Minis are one of the most famous, and in many ways most attractive economy cars on the market. Known for their speed, handling, and distinct character, this BMW-owned badge is a real household name in a lot of motoring communities.
Is that really deserved though? If you’re browsing the market looking to buy your first Mini, then here are some of the pros and cons you need to be aware of.
Pros
Probably the most talked-about pro of owning a Mini is that they’re incredibly fun to drive. Many of the more recent models are made with bulks speedos and a floor-pedal accelerator, and as soon as you get into the driver’s seat you know you’re in for a fun ride. They can build up speed surprisingly fast, the handling’s very smooth, and can park in some of the tightest spaces I’ve ever seen. Even if you don’t really care for driving, you’re sure to have a fun, carefree experience in a Mini.
Secondly, the benefit you’re probably looking for – it gives great value. While adding options at the dealership will bump the price up considerably, if you get a Mini with none of them it can be a very affordable car. From there, you’ll get brilliant gas mileage out of it – many of the Mini owners I know say they only have to fill their tank up once a month! Furthermore, the resale value on a Mini is pretty impressive, so you’ll have no trouble finding a wide selection at a dealership like Spire Automotive.
Finally, the reduced needs for maintenance. Unlike a lot of other small cars, Mini doesn’t need to have a load of work done on it every few months. Many enthusiasts boast about how reliable they are, and how little they actually have to take it into a mechanic. Many Minis come with a 3-year warranty as standard, so there’s that to lean on if needs be.
Cons
I have my own long-running love affair with Minis, so it pains me to talk about the cons of ownership. However, there’s one big, glaring issue; the badge itself! Because Minis are so popular, and the dealerships know it, you may find it hard to get a good deal. Of course, this all depends on the local market, and how saturated the lots are with Minis. However, if the dealer only has one, and they know you want it, you’ll be in the palm of their hand.
Another con is that maintenance can be expensive. While these cars are incredibly tough, once your warranty runs out you’ll need to cover all repairs. Despite the parts and the cars themselves being so widespread, the repairs are notoriously expensive! When you go in to buy your Mini, the sales rep will probably dangle a few extended warranty plans in front of you. However, these can also be expensive, and a poor investment in the long run. If you’re lucky, you may never experience this con. Just make sure you’re prepared to splash out on repairs!
