VW Polo GTI or Mini Cooper?

Question

I have just qualifed as a nurse and am looking to treat myself to a car.
I like to 2006 VW Polo GTI but recently started to look at the Mini Cooper S.
Which car do you think I should get and why? I have 1 year no claims and have had my license for 3 years.

Serious answers please!!

Also, I am 21 years old

Answer 1

Insurance and fuel economy are going to be a killer on both (despite their small size).

If I were in your position I'd opt for the VW, purely because it's a little more unusual than the Mini, has VW build quality, and is avaliable (I believe) in a more practical 5-door version, even though the performance might be a little more sedate than the Mini.

But it's your choice, so don't let anyone here bully you! Enjoy whichever car you pick and have fun- well done qualifying to become a Nurse by the way, I admire you!

Answer 2

I am a 21 year old that owns a Mini Cooper S and I absolutely love it. It is my baby. Personally I don't like VW's. Personally I would go for the Mini just because I know how the Mini handles and it is a very good car. Mine is a 2003 and I just replaced the brakes and tires and that is all that has gone wrong, which that aign't nothing major. The gas mileage is amazing on my car, but that might just be because I had a Jeep before this, but they are awesome cars if I do say so myself. Another thing about them is that, where I am from is that all the other Mini drivers are so nice. Everytime I see a driver on the road in their Mini, they will wave and honk at you. They are very nice people! Anyway, Mini's are really good cars so I would say go with the Mini!

Answer 3

Well the mini will hold its value much better and is worth every penny. Dont forget it is a BMW and thus very high build quality. The mini will only loose £500 a year or less in value, whereas the VW will loose double this at around £800+ a year to start with and increasing. A 5 year old mini will have only lost £2,000 in value. A 5 year old POLO GTI will have lost £4,000+ in value.
The downside to the mini is its small bootsize and lack of fuel economy, the mini is surprising ly heavy, and with only 3 doors, but I'm sure it is bigger than the POLO you like.
SO I would have the mini, it will be hard to find one below £8,000. And theres a good reason for that, they are very sought after. If you can stretch your budget though to a BMW 1 series, you will look a cool customer! They start at around £10,500, and the diesel is rock solid and well worth a look. It is a classy alternative to the mini. http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/cars_search.asp?searchform=&modelexact=1&lid=search_used_cars_full&photo=1&state=none&sort=3&hassearched=Y&make=BMW&min_pr=75&source=0&model=1+SERIES&max_pr=&agerange=&mileage=&miles=100&postcode=cv7+7nr&ukcarsearch_full.x=43&ukcarsearch_full.y=6

Now, the Peugeot 206 is a good all round car and the diesel will do 50 MPG, and a newish one will cost around £6,000, which is good value for money. Dont forget that the 207 is now out and the 206 is fading out. Or you could buy a brand new 107 for around £6,000

The Toyota Yaris is also very good reliable and cheap to run.

The Hyundai GETZ is a surprisingly good all rounder.

The Mercedes A class is a very safe car, and a pleasure to own, it is big inside and has 5 door. The 1.4 or 1.7 diesel will be cheaper to insure than the Mini Cooper. They hold their value too, but not as well as the mini does.

Also brand new Ford KA is on special offer right now, as it is about to be phased out, this will mean it is likely to depreciate fast, unlike the mini.
I have seen pictures of the new KA and it is a very boring shape unlike the original KA that was launched in 1997.

If you want to see what you can get for your money have a look at Auto trader website and do a few searches. http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/cars_search.asp?page=1&nU=0&make=MINI&model=COOPER%20S&min_pr=&max_pr=&postcode=CV7%207NR&miles=40&max_records=200&modelexact=1&photo=1&hassearched=Y

Have a look at the european crash test site and have a more educated view of what you are intending to buy. http://www.euroncap.com/content/safety_ratings/ratings.php?id1=1

Also, when looking for insurance you must get quotes from this website who will find you 30 prices and save you a lot of time. http://www.confused.com/?MediaCode=294

Congrats on your new qualifications.

Answer 4

Neither they the two have severe electric powered subjects which will kill you. My wifes VW rapid trojan horse went with the aid of 3 batterys in 2 years, and her bosses mini is continuously having subjects.

Answer 5

minis r reliable, if it's a gooden.
but u can have this knack of encouraging bullies 2 pick on u.
me, i'd go 4 the Polo, also very reliable.

Answer 6

I would go for the polo very reliable good on fuel and very good all round vision , but i don't know how they will com pair on insurance cost,