So a Few Questions for the Experts

[SomethingNew71]

Hey!

I am currently looking to purchase a Classic Mini for my commuter/everyday car and wanted to know a little information about it. I will definitely be able to buy a fully restored mini however all these different Austin, Morris, Rover minis.....its all very confusing.

Here are my questions:

• Which one of these would be the most reliable?
• Any pointers while purchasing a Mini Classic?
• Should I expect lots of repairs and problems? (I know old cars often have more problems than new of course. I am referring to problems beyond the "norm")
• Any good/reliable sellers besides the ones listed on MiniMania that you all might recommend?
• Is driving this car as my only car completely out of question

And my last question....

• Do you think a Great Dane would fit in the back seats?

[mk1leg]

well if your looking for a reliable runner then a mk3 onwards as parts are more eaisier to find mk5-6-7 are better as more modern parts such as 12" discs and on mk6-7 they are SPI & MPi (injection models).............as for a great dane I think you will need a clubman Estate...........



Plenty room in there................

[Capt_bj]

Here are my questions:

• Which one of these would be the most reliable?

you r looking to buy a 20 year old car ... to ask about reliability is foolish ... it will break regularly and either U fix it or you have a deep $ pocket and a great mechanic available

• Any pointers while purchasing a Mini Classic?

Expect to pay more then you thought you should and follow that with 50% plus of purchase price annually. If you do better, smile

• Should I expect lots of repairs and problems? (I know old cars often have more problems than new of course. I am referring to problems beyond the "norm")

YES - see the above. I bought mine for $7,000 and after 5 years have invested at least that much withTONS of my own labor. This IS a 20+ YEAR OLD CAR

• Any good/reliable sellers besides the ones listed on MiniMania that you all might recommend?

Mini and good reliable may not exactly go together but there ARE a few out there
u r in NC, then check out TURKYS.COM ... Turkys of SC ... reliable???? That's a matter of opinion but he has title clear cars on his lot.

• Is driving this car as my only car completely out of question

I think you are making a BIG mistake, I've had a 79 for 5+ years

And my last question....

• Do you think a Great Dane would fit in the back seats?

NO

[zippypinhead]

I'll go into my usual warnings for folks looking to purchase a classic Mini because they are "cute/cool" or whatever...
It's kinda like bringing a little puppy home. Great fun... But, sooner or later, the puppy is gonna poop on the carpet. (break down)
You will either need the tools and stomach to clean up the mess or have deep enough pockets to pay someone else to do it. (provided you can find anyone that even wants to touch it) Bear in mind the value of a broken Mini, or any broken down car for that matter, is pretty close to zero. So, if anything happens, you'll have to suck it up and spend the cash to recoup any of your investment.
All that being said, these little gems are great fun. They're just not a MINI with dealerships fixing any little squeak under warrantee...
You should have a decent selection of hand tools (fractional inch not metric) and a place to work on it.
Don't know what area you're in but there's Minis scattered all over the US. If you need help they're a pretty friendly & helpful bunch.
MK1/Mk3 Austin or Morris-usually snapped up by us old farts that like simple things.
Mk3-last of the "officially" imported Minis
MK4 onwards-These were imported under the federal requirements for cars 25 years and older being excempt from DOT/EPA rules. IE:The newest legal Mini to import would have been built in 1984. You may find some vehicles that have been imported with a nudge and a wink. Doesn't take much skill to pop rivet an older vin tag on a newer Mini. You'll see cars with airbags and fuel injection. If you choose one of these revin Minis "lovingly restored to 1995" specs or some such, make sure you know what you're getting into. Since they were never officially imported, they don't plug into any easily found diagnostic equipment. Some folks over here have figured ways around the problem but don't go in blind.
Have fun whatever you decide.
Zip

[yellowbritishrocket]

to piggy back off of what capt bj said having a classic as a daily driver is NOT a good idea...have a daily driver and use the classic as a get around fun car...cuz when it breaks down(not if) ur gonna be without a car until u get repairs done...i bought my classic and the night i got it...it broke down

Originally Posted by SomethingNew71

Hey!

I am currently looking to purchase a Classic Mini for my commuter/everyday car and wanted to know a little information about it. I will definitely be able to buy a fully restored mini however all these different Austin, Morris, Rover minis.....its all very confusing.

Here are my questions:

• Which one of these would be the most reliable?
• Any pointers while purchasing a Mini Classic?
• Should I expect lots of repairs and problems? (I know old cars often have more problems than new of course. I am referring to problems beyond the "norm")
• Any good/reliable sellers besides the ones listed on MiniMania that you all might recommend?
• Is driving this car as my only car completely out of question

And my last question....

• Do you think a Great Dane would fit in the back seats?

[qskapunk]

How long is your commute?

[Capt_bj]

i bought my classic and the night i got it...it broke down

my first breakdown was less than 20 miles from the seller's house, when I was trying to take it home! second problem was 10 miles further down the road after I got the overheat cooled back down freeing the stuck thermostat....

it was a memorable first 12 hours of ownership...... BUT, I still have the car.