The protracted saga of me moving to EV ownership has take another turn, this time towards the MINI.

I started out thinking about an i3, but they are more than I really want to pay, and the older ones seem to suffer from 12V battery failures which can have expensive consequences. Plus 'er indoors doesn't like them.

So then I thought about a Fiat 500 E, mainly because we love our current Twinair version. Problem is they are also pretty pricey and a bit small.

Currently now considering a MINI - built in the UK (a very major plus for me), nice to drive, affordable, seem to hold their value well, big enough but not too big. Well engineered too with good battery management technology.

Slight lack of range at c. 140miles but it's primarily for local running around and we still have the Landy or the Morgan for going long distances - although having said that a MINI would appear to need a 20-30 minute charge every 90 miles or so, so not disastrous anyway.

I'm currently looking at a 2020 model with 10k miles up for £26k and they are offering £5k on the Fiat so a cost to change of £21k, which is about right for me.

Any comments from owners very welcome

Sorry nothing here on the E variant. I can say my experience of Mini dealerships has been consistently good which cannot be said for many other brands in my experience. Our R56 CooperS has been nothing but fun and remains a pleasure.

Which trim level is the 2020 model you are looking at? I see the broker price for a "2" is £27.5K new...

The one I'm looking at is a level 2. Never thought about a broker, but the issue with buying new is waiting god knows how many months for delivery. I am waiting for a call back from the local MINI centre to see if they can find anything, but I don't hold out much hope.

No MINI EV experience, but Mrs F has now had two petrol versions - a 2021 MINI ONE and a 2016 Clubman. Both proved to be reliable and service has been good from our local dealer.

One watch point which may not be relevant to an EV: We paid for a "3 year service pack" on the most recent one. Because of the service intervals, it was not the saving we expected. We only saved about £5. Honest John has more on this.

Also, whilst the car is under warranty, SatNav map updates should be free - worth checking. Once out of warranty, it is easy to do yourself. Ours cost around £45 last month for a map upgrade compared to a quote of £150 by the dealer.

Ah now for the sales side of Mini centres, I would run away quickly. They are as sharp as all others in this sector and will simultaiously try and sell you a car saying they are brilliant at resale and you should spend £££££££ on custom options having just offered you s_d all for the trade in Mini saying those options don't count when selling. Plus all the other rotten egg lines used in these situations. I have had good experiences of after sales. Sales is a different story.

I agree re the shorter range and price being good then using the other cars for longer hauls. If it suites your life style it makes a lot of sense. This WFH thingy has some real benefits.

Just had a call back from the Mini centre, as I suspected there are no new cars in stock anywhere. They offered me a delivery slot of early December to my spec at £27.4k and are offering a bit less than £5k on the trade in. Going for a test drive tomorrow so we'll see what we think.

YES ! After much procrastination I purchased an Electric Mini (level 1) a couple of weeks ago. I have run Minis for many years and like you, although Owned by Germans, I like the idea of employing Brits to build it. Level 1 is about £26K new but I saved a couple of K by getting an ex demonstrator with 200 miles on the clock! Because of shortage if chips, delivery of new cars is subject to delay, and because of this, used cars are increasing in price, which is what made me jump off the fence. So far I'm very pleased with performance and will be more so when charger is hooked up to PV cells installed ten years ago. I have yet to experience 'Range Anxiety' but all EV owners that I know say that it soon fades (the anxiety, I mean!) I can't see the current problems easing any time soon so I suggest you get a low mileage one asap.!

Ditto our B47 engined (2 litre) Mini Clubman Cooper D. 60mpg giving nearly 700 miles range, just £30 VED as it's so clean.

Thanks Johnny. You are right about used prices, they are getting very high indeed. £26k for a 2020 car with 10k miles compared to £27.5k* for a brand new car but a 3 month lead time.

*Remember that on a new car you get a £3k grant against the full price of £30.5k

I think I'll go for the new option, I don't mind waiting a bit.