Selling my mini and getting something new...

R

RandomGRK

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Hey,

So, I have a 2004 Mini Cooper with 103,000km on the clock.

The steering wheel is making some serious sounds, the brakes are grinding even though they are fairly new, the car rattles like crazy, there is too much wind noise and its uncomfortable to drive for long distances.

The car is paid off but im afraid it starts to give serious issues soon. Its not only the money but also the time, effort and grey hairs I might get.

So, I was thinking of getting a new car or one with max 20,000km.

Now heres the clincher, im a stingy bugger and dont want to pay much. Cars are great and fun to drive but I cant fork out GTI money (like my bro just did) for a car.

I love how fun the mini is and obviously I would love to replicate it but Im looking for a more comfy ride...that can get me to the coast or on getaways without back pain.

Im looking to trade in my mini for R90k or so and buy something for not more that R200k.

That would constitute a repayment of about R2500 per month which is affordable.

What do you guys have in mind?

I would love a Golf 6 but looks like the second hand ones with over 20,000km go for over R200k.

Polo/Fiesta - I could get brand new but feels like a downgrade from the mini
Volvo C30/Opel Astra/Golf 6 - might find a good deal on a second hand or demo.
i30 - Might feel like a downgrade and incredibly boring to drive but that 5yr/150,000 is hard to beat.

any other thoughts?
 
car prices are ridiculous at the moment for some reason
 
just got a kia cerato koup new for 200k...very nice..worth a look
 
Brawler said:
Yes.

5th biggest car manufacturer in the world.
Click to expand...

I already requested a quote. Been researching the past 3 days and sho, nothing excite me until this. I know it doesnt have the performance but it has the features, space and comfort im looking for. Rocking!
 
RandomGRK said:
I already requested a quote. Been researching the past 3 days and sho, nothing excite me until this. I know it doesnt have the performance but it has the features, space and comfort im looking for. Rocking!
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Whats wrong with 115kw thats not slow?? Amazes me how people need 200kw or twin turbo's just to go to Pick & Pay :wtf:
 
RandomGRK said:
I already requested a quote. Been researching the past 3 days and sho, nothing excite me until this. I know it doesnt have the performance but it has the features, space and comfort im looking for. Rocking!
Click to expand...

I got the 1.6 sedan 3 weeks ago and am LOVING it. Looks, engine, interior, features, service plan etc.

Performace might not be GTI standards but the 114kw 2.0l motor is actually very quick (can get to 180 very quickly..) and also fuel efficient.
 
I think you need to make a compromise between mileage and comfort. A car with less than 20 000km will generally be a year -1.5 years old and wont have depreciated much.
I bought a 2005 Mercedes Benz E350 (200kw) for R179 000 a few months ago. Sure the mileage was a little high (147 000km) but if you do your research and track the cars history mileage isnt everything and E-Class Mercs dont usually go through the same punishment as a GTI would for example. Its a Fast comfortable cruiser, which handles fairly well for such a large car. Might not be your cup of tea, but all im saying is be willing to go for something with a bit higher mileage, that depreciates fast. Service costs on a Mercedes are generally in line with most car manufacturers. Last service from mercedes: R4500, while my golf cost me R3400 both at their respective dealers...
 
Did I say that? I mean performance as in a little 'oompf'

It has the looks but lacks the performance to match it. Overall, a nice car as a comfy city run around.

Thanks for the suggestion etwylite.

Anything else?
 
Vegeta said:
Maybe the new Opel Astra 1.4T or 1.6T which ever is in budget 4 u
Maybe wait for the Audi A1?
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I love the Astra but its starts at R218k for the Essentia, R237k for the 1.4T and so on.

The Audi A1 will be a tad small. Im looking for something a little bigger and my budget is R200k. The Cerato Koup is R215k. Can probably get them to about R208k or so. Hopefully decent prime less figure too.

Im hitting a brick wall. Everything is too expensive. Its basically the Korean cars that offer all the features for a good price which is great value.

Never thought I would say this but I might drive a Kia lol.
 
RandomGRK said:
Im hitting a brick wall. Everything is too expensive. Its basically the Korean cars that offer all the features for a good price which is great value.

Never thought I would say this but I might drive a Kia lol.
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Same here few years ago i could afford a c-segment car without stretching... id rather keep mine and drive it till the wheels fall off, i'm not paying these prices 4uck them!
 
RandomGRK said:
Never thought I would say this but I might drive a Kia lol.
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Comfort yourself in the fact that the designer of the koup comes from audi/vw
Peter Schreyer designed the audi TT so those pretty lines on the Koup are no fluke. :D see how i did that... koup...fluke...
 
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Lol, koup fluke... ;)

Ja, I read that somewhere. Reviews have been great so far. Obviously it doesn't evenly compare to an audi or bmw but for the price, the value outstrips the its few shortcomings.
 
RandomGRK said:
Selling my mini and getting something new...
Hey,

So, I have a 2004 Mini Cooper with 103,000km on the clock.

<snip>

any other thoughts?
Click to expand...

Well, since you have been driving a mini-Beemer for a while now, maybe you should look for another Beemer? :wtf:
 
I think so too Beemer is the way to go and if u dont wanna spend money then buy something older...........
 
ettubrute said:
Well, since you have been driving a mini-Beemer for a while now, maybe you should look for another Beemer? :wtf:
Click to expand...

All Korean cars are catching up. I think the days of BMW/Merc/Audi is the best have long gone. Personally, I dont think its badge is worth its weight. Obviously if I could easily afford a BMW I would get one but if you read the OP you will see I want a new car or one with very low mileage as my mini is starting to age and fall apart. Also, my budget is R200k and I dont wish to stretch it.

Look at the Hyundai Sonata. Priced at under R300k but even has more bells and whistles than a merc.

I could try getting an entry level Audi but it would be bare and boring inside. Instead, it makes more sense to get a top of the range Kia with everything in it and comparable performance to the Audi. The only thing I wont have is the badge. I can live without it.

Also, with the Kia I get a better warranty and service plan...not to mention its R50,000 cheaper.
 
Whilst talking Sonata, you have to look at a Subaru Legacy as well. Price before discussing with me is 269, and it has every bell and whistle imaginable, apart from 4 wheel drive and a superb Subaru boxer engine! ;)
 
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