Mini is hardly Fort Knox, but a fitted alarm may deter thieves and will certainly look favourable to your insurance company. Early models lack the sophisticated anti-theft protection of modern day cars, although there is adequate security on Mayfair and Cooper models. Occupant safety is poor in pre-1996 models, although side impact bars and airbags were introduced on later cars.

Due to the restrictive interior, the Mini is unsuitable for large families, and taller drivers might find the footwells and headroom a little too cosy. Mini also has a very small boot and is unpractical for excessive luggage or the weekly shopping, but supermarket parking is a doddle and you can zip through tighter spaces in the city.