Is a MINI Hatch One a good first car?

My daughter has her heart set on a MINI Hatch One 1.4 as her first car. We've found some in her price range and affordable insurance but then I read some reviews saying don't touch MINIs with a barge pole and they are a BMW engine and constantly fail. I'd really appreciate your view on a MINI as a first car.

Asked on 4 February 2022 by Sarah Simpkins

Answered by Russell Campbell

We had various reports of problems with the MINI that you can read about, here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mini/hatch-f56-2014/...d

Its tight engine bay means labour costs can also be higher than with other small cars.

A more reliable option that'll be cheaper to buy and maintain would be the Toyota Aygo. It's not as fun to drive or a stylish as the MINI, but it is more practical. Here's our review:

www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/toyota/aygo-2014/

Tags: first cars

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