I currently own an 06 Cooper that I absolutely love, but living near DC and taking public transportation to work every day, I don't use it very much so I don't know if it is worth the payments I am making. In the next few months I may be moving down to Capitol Hill so I have been wondering if I need a car at all. Being a big car guy though, I'd probably go crazy not having any car so I've thought about getting rid of my MC and getting a classic Mini. It would just be used to zip around town, mostly on the weekends. But I have a couple questions for you classic Mini owners:

1. What is the average amount of money you spend in a year on repairs? (keep in mind that I've owned several Volvos so I'm used to high repair bills)

2. Are there any particular mechanical problems that are common among Minis?

3. Are there any other costs of ownership that are unique to Minis?

4. If possible, provide a rough estimate on the yearly cost of ownership of a classic Mini. (I realize this varies widely but any ballpark figure would be helpful)

If you have any other information/advice that would be great too. Keep in mind that I have no mechanical skills at all but I would be willing to learn how to do some basic repairs and maintenance.

Thanks in advance!

 

Now I know I'm not the only considering this- maybe it's something in the DC metro water?



I have an '03, and really love the car, but don't get the chance to take him out motoring as much as I used to. The little guy spends way too much time in the garage (got a Prius as a commuter carpool appliance, and now feel a pang of guilt over the extra fuel I burn if I drive the MINI to work instead.)

I might downsize to a classic also, but for as much as I've been around them, I have never actually sat in one that was outfitted in standard street trim. The only classic Minis I have actually sat in are ones that were fully race prepared and not street legal- not a good basis for a "fitting." Before I could switch, I'd need to find a Mini to sit in and see if I could be reasonably comfortable for a long day of motoring...

I'm not sure about the specific costs for upkeep on a Mini, but parts for all of the other LBC's I've owned were fairly easy to get and often less expensive than their equivalents for modern cars. The only reliability issues I encountered were electrical in nature (I never bothered to convert from a points-type ignition to electronic, so a kept two spare sets in the glovebox. I occasionally had to install these roadside, if I forgot to do it every 15K miles or so with one of the routine oil changes.) Part of the attraction of most LBC's is that although they are often mechanically crude by modern standards, this simplicity of design also endows them with surprising durability (body rust and electrical items aside.)

At this point, though, it seems the biggest issue I've faced is trying to find classic Minis in good condition available for sale in this area at a reasonable cost. If you do decide to go for a classic, you may need to travel a bit to find just the right one!

Cheers!

 

If you are considering going from a MINI to a Mini, you really need to see and drive a Mini. Aside from the similarity in looks and a "gocart" ride, they are very different vehicles. Personally, I wouldn't get a Mini unless you can do a lot of car work yourself and you really are not interested in creature comforts, which havce improved dramatically since the days of the Mini.

 

Good advice, I would definitely plan on driving one first. I do realize they are very different, but like I said, I would only really be using it for little drives around town - mostly on the weekend. I just need a car to drive when I get the itch and it would have to be something fun to drive. Right now I'm just exploring the possibility, its going to be hard for me to actually bring myself to sell my Cooper.

 

I have a Mini and love it, but there are a few things you have to be careful of. It sounds like you are looking for a turn key car that is mechanically sound with a great shell. It's going to cost you a bit as they are becoming increasingly popular. Something else is that they don't have A/C (unless it's a newer re-VINed car). The other thing is the lovely Lucas wiring. Some people have good luck, others spend all there time chasing electrical ghosts. Make sure you take someone with you that knows what they are looking for in a Mini as there are alot of places to hide rust. If kept up properly they will run reliably and true forever. Good luck with your decision.

 

alright one...if you live up north i dont think you need a.c and yes they do make the mini with a.c i dont know why people say they dont cause they do...japan offord it in all there minis...
2..Maintaince wise..if you get a mini thats sound then you wont have any problems..these motor are well built..and if you take care of it like any other car, check fluid levels..oil changes..belt stress..then you should be okay...people on here tend to make others think that minis are complicated motors that are always breaking down...the motors are straight forward...any moron can work on it..
3. The only problems I had with my mini was...over heating....I took off the radiator checked to see if it was leaking and couldnt tell...took it to thE radiator guy down here..and boom he fixed it like new. my mini hasnt over heated since..
Now if you want to do conversions and stuff of that sort..that requires modifying the motor..then any problem there is yours for not doing it right..and leads to ironing problems out...
Rust isnt a problem ..me being a body man i never had a problem with that as long as you know what chemicals to use..you can get rid of rust in one day...Now unless the rust has caused holes the size of a basketball then you should be okay..if you have any questions ill give info on what ever you need..

 

Easy now, no need poking people in the eye. A/C was not offered in Mini's till late, and Mini's have to be 25 years old or older to be imported. So as I said, unless you get a newer re-VINed model, A/C will be an add on.

 

They big expensive toys. Believe me, i have two of them. Your love for them would have to be beyond reason in order to be used a daily driver.

 

I am a dealer so take my info for what it is worth, As you will see I will not just swear up and down that a mini will make you rich, get you women and make you live longer, But they sure are fun.

Strange as it may sound we have had several folks buy minis from us, WWW.westpaminis.com that sold their MINIS first. I sold my JCGarages Last 500 Tahiti blue sportpack to a woman who sold here MINI back to the dealer. So you are not alone.

First I will start with what we tell anyone considering going to a mini for a daily driver. If you don't have a second car, You are going to be walking and/or using public transportation from time to time, with a well prepared and cared for car this will not happen often and we know plenty of folks who drive a mini everyday but once in a while the car will let you down, Its usually something simple but at 7:30am in your business suit you won't be under the car sorting out a grounded battery cable.

A mini if purchased in good condition and if you can find an unmolested car, I.E. not all tarted up and changed from standard can be very reliable. I recommend a mid 70s to very early 80s car with a 998 (in my opinion the most bullet proof of all the engines) 10 or 12 inch wheels (to keep bearing stress down) and good rubber on the wheels. This type of car is our bread and butter and always sell well.

Best of luck and hope you find what you are hunting for, We are here if you want an honest answer to your questions. We would rather talk you out of a car than sell you something that is going to **** you off.

We end up selling all that we bring in so if it takes 2 or 3 folks to look at a car before selling then we don't mind, We want the right bum in the right seat.

Cheers. Peter (UK)

 

A well prepped Mini will certainly fulfill this use more than adequately and give you tons of pleasure. Since you rely primarily on public transportation anyway, and it is most reliable in DC, I don't see a problem. Besides there is a Classic Mini club in DC to help you out. Captial Mini Register
http://www.geocities.com/CAPITALMINI/

The Mini is primitive in design and almost any backyard mechanic can learn enough to do their own repairs. Also, since it is so fundamental, most decent mechanics should be able to help you in an emergency.

HAve a cell phone, keep a small container of emergency spares aboard (belts, hoses, points, etc), buy a Haynes manual and a basic set of tools. Actually doing some work on your Mini (even roadside) is part of the experience.

Of course, you're listening to someone called MINIMAD!

 

and he is truly minimad......

 

So if you buy a Mini, it is going to be your primary vehicle.....but not required for daily use....OK, I'll run with that.

1. How much do you plan to spend? I know of a 'classic' that just sold for $35,000 here in the states. For that price one would expect to get a car that should be 100% reliable for several years. However, this was the purchase of a used car . . . If you buy a Mini and spend around $8k you should expect to spend some weekends working on the car..... leading to:

2. Do you have a garage? A good set of tools? Jack and jack stands? These are necessary components of owning an older British car .... or an older car in general. This or a fat checkbook and a good relationship with a good mechanic..... I know of a guy in DC who has used his classic as a daily commuter car for years......well I don't know him, but I've seen the car in the same garage I've used for several years.... Yes, it can be done.

3. It sounds like you want an occasional use toy .... that's exactly what the average classic Mini is good for. Do you have a facilities and pocketbook to support it? Some manage to use a 25+ yoa car as a daily driver .... they are exceptions to the rule. Now on that line I note you are in VA..... In VA, you either need to get this car thru annual safety inspections or, you need to register it as an Antique. If so registered there are restrictions....and note that because of abuse of Antique registrations (people using it to by-pass annual inspections) the law is about to change..... It is about to get more difficult to be registered as an Ant' and use it as a daily driver in VA...

4. If you have a garage and like doing a bit of your own work ... and are willing to spend over $10k for a classic - go for it, recognizing that some weekends might be spent in oil..... otherwise I recomment you keep the MINI, or a Miata or similar.....

this opinionated owner sends....

 

How tall are you ?, I'm 6'2" and I'm more comfortable in my classic than the MINI's I've driven, and I like "feeling" the road, although most of my female passengers have hated the ride quality, they LOVE being seen in it.
I don't like driving mine in Atlanta or Birmingham, too many big trucks and crazy drivers in a big hurry. I have a backup vehicle, but it's not much fun, just transportation/race rig tow ('94 Chevy Blazer 6.5L turbo Diesel)
Manuel

 

You should be able to get a suitable Mini in the $8K-$11K range w/o a lot of work to be done (maybe none). Mid-teens will get you a late model with air.

A $35K Mini is simply unheard of and an anomoly that occured at one of the fancy-shmancy auctions in AZ where people spend money to impress one another. (altho the car was a true 66 Cooper S and near perfect example)

 

I sold my MINI for a Mini. I was expecting a bit of a project though, and I have another car to drive. Good thing too. The engine spun a bearing on the way back from Baltimore, and after tearing the car apart, I found plenty of rusted panels to deal with. Just this weekend, while removing the right hand sill, ( It looked a little odd, not to mention had a hole through it), I discovered that it was covering the original rusty sill! So I have to remove the sill twice.
Still, the enjoyment of driving the classic mini, and the fun of rebuilding it, I am still glad I made the swap.
Just make sure to do a very intensive proding to know what your getting into.

 

I had to use mine as a daily driver for about 8 months (to include in nasty weather) when my wife sold her Jeep, and while I did spend some time under the bonnet overall it was very minimal work. As long as you perform the required basic maintenance it should run great for ya. Now, the more extreme you go in the mods department the more maintenance intensive it becomes. So keep it simple and have FUN!!

 

sounds like that proding will now be happing in your pocket/wallet!

welcome to our Mini world, good thing you still have that second car.

 

Fortunately, my other car runs on waste veg oil. So I drive that or the motorcycle. I take the fuel savings and buy Mini parts.

 

Minicity, remove everything that's rusty. The "oversill" covering the original (bin it) and then the original sill. Repair underneath (you may need to patch the inner sill which is attached to the floor edge and your jack mounts) then weld in a new original sill.

 

The original sill should be removed this weekend. I did notice last night that this seems to have been the way the previous owner decided to repair things. The right side, front floor pan is the same way, as is the inner sill. From underneath, the floor pan looks fine, so I wonder if the floor pan was welded in to hide the fact that it was done to the inner sill. I guess this weekend will tell... Thanks for the advice Minimad.