Strong residuals mean you’ll have a higher mileage at this price, but we found a 16-plate, diesel-powered Cooper with 70,000 miles for £6,000.
Like its exterior, the MINI’s cabin has been treated to some retro design touches, such as the large circular binnacle in the centre of the dash, some eyeball air vents and metal toggle switches. Quality is first rate, with soft-touch materials and a robust fit and finish giving the British machine a real upmarket feel. While the One is the entry-level model, you get air-con, electric windows and infotainment that features Bluetooth, DAB and USB connectivity. The low-slung driving position is great, but taller occupants will feel cramped in the back, and the three-door layout makes access tricky. But the 211-litre boot is the biggest here.
Smart ForFour – the practical choice
- For: Five doors, tight turning circle and low running costs
- Against: Basic infotainment, not suited to long journeys
If you want head-turning kerb appeal, then the quirky Smart takes some beating. This is largely down to the trademark exposed Tridion safety cage, which is finished in a colour that contrasts with the rest of the car. Despite its rear-engined layout, the Smart ForFour isn’t sporty to drive, but with its narrow body and tight turning circle of 8.65 metres, it’s the most agile car around town.
It rides bumps well, while its 0.9-litre three-cylinder engine delivers decent urge and strong efficiency. For £5,600 you can bag a 15-plate 1.0-litre Passion with 44,000 miles.
The Smart is equally adventurous inside, where you’ll find a distinctively designed dash and a bold, albeit possibly controversial, two-tone colour scheme. High-grade materials and solid build quality create an ambience that could generally be described as upmarket. The infotainment is fairly basic, but there’s a neat smartphone cradle, plus air-conditioning and cruise control. A five-door layout boasts versatility, but while there’s plenty of space up front, those in the back will feel a little hemmed in. At 185 litres, the ForFour’s boot is on the small side, but the rear bench can be quickly folded flat to free up 975 litres of capacity. You can also fold the front passenger seat down to accommodate extra-long loads.
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