I'm pondering purchasing a late 80s/early 90s ROVER Mini. In Canada one can bring in 15 year old cars and it appears I can source one from Japan.

Any thoughts on the pros and cons of the last of the Classic MINIs? Especially problem areas as well as the positives.

Cheers!

 

I'll take a wild guess here, but RUST?

 

standard disc brakes.
10" wheels don't fit unless you change/convert disc brakes.
Better brakes. Japanese cars have no rust.

 

Late model Minis (early 90's) tend to rust quicker than earlier versions. Rust is the number one issue for a Mini. Many hidden sections in a Mini receive no paint at the factory. So, be careful on selecting one no matter where its from. Buy the best body shell you can find and worry less about the mechanicals. See the sticky thread on how to buy a Mini here on NAM and also the tech articles on www.minimania.com Good Luck.

 

If you get a Japanese export specification Mini they came as standard with factory fitted Air Conditioning squeezed under the bonnet.
Condenser and fan on LH side of engine bay, evaporator under parcel shelf
Check under hood photo of Japanese spec Mini