Congratulations, hand out the cigars – you’re a father! It may not be your first child (it may not even be your second) but it’s another little life which you have created – and have responsibility for – and it goes without saying you intend to take keeping the wee one safe into account no matter what. Unfortunately your shiny sports number isn’t really big enough for a(nother) car seat… What’s a hip young Dad to do?
The answer could come in the form of a used Mini. To begin with, these cars won’t break the bank – definitely worth taking into account when you consider the cost of nappies, milk and the other such paraphernalia a newborn baby needs. As an investment piece the Mini holds its residual value better than any other car in the supermini class, making it a worthwhile purchase in the long run. And, while not the cheapest car to run and repair, the initial outlay of £185 for the TLC package is a very sound investment, covering all routine service costs for the first 5 years (or 50,000 miles)!
Then there’s the safety element. A new generation Mini is both taller and longer than the original Mini, ensuring it meets modern safety standards yet remains compact enough to squeeze in the last spot in front of the playgroup gates, or hop out into the busy traffic of the school run. It has a five star Euro NCAP crash-test rating for true peace of mind, alongside stability control and front, side and full cabin-length airbags. It’s true that the back seats are small, but if your rear passengers are small too it doesn’t matter too much – and it should be noted that the rear seat space has been increased some by the clever sculptural cut-out seating. The boot too is larger, holding a further 10 litres – perfect for family picnics, seaside trips or shoving in the compact buggy and nappy bag. There might even be room left for a few favourite toys…
As far as the mechanics go a used Mini is definitely a good bet. It’s a grown-up car, with its timeless retro stylings, but still has some of that boy racer charm that will keep you young at heart. When it comes to engines, the Mini One 1.4 litre is a bit on the growly side, but gets the job done. If you can stretch to it, a 118 bhp 1.6 litre in a Cooper or Cooper S is well worth the extra money, eliminating all residual growl and rattle, jumping 0-62 in 7.1 seconds and hitting top speeds of 140 mph. And when you’re hitting those top speeds you’ll know about it – alongside the retro toggle controls the dash features a vintage-effect oversized speedometer that can’t fail to grab your attention!
If you’re splashing out you’d do well to add the Sports kit to the mix – not necessarily so much for the aesthetics of the sportier trim and alloy wheels, but for the power steering boost button, aluminium internals for a lighter drive, improved suspension, a new rear axle, harder springs, dampers and anti-roll bars… the list goes on. All together these ensure comfort, power, control – a smooth ride which handles like a dream. Which is what you need hen you’ve a bored child in the back seat!
Overalll, a used Mini is a class act, an investment piece that is just grown-up enough for your needs, but still as fun and funky as your adventurous side dictates. Whatever life throws at you, the Mini can handle it!
