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Hello forum, I've been in the works of looking for a Classic Mini now for sometime, I have the money to buy one, but there's a few questions I want to know before I actually buy one becuase I don't know a thing about theses little buggers. So here we go.
I'm only 19 years old, and my family is having a hard time considering the fact of me buying one because they're so small. They don't like the fact that if I ever get into an accident that it wouldn't be good on my part . Is this true? I mean I know they're small cars but how are they when they come to accidents.
What should I look for when buying one? Like the best areas to look for body damage or possibly any other kinds of malfunctions that could come up in the long run.
Last but not least, are they really good cars to have? I only saw 1 classic Mini in my area, the dude that drives it is about 30 or so. So I would like to be the younger generation here driving one.
My goals are simple with this car, I want to keep it stock for alittle so I can save money, they I will invest in a Vtec engine. Taking cars to shows is what my family is all about. we love Car shows and everything about it.
Thanks alot everyone for looking at this, hopefully people can help me with this problem.
there great cars........i think a mini is safer than riding a motorcycle....lol.......theres ton's of reading material on these threads as far as what to look for when buying one....they can be very reliable and there also very easy to work on......send me a pm if you need anything
Norm B
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my favorite site for classic mini restorations: www.minicreations.net
About halfway down theres a buyers guide. As far as accidents, well, yeah. Half the US population drives SUV's and trucks, you'll basically be driving in a 50 year old design. Even with the last years model, safety was better with a airbag, and side impact beams, but I dont think they were ever a 4 star rated vehicle. I think they can be high maintenance vehicles, but thats just me. Its good because the cars are really simple to work on, and easy to learn on, but are you really looking for a car that you have to work on in the dead of winter? Some parts can be a pain to find. I'm on my third. I went from a 86 auto 998, to a 2005 cooper s, and now back to a 1982 998. I would probably stay away from automatics if it were me. I went down that road once, and never again. Transmission went out in the 86 on the wife while I was in Iraq, only had the car for 3 months, and cheapest quote I could find when I got back was 700 quid, about 1400 and there was no guarantee on it. So sold it to my neighbor, bought a old rover. Which if I KNEW what was going on would be perfect for a VTEC swap because they use honda motors, but the cars are dirt cheap. Good luck whatever you decide.
I have an automatic Mini and it's fun. The transmission was rebuilt a few years ago. I was told that frequent oil changes help with keeping the transmission from going out.
I'm with Big Norm regarding the safety of classic minis... they are safer than a motorcycle, (but not much else) considering the size of the typical American battle cruiser that dominates our landscape.
I might feel comfortable seeing you in a classic mini if you live/drive in a small, laid-back community, but certainly not if you plan to be driving in metro traffic with 3-6 lanes of 70+mph traffic.
A Vtec mini is nothing like driving your dad's or big brother's Acura TL... Vtec Minis are still 50 yr-old technology packaged in an oversized tin-foil breadbox, regardless the choice of engines. (Hey, I'm not badmouthing these crazy little cars--I LOVE THEM!) Vtec Minis tend to be very fast cars, but it's a visceral, circus-ride kind of fast-- No ABS Anti-lock brakes, no airbags, no crumple zones. It takes a pretty skillful driver just to keep one going straight if you mash on the gas too hard! It's like zig-zagging your way from 0-60 in 5 seconds.
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2006 Bayerische Racing Green/Black JCW MCs,
1969 Chili Red/Old English White Morris Mini Pick-up MMC #514
I'm with Big Norm regarding the safety of classic minis... they are safer than a motorcycle, (but not much else) considering the size of the typical American battle cruiser that dominates our landscape.
I might feel comfortable seeing you in a classic mini if you live/drive in a small, laid-back community, but certainly not if you plan to be driving in metro traffic with 3-6 lanes of 70+mph traffic.
A Vtec mini is nothing like driving your dad's or big brother's Acura TL... Vtec Minis are still 50 yr-old technology packaged in an oversized tin-foil breadbox, regardless the choice of engines. (Hey, I'm not badmouthing these crazy little cars--I LOVE THEM!) Vtec Minis tend to be very fast cars, but it's a visceral, circus-ride kind of fast-- No ABS Anti-lock brakes, no airbags, no crumple zones. It takes a pretty skillful driver just to keep one going straight if you mash on the gas too hard! It's like zig-zagging your way from 0-60 in 5 seconds.
Yeah, I do live in a small city. I live close to Lancaster Pa, which is nothing but Amish people and back roads. I see alot of horse and buggys too.
Thanks everyone for helping me out, Also do you guys know anywhere that sells mini's. Good or bad shape, I don't mind. I looked online but there all over in England, and I don't prefer buying over seas due to the cargo and shipping prices, If I have too than I would just have too, but I would like to stay away from that hassle.
If your folks approve (after some arm twisting) and if you have some mechancal aptitude, go for it! You'll have to be somewhat self-reliant as you won't likely find many knowledgeable mechanics. You'll get tons of support on the forums. Just for kicks, look at the cars for sale on minimania.com. There are private sellers and dealers. I think there are several dealers pretty close to you, actually.
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2006 Bayerische Racing Green/Black JCW MCs,
1969 Chili Red/Old English White Morris Mini Pick-up MMC #514
If your folks approve (after some arm twisting) and if you have some mechancal aptitude, go for it! You'll have to be somewhat self-reliant as you won't likely find many knowledgeable mechanics. You'll get tons of support on the forums. Just for kicks, look at the cars for sale on minimania.com. There are private sellers and dealers. I think there are several dealers pretty close to you, actually.
http://www.miniobsession.com/car06.html I found this Mini, it's only 1,895.00 dollars Or best offer. That's the cheapest I found a Mini especially in the condition it's in. But the car doesn't run do to the previous owner tearing it down for a project rebuild, The engine is still attached to the car and everything. It's also in West Chester Pa, which is close to where I am, Do you guys think I should grab this up, I looked at private sellers and theres one selling just the body for 2,000.00. but this comes with everything alot cheaper. Green is also my favorite color, so it's like this car is calling me out . And matter of fact I just thought, since the engine is torn apart, I could just pull it out, scrap it for as much money as I can get, and the extra cash I have on me I could go right into buying a Vtec swap for it. Although I don't have the money to do the swap right away due to it costing alot, but I could also save up and buy the parts one at a time when they come. What do you guys think?
This begs the question, "Who will win if there's a collsion with an Amish horse and buggy and a Classic Mini?" Still risky if you ask me.
Listen carefully to the words written in response to you...a Vtec Mini is RAW. Call it a polished turd but nonetheless a turd. I own one and love it BUT it is was it is and nothing more. The ether of its cuteness can overwhelm all sensibilities so make sure you realize what "it" is in classic or vtec form. For what it's worth...
This begs the question, "Who will win if there's a collsion with an Amish horse and buggy and a Classic Mini?" Still risky if you ask me.
Listen carefully to the words written in response to you...a Vtec Mini is RAW. Call it a polished turd but nonetheless a turd. I own one and love it BUT it is was it is and nothing more. The ether of its cuteness can overwhelm all sensibilities so make sure you realize what "it" is in classic or vtec form. For what it's worth...
Happy hunting...
So if the cars going to be my daily driver, which it is going to be, than don't go for the vtec swap? is that what your saying.
I'm not sure of I'd use a classic Mini as a daily driver, VTEC or not. Unless you're very good with cars and don't mind working on it from time to time. I use MINE as a daily driver in the warm months, but I only have a 5 mile commute.
VTEC swapped Minis are very aggressive... just tons of raw power on a lightweight frame, which may make it unsuitable as a daily driver (depending on what you're looking for). YES they're cool and YES I want one too, but you really have to ask yourself how you plan to use the car. Not to sound condescending, but what was said abut a 50-year old design in a crash against a SUV, coupled with your age, makes me worry QUITE A BIT for your safety...
The engine itself will be as dependable as any other Japanese power plant, but where that engine integrates with the rest of the car is where the rubber will meet the road, both in terms of dependability as well as safety/performance. Such integration is expensive, and can lead to the car being more pricy than even a new-generation BMW-MINI.
I'd say if you have a backup car, and if you're OK with wrenching from time to time, and if you're OK with fairly minimal interior creature comforts to go for it as a daily driver - no need for a pricey VTEC, as the 1275's, especially the later-model ones have a fairly tall top gear, good for highway driving. Save the thousands of extra dollars for customizations and upgrades.
Just be VERY aware that the Mini has basically no safety gear - no air bags, no door impact bars... It's safer than a motorcycle, but that's not saying all that much.
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~Matt Cook | Dublin, Ohio | '92 Classic Mini Sprite: "Fiona" + Purple Haze 2005 MCS Cabrio: "Dawn". See old MODs from "Nano" HERE - post #166 - many with How-to links!
lol well being 19 your basically a kid at heart, and one of these mini's with a Vtec is a toy to me, So basically like what you said, you would have to know what you want. I just want a mini I can see myself at shows with, My family is a car show family, we go all the time and I would like to take something I don't see very often, plus I love Mini's since I was young. Vtec or not, I will always love my mini
ANY Mini, VTEC or otherwise, has a place in a car show. People just love 'em.
My '92 is i no way fancy, but any show I'm in I get a ton of looks.
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~Matt Cook | Dublin, Ohio | '92 Classic Mini Sprite: "Fiona" + Purple Haze 2005 MCS Cabrio: "Dawn". See old MODs from "Nano" HERE - post #166 - many with How-to links!
Do you think I should forget the Vtec maybe right aways and focus on safety? I really don't know what you could possibly add in safety but any safety helps.
I need to work on a budget though, The new minis are alittle steep right now, although I do like them, they are just pirced too high. And I wouldn't get a vtec swap right away, I would if I could find a shell cheap, but I would rather save and put safety in first. Or even if there is a such thing as safety in a mini
Well, you could put a roll cage in a classic - that would help some right off the bat (although rear seat access would be limited). I'm considering one myself and would have already bought one, but I put 4 people in the car on occasion, and I need to keep access to the rear for a full-size passenger.
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~Matt Cook | Dublin, Ohio | '92 Classic Mini Sprite: "Fiona" + Purple Haze 2005 MCS Cabrio: "Dawn". See old MODs from "Nano" HERE - post #166 - many with How-to links!
. Is this true? I mean I know they're small cars but how are they when they come to accidents.
. And matter of fact I just thought, since the engine is torn apart, I could just pull it out, scrap it for as much money as I can get, and the extra cash I have on me I could go right into buying a Vtec swap for it. Although I don't have the money to do the swap right away due to it costing alot, but I could also save up and buy the parts one at a time when they come. What do you guys think?
Ex Nihilo
