Used test: Ford Fiesta ST vs Mini Cooper S costs

Buying and owning

Costs, equipment, reliability, safety and security

Used Fiesta ST200s are currently listed for around £12,000 to £17,000, depending on whether they have high, average or low mileage, as well as their overall condition. The model is popular with those who like to modify their cars, so that is also a factor in pricing, in addition to something worth being aware of when searching the classifieds. We'd recommend a budget of around £14,000 in order to find an unmodified 2016 or 2017 car with reasonable mileage. 

On the Cooper S end, a low-spec 2016 model with average mileage should set you back around £11,500, whereas higher-spec cars with low mileage will cost you around £14,000.

It's also worth bearing in mind that the Mini will be cheaper to insure and service. Indeed, a transferable five-year service pack could be ordered when the Mini was new, and also has the option of being extended for a further three years for a reasonable amount of money. Surprisingly, though, the Fiesta is more frugal in real-world driving, besting the Mini by slightly more than two mpg. 

If the Cooper S or Fiesta ST200 in question has been registered before April 2017, how much its car tax costs will depend on CO2 emissions. However, cars registered after that date will attract the current flat fee of £155; this applies to all petrol and diesel cars.

The Fiesta fights back with a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating compared with the Mini’s four-star rating, although the Mini was tested under a newer, more stringent system.

Both cars come well equipped, with climate control (dual-zone in the Fiesta), a DAB radio, steering wheel-mounted controls, satellite navigation, sports seats, cruise control and automatic lights and wipers all standard features. The Mini adds LED headlights and an adjustable boot floor to that tally. 

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