Dear Matt,
I am looking for a fun new or nearly new car, spending in the region of £15k but I may be selling the car in as little as a year so cost of ownership is an important factor. I think I have it down to two cars, a new 500 Abarth or a post ’06 Cooper S. I realise both are expensive to insure as I am a 21 yr old bloke.
My impression of the Cooper S is that it is a much more refined car in every way but lacks the fun that comes with the 500. I would be interested to hear your opinions on the two cars and if there are any others I should be considering.
With kind regards,
David Simms, Surrey, UK
Answer
Alright Fella,
Word to the wise, wink, wink: When you call the insurance company, don’t call yourself a bloke, a geezer, or even a lad. You are a young professional. Got it?
Even then, your premium is going to be a source of great amusement around the pub table. Still, you can’t take it with you. You have my respect and full (moral) support if that helps.
It’s got to be the Fiat, bizarrely. It will cost you £25 less to tax, give you 3 more miles per gallon, is in insurance group 13 (gulp) which is better than the Mini’s group 15 (double gulp) and is only 8/10s of a second slower to 60. It is more chuck-about-able and you will be the only person with one for miles. Whereas Minis are everywhere….
Q.E.D. mate,
Matt
Keywords:
500-abarth, mini-cooper-s, fiat, insuring-a-new-car