average. That kind of thing can change so much depending on financial climate etc.
 
For your first car, both are overpriced and with high running costs, high insurance costs. Your chances of an accident or damage in your first car are highest - do the sensible thing (PLEASE) and get a second-hand Yaris or Fiesta. Build up your no-claims insurance, get used to all the other costs of ownership - then think about changing in 3 years time or so.
 
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