Ok, I've decided to keep my car a while longer and save my money for a new 'toy'. I'd love to have an MGA or TR3 but with a family of three that wouldn't be much fun for one of us at any given time. So why not a classic Mini. I also considered an older 911 Porsche (easier to find I think and maybe easier to work on but not the same personality). Jaguar E-types have a little back seat but are hugely expensive so they're out.

So if I were to get a classic mini what should I look for. I'm not picky about the engine (850, 997, 998, 1071, 1275) because it will just be a fun weekend car. I want the original MK1 style inside (speedo in the middle) and out (not smoothed out). Any suggestions or tips? Anyone bought anything of eBay motors? Don't figure there's a great selection of them here in Southeast Lower Alabama

 

Minis had the center speedo until '92 or thereabouts, when they replaced the standard, oval center gauge with the CLubman gauges over the steering wheel. But if you find a nice, clean car with a late-model gauge cluster, you can still replace it for not too much money (about $200 give or take) - I'm pondering doing this mysef on my '92 in fact.

Check out the link at the top of the forum for the Minifinity Ultimate Buyer's Guide and print it out to take with you on inspections - it will tell you what to look for in a good car. Bottom line: your budget will influence the condition of the car to a great extent, but if you have to make a choice go for a clean, rust-free body over a perfect engine condition (within reason). Engine work is fairly easy to do but a rusted-out body is MUCH harder to set right, unless you can weld and paint (which many can't do). The Guide will show you all you need to look for when inspecting a car.

Places like MiniMania's classifieds are a great place to start looking - I trolled the lists for about 3 months before I found just the right car in my price range and location, and lost like 3 others along the way while setting up deals and requesting pictures and all, so be ready for a bit of a haul... If you have a larger budget ($9k or greater) then you have more flexibility than I did. My budget was $6k or less and it was harder to find a car in acceptable shape at that price, but I did it in the end. I had to look at a lot of rusty junkers along the way though, so be patient and ask for LOTS of photos, expecially of the trouble spots listed in the Minifinity Guide.

I'd set up a Photobucket account and upload your photos there as you get them, then use this place as a resource - many people here (Big Norm springs to mind - he knows his sfuff, no doubt) can tell you how difficult a repair is, or do a sanity check on price, provided you can furnish plenty of photos.

Best of luck to you!

 

Mini Mania's private party ads is where I got mine, always if possible inspect the car before you buy - body and engine and serial numbers too if possible.

Look for rust or repairs in all the usual areas and especially under body on the sides - under the doors/rocker arms area and lift up the carpet inside and check the bare floor also. If possible have a knowledgeable garage do a check of the car and engine, Heritage Garage in Costa Mesa California is about the best on the planet - (949) 646-6404, Graham is the owner, they also do online parts sales for anything you will ever need. Just like buying any used car a mechanical check is well worth the cost to give you a good idea of what you are getting.

Use your instincts and you should do fine.

 

Well, the OP is in Alabama, so I think it's safe to say that they won't be bopping over to Costa Mesa, CA for an inspection... No matter HOW good he is.

Re: serial numbers - many Minis in the US are "updated" (truthfully - reVINned newer cars). If they have a valid state title though then you should be fine - it's CUSTOMS that is the group to fear if you plan to try and bring in a reVINned car. Most states in my experience have no idea if a VIN matches a certain year of car. I had no problem taking my car's NJ title and transferring it to Ohio - all they did was check the odometer.

NOTE: I hear that Califonia is different in this respect though - if you live in California then check with the local Cali Mini Owners clubs for important differences in California Classic Car emissions laws before considering purchasing a classic Mini!!

I know that places like MiniMania try to keep up lists of garages and mechanics that can work on classic Minis, but most states have nobody listed - many recommendations come though 1-1 recommendations form forum sites like this. Unfortunately, it seems as if the owner must often do their own mechanical maintenance, so that might be a huge factor in your decision to own a Mini (I personally live in fear of the day that I'll have to do a clutch replacement or a valve job).

If all this hasn't scared you off, start with the linked MiniFinify Guide - at least it will show you all the places to look for body rust and will tell you what to look for in a good/scary car.

 

Atlanta and B'ham are both 3 hours away but they're both both large enough to maybe have something. Montgomery is closer but smaller. Anybody know any resources in those cities.

 

What about Florida? I know of some people down thataway...

 

We're 90 minutes north of Destin so that's a possibility.

 

hey Cadfael tex,

I can hear an almond green/old english white estate woody calling your name. It's the perfect family weekend funtoy. You must find one of these and become pals of mine so I can get my Woody fix vicariously.

Seriously, I began searching for a classic just a couple weeks after ImagoX began his search. The logistics of purchasing a car found online does add to the hunt, which can be fun if you enjoy the hunt. ImagoX tipped me off to a couple classic mini books, which I purchased from Amazon. You can brain soak 40 years of classic mini facts very easily with these books--which helps in understanding the nuances of each (maybe you're not that insane/infected, yet.).

 

Some hate him

some say he's hard to work with now

but I like to watch his site as a gauge of the prices (after applying the dealer factor)

You r close enuf for a weekend drive to Charleston

http://turkys.com/mini.html

 

I've seen several listings on Ebay by a vendor in Atlanta.

I can second the info by Capt_bj. Turky is not a Mini enthusiast - he is a car dealer that chooses to deal in Minis and related vehicles.

It's good to see another Mini owner in LA!

 

you could always get one custom built.... .......im booked until begining of next year though......

 

That's a good thing though!

 

You can buy mine for 12k.
All original, rust free and NO BS.

 

elprofe, nice looking car but I'm in the very early stages and not ready to seriously consider your car right now.

 

this one is in Birmingham, a little closer to you.

 

I found him to be very high-pressure and expensive... And yeah, he's a bit grouchy (read as: good luck dickering). But yeah he DOES have Minis all the time. Just be VERY sure to look them over carefully for rust and deduct money form the final price accordingly.

Best of luck to you!!