A Comparison of 3 of the newest Hatchbacks around
Today it appears that even the economy driver is much more discerning than ever before with regards to value for money.
As an example of how performance and specification demanding we have now become, we compare three of today’s smaller hatchbacks.
The cars we are going to look at are the Mini Cooper S, the Renault Clio 2L Renaultsport 197 and the new Vauxhall Corsa VXR.
It would appear from initial investigation that the new Vauxhall has finer design features and an overall impression that it is way and above earlier models.
Developing 188bhp from a 1.6 L turbocharged diesel engine perhaps this is the first Vauxhall for some time to start actually marrying up power with good looks.
It is up again serious competition however. Perhaps this is a selling off how important the market is.
The Clio develops 194bhp from a 2 L engine that takes a little to get it going but once you do, boy does it fly.
Producing 173bhp from a 1.6 L engine that is turbocharged, the Mini Cooper S. has more than enough grunt.
From a drivers perspective the Mini has stunning performance and lightning reactions. With regards to the Renault, it does appear to perform better the faster you go. Finally the Vauxhall has loads of performance and handles extremely well.
As with all things the interior of the cars there is always an element of compromise with the poor plastics of Mini set against the brilliant driving position. It was difficult to get comfortable in the Renault despite the quality of the interior and lastly though the design of the Vauxhall inside was great this somehow compromised the visibility.
At the end of the day everybody’s looking for something that will provide value for money. Initially the Vauxhall being the cheapest and potentially best equipped looked good but this was offset by quite steep running costs. The downside of the red was the fact that despite big discounts on purchase the fairly heavy depreciation did weigh heavily in most people’s minds. He the Mini held up quite well in terms of strong second hand value giving rise to quite good ownership prospects.
Looked at objectively all three of the cars are actually quite good value for money but probably the Mini Cooper S. comes out on top the handling speed and overall performance of the Mini means that it has quite the strong support to place despite the amazing fact that the inside looks cheap but hardly any boot in the rear seats are extremely small. Certainly one of the aspects of the Mini is that the extras are surprisingly expensive.
After the Mini Cooper the Vauxhall comes in second and has the overall aura of a good all round car. It is quite sad that the visibility is compromised because this is quite a substantial blemish on what is a very good performing in handling car.
The Renault Clio comes in last of the bunch which is quite sad when you consider the power and performance of the car. You have to wind it up to get it going and when she do you won’t be disappointed but it was the depreciation and the lack of residual value that was against it.
Stephen Stewart
View all articles by Stephen Stewart
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1975 TOPPS MINI COMPLETE SET 100%PSA GRADED 446 PSA 9′S 8.69 AVG ALL NQ AWESOME $17,499.99 |
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01 Playoff Absolute Mini Helmet Autographs 99% Full Set $10,000.00 |
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**COLLECTORS iPOD MINi SET** Apple iPod mini 2nd Generation Blue 4 GB MP3 $9,999.99 |
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46.30ct SINGLE/ANTIQUE CUT DIAMOND RUBY GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $5,399.10 |
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Commanding Officer Pin Mini Badge Complete Dept Set (116 in total) NYC PD – rare $5,000.00 |
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HUGE 28PC. SYSTEM 3R MINI SET. EDM Mold-making Toolmaking fixtures Machine Tools $4,999.00 |
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RANDALL KNIFE KNIVES COMPLETE SET MINIS $4,489.03 |
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3m K200 Mini Driver Pneumatic Orthopedic Set $3,750.00 |
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FAL MiNi2 Small Flat type wide full-range speaker set $3,536.10 |
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3M K200 MINI DRIVER SET INCLUDING HOSE ORTHOPAEDIC $3,500.00 |
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3M K200 Mini Driver Air Set $3,495.00 |
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54.05c ROSE/ANTIQUE CUT DIAMOND PEARL/EMERALD 14k GOLD MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $3,476.70 |
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MINI Cooper 17″ Cross Spoke R90 Wheels & Tires Set New $3,300.00 |
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NEUMANN SKM100-MS Mini Mic Stereo Set $3,399.00 |
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41.14ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND EMERALD 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $3,232.80 |
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90.58ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND GEMSTONE 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $3,149.10 |
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60.07ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND GEMSTONE 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $3,006.00 |
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3M Electric Mini Driver Set – with Power console – Great working order!! $2,799.00 |
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Cat 305C Mini Ex Replacement Track,Set of (2),Locations in CA,OR,TX,NC,Free Ship $2,799.00 |
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49.47ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND GEMSTONE 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $2,772.00 |
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5.86ct ROSE/SOLITAIRE UNCUT DIAMOND 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $2,699.10 |
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67.11ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND GEMSTONE 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $2,699.10 |
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70.09ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND GEMSTONE 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $2,642.40 |
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101.81ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND GEMSTONE GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $2,573.10 |
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14 Hess mini posters pump signs – Complete Set 1998 thru 2011 Excellent to Mint $2,500.00 |
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64.33ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND GEMSTONE 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $2,419.20 |
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64.94ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND GEMSTONE 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $2,390.40 |
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60.87ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND RUBY 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $2,339.10 |
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Captain Cook stamps cut from mini sheet set of 7 FDC’s inc rare 30c stamp small $2,283.97 |
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29.08ct SINGLE/UNCUT DIAMOND PEARL 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $2,286.00 |
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Cigar Store Indian Chief & ‘Mini Me’ Set by F Gallagher $1,898.60 |
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53.45ct ROSE/ANTIQUE CUT DIAMOND RUBY/EMERALD 14k GOLD MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $2,222.10 |
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MINI Cooper Countryman 17″ Winter Pirelli Tire & Rim Set R124 205/55R17 New OEM $2,099.99 |
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49.94ct ROSE/SINGLE/UNCUT DIAMOND RUBY GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $2,200.50 |
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Kubota KX121-3 Mini Exc Replacement Tracks,Set (2) Locations in CA,OR,TX or NC $2,199.00 |
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15.41c ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND RUBY 14k GOLD VICTORIAN LOOK MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $2,159.10 |
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59.88ctw ROSE/ANTIQUE CUT DIAMOND RUBY/PEARL 14k GOLD MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $2,159.10 |
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BANNER MSKA2024C1 MINI SCREEN 20″ LIGHT CURTAIN SET NIB $2,100.00 |
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15.41ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND EMERALD 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $2,069.10 |
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51.66ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND GEMSTONE 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $2,046.60 |
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37.79ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND GEMSTONE 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $2,033.10 |
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Orthopedic mini-micro fragment system/set 1.5/2.0/2.7mm $1,999.00 |
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PINK FLOYD – 21 MINI LP JAPAN CD + 3 PROMO BOXES=ABSOLUTELY COMPLETE SET RARE!! $1,999.99 |
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1996 UPPER DECK MICHAEL JORDAN 3 MINI CARD SET GOLD/SILVER ALL 3 SAME NUMBER! $1,999.00 |
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BRAIN POWER BPI Mini Color Tint Unit 2/4 ** set of two ** $1,970.00 |
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11.62ct SINGLE/UNCUT DIAMOND SAPPHIRE GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $1,953.00 |
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57.51ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND GEMSTONE 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $1,935.00 |
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17.19ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND EMERALD 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $1,931.40 |
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PR China 2003 year set of 26 mini sheets RARE $1,927.00 |
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MINI Cooper 16″ Winter Tire and Rim Set Package R94 Bridge Spoke 195/55R16 New $1,799.99 |
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★★Famicom Mini 20th Anniversary full set GBA Game boy Advance★★ $1,900.00 |
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28.67c SINGLE/UNCUT DIAMOND EMERALD 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $1,889.10 |
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15.76ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND EMERALD 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $1,824.30 |
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MINI Cooper 16″ Winter Tire and Rim Set Package R94 Bridge Spoke 195/55R16 New $1,699.99 |
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FAL MINI Small Flat type wide full-range speaker set $1,728.76 |
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42.43ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND GEMSTONE 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $1,799.10 |
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Takeuchi TB135 Mini Exc Replacement Tracks,Set (2) Locations in CA,OR,TX or NC $1,799.00 |
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13.28ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND EMERALD 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $1,763.00 |
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12.28ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND RUBY 14k/22k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $1,742.40 |
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7.06ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND GOLD VICTORIAN LOOK WEDDING MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $1,721.70 |
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MINI Cooper 16″ Winter Tire and Rim Set Package R87 Double Spoke 175/60R16 New $1,599.99 |
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Caterpillar 302.5 Mini Excavator Replacement Tracks,Set of Two,Free Shipping $1,700.00 |
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DEEP PURPLE – 37 MINI LP JAPAN CD/SHM CD + 2 PROMO BOXES=ABSOLUTELY COMPLETE SET $1,699.99 |
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New Delivery Mileage BMW MINI Countryman Alloy Wheel Set 5 Stud $1,257.26 |
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IHI 35 JX Mini Excavator Replacement Tracks,Set (2) Locations in CA,OR,TX or NC $1,699.00 |
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IHI 35 UJ Mini Excavator Replacement Tracks,Set (2) Locations in CA,OR,TX or NC $1,699.00 |
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IHI 35 NX Mini Excavator Replacement Tracks,Set (2) Locations in CA,OR,TX or NC $1,699.00 |
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Cat 303.5 Mini Excavator Replacement Tracks,Set (2) Locations in CA,OR,TX or NC $1,650.00 |
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Orthopedic Mini-Micro fragment system/set 1.5/2.0/2.7mm Compete pack $1,599.00 |
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Orthopedic mini fragment system/set 1.5/2.0/2.7mm $1,599.00 |
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110 Fleer Mini Game Used Jersey Card Auto Hat Set lot Jeter Griffey Pujols RARE! $1,599.99 |
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DIRTY HARRY (1971) – MINI LOBBY CARD SET OF 8 EASTWOOD $1,595.00 |
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2012 Gypsy Queen challenging black mini master set-all 350 cards $1,600.00 |
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NAZARETH – 15 MINI LP JAPAN CD + 3 PROMO BOXES=ABSOLUTELY COMPLETE SET 2006 RARE $1,599.99 |
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JETHRO TULL – 19 MINI LP JAPAN CD + PROMO BOX =ABSOLUTELY COMPLETE SET VERY RARE $1,599.99 |
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IHI 35 J Mini Excavator Replacement Tracks,Set (2) Locations in CA,OR,TX or NC $1,599.00 |
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IHI 35 G Mini Excavator Replacement Tracks,Set (2) Locations in CA,OR,TX or NC $1,599.00 |
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IHI 35GX Mini Excavator Replacement Tracks,Set (2) Locations in CA,OR,TX or NC $1,599.00 |
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Case CX36 Mini Excavator Replacement Tracks,Set (2) Locations in CA,OR,TX or NC $1,599.00 |
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Kubota U35 Mini Excavator Replacement Tracks,Set (2) Locations in CA,OR,TX or NC $1,599.00 |
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IHI 35N Mini Excavator Replacement Tracks,Set (2) Locations in CA,OR,TX or NC $1,599.00 |
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1.30ct ROUND DIAMOND GOLD 17″ LONG MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET WITH 22k GOLD CHAIN $1,580.40 |
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26 FRANKLIN MINT 1979 SILVER MINI FLOWER PLATE COIN SET $1,499.95 |
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65.67c ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND RUBY 14k GOLD VICTORIAN LOOK MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $1,521.00 |
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Twilight Pieceworks Binder Mini Master Set PW1 PW4 PW6 PW8 PW9 PW10 Cards *RARE* $1,500.00 |
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100% authentic white CHANEL mini lambskin flap gold hardware, complete set $1,500.00 |
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3M K100 Mini Driver air drill set. Free sterilizing case w/ full price purchase $1,500.00 |
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Bobcat 325-328 Mini Excavator Replacement Track,Block Pattern,Set of 2,Free Ship $1,499.00 |
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Bobcat 325/328 Mini Excavator Replacement Tracks,Valu Part,Set of Two (2) Tracks $1,499.00 |
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IHI 28 N2 Mini Excavator Replacement Tracks,Set (2) Locations in CA,OR,TX or NC $1,499.00 |
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3.44ctw DIAMOND & RUBY 14k GOLD WEDDING/ANNIVERSARY MINI NECKLACE SET $1,476.00 |
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31.64ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND GEMSTONE 14k GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $1,453.50 |
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The Original Comfy Fit ™ Marathon Competition Harness Mini Horse TEAM SET $1,395.00 |
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1.5 Ton Mini Split Air Condtitioner Heat Pump Line Set $1,248.88 |
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Caterpillar 302.5 Mini Excavator Replacement Tracks, Set of Two (2),In Stock,New $1,400.00 |
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7.17ct ROSE/UNCUT DIAMOND VICTORIAN LOOK PEARL SILVER MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $1,392.30 |
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NEW! Famicom Mini Box Full set 30 games Nintendo JAPAN Gameboy Advance GBA NESFC $1,200.00 |
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8.75ct ROSE/ANTIQUE CUT DIAMOND EMERALD GOLD VICTORIAN MINI NECKLACE/PENDANT SET $1,341.00 |
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AIR-CON DUCTLESS MINI SPLIT INVERTER HEAT PUMP 16 SEER 18000 BTU, 15FT LINE SET $1,339.00 |
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Mini wheels and tires Kumho Tire 17 wheel set of 4 $1,000.00 |
