First car - Mini or Beetle?

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Thu 16 Jun 2011 21:10
First car - Mini or Beetle? - flosswoss

OK, I've stopped gnashing my teeth about insurance! Adrian Flux recommended a 1972 Beetle for low insurance so we're now thinking about this or an old Mini. Which one is better as in reliability, cost of servicing and parts etc?

My son has just spotted an old Hillman down the road for sale so is looking for quotes for that, bless.

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Thu 16 Jun 2011 21:48
First car - Mini or Beetle? - unthrottled

Bit of an apples and oranges comparison! The condition of the example you buy is going to be a far better indicator of reliability than the mechanical merits/build quality etc. All cars of that age are susceptible to rust-bodywork rust is trivial, it's the undercarriage, inner wheel arches, sills etc that matters-and that sort of corrosion is easily hidden.

Both cars are mechanically simple and ubiquitous enough to make finding parts fairly straight forward.

Both the rear mounted air cooled flat 4 and the water cooled front mouted I4 suffer from a common problem-inconsistent cooling which can cause overheating. Never lug an air cooled engine! You either love the noise of the fan or you hate it. Mini gearboxes are a weak point. Mini is nicer to drive, Beetle is more spacious. six of one, half a dozen of another.

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Thu 16 Jun 2011 22:45
First car - Mini or Beetle? - Vitesse6

Agree that condition has to be your major consideration. Beetles can rust alarmingly in the heater ducts which are structural - bodge repairs are common and very expensive to put right. Likewise minis are prone to tinworm.

I would widen the net and get quotes on a range of classics, then see what you can find that is sound and fit to be on the road.

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Fri 17 Jun 2011 07:06
First car - Mini or Beetle? - Pizza man

1990-1995 fiesta/corsa/metro/polo/ibiza?

might be slightly more on insurance but i'd imagine it would save a fortune on breakdowns.

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Fri 17 Jun 2011 10:59
First car - Mini or Beetle? - gordonbennet

Running cars of this age is always going to mean getting down and dirty regularly to keep them going, there will always be something needs doing, probably every weekend, especially bodywork/welding.

They are not for non mechanically minded people unless rich enough to afford to pay a man that can.

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Fri 17 Jun 2011 13:25
First car - Mini or Beetle? - flosswoss

I know, it sounds like a good idea but it is the maintenance that puts me off. It's the flipping insurance that's the real stumbling block. I know some teenagers can be a bit mad behind the wheel but what about really old drivers who may have the experience but lack the physical abilities or reflexes needed when driving in today's traffic?

I've always driven Fords myself and a little Fiesta for him sounds more than a little appealing!

Thanks everyone!

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Fri 17 Jun 2011 20:58
First car - Mini or Beetle? - Dutchie

I've had three Beetles the 1200cc ones.Agree about the heating channels and rust under the battey in the cabin.I have still seen some nice ones around the Beetle has a flat floorpan.Engines are easy to look after plugs points oil change are straightforward.Engines are very strong the 1500 cc was the best model later 1303 where more prone to problems due to emission controls.They have a 4 speed gearbox 3rd gear is mostly used in town.Top speed is cruising speed about 70mph.The Beetle is stonger than the mini and heavier.The three i've had done over 120 thousand miles..Reguar oil changes are essential.Also had a mini nice little runabout stilled preferrred the Beetle.

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