I'm looking to buy a Mini, but are they, or can they be made , reliable enough to be a daily driver? I have heard the stories of the leaks, gas smell, no starts... but it seems that in europe they are bought for a daily driving car.
My Dad had a few european cars that he used as daily drivers, a Renault dalphine, sunbeam Imp,VW bug, he also has a lotus europa. some needed more tlc than others, but none ever seemed to break down alot.
Just looking for some input or advice, I need a good mileage car, and Mini's are cool with high mileage.

 

i drive it everyday

 

sure can......Drive, Drive, Drive

 

You can drive them all day every day. The bad things you are reading are just a very small amount of people who have the '07 R56 and it is under warranty anyways. Daily driver for sure, if you want a smoother ride, do not get the sport suspension and bigger than 16" wheels

 

um....... he was posting about the classic mini being used as a daily since it's in the classic mini forum.....

 

I'm closing in on a year of owning my '07 MCS, and I drive it daily on a 70 mile round-trip commute. So far, I am nothing but pleased. I'm taking it in today for what I believe will turn out to be a software update to correct an ABS warning light. I'm basing this assumption on the fact that my wife had a similar issue with her '07 MC at around the same mileage. She has already gone over a year with hers, and drives the heck out it with no major issues so far. Here's hoping the trend continues!

 

Even thought its the CLassic Mini Post i have an 07 i bought brand New now i have 31000 Miles on it Drive it everyday!

 

Sorry Classics - seems you've been invaded by the MINI opinions!

Please, Classics, correct me if I'm wrong, but having a classic as a daily driver would depend on a.) how well it's been refurbished and taken care of, and b.) how far you have to go? I'd think this would be the case with any classic car.

Deeeeeeep down inside, I really want a Classic Mini to add to my (now-single MINI) collection. Ok, not SO deep down. Maybe after I win the lottery, my husband will cave and quit arguing with me over it....! And the '69 Karmen Ghia I have my eye on, and the '77 MG Midgett, and.....

 

My classic owning friends keep a little repair kit in the boot....and a tow bar. The lack of AC and certain safety equipment makes it a deal breaker for me and make me (and other classic Mini owners I know) more towards the MINI. That said, there is nothing better than a classic Mini, imo, and if your climate and commute allow, yes, it can be a daily driver, but you'll need to tweak on the car fairly often. That's a good thing, imo, because you actually can!!! Helps to have a garage handy, too. Folks tend to romanticize ownership of a classic, and as great as it can be, it does take a certain amount of skill, fortitude....and money in many cases.

 

yes, you must maintain service on all components, it's a classic, so you still have to treat it like one, your average weekend tinker-er can keep up with the basics to keep a classic mini going and going and going....

 

How about winter? I am in Michigan, I do have a jeep as back up.

 

How about asking: is there an up-to-date manual with new/better techniques for keeping up your classic Mini? Or what is the best manual for Classics out there?

 

As I am just trying to collect information to make a decision between a classic or a new mini purchase, asking about a manual for up keep of a mini is not an issue. If I truly wanted a classic that was up to date I would re-wire one and put a v-tec in it, I am inquiring about the reliability of an unmolested Mini.

 

Thanks I think you swayed me, My classic search will begin soon.

 

Actually, that wasn't my point - with the advent of new technology, are there now better ways of keeping up the classics as they WERE...NOT installing new technology. And forgive those of us living vicariously.

 

I own an 88 and I drive it everyday as my only daily driver. I have a truck that is only used when a truck is needed. With todays gas prices, my wife and I take my mini to dinner etc. also. I have put about 7000 km on it in the past 3 months with 0 issues. I do plan to install a v-tec in the future though for a more fun ride.

 

i've been driving my vtec mini almost daily; about 90% of the time. take into account, i also average 80 miles round trip. however, if i had an a-series motor, it would most likely be a different story.

 

i know that some people have more issue's with VTEC mini's than un-molested mini's.....not always the case, but it can be very costly to have it done right....and im almost sure all the vtec mini owner will agree with that statement....

 

Yeah it will be great as a DD. The stories you hear are isolated cases. Some people sign up to be on NAM just to discuss a problem, looking for help. Its a good place to get some. MOST MINIs are fine and reliable.

 

I don't have any issues with v-tec mini's, in fact if it a cheap option I would consider it. I am not a purist just a guy who fell in love with a Mini he saw racing about 34 years ago. I need a high mileage vehicle for my fleet. plus something that I want to drive not have to settle for,and I can pick up a classic for cheaper than a new one.

 

If you do get a Mini that hasn't been messed with (no vtec and things like that) you're probably going to have to fix something if you drive it every day. Not that they might break down all the time but they are old so something is going to break.

 

I have a 1978 1275cc classic mini and I drive it every day to work. Highway and Street driving. Haven't had any problems yet.

 

I drive mine.. almost every day unless I know the weather is going to be bad and then I'll drive the back-up (or if I have an issue I havn't got to yet.) That said... you must remember that you are not driving a civic (or MINI for that matter.) It will require more attention than washing and putting gas in it.
Also you have to make sure that you match the car you are looking at to your drive (ie If you have to highway miles then make sure the Mini's you are looking at can handle it.) I think most Classics will perform very similar to one another up to 50 mph (some may get there a bit faster than others but...) above that though what motor the car has and, maybe more importantly, what Final Drive the car has can mean the difference between livable/fun and frightening/dangerous. JMTC's

 

i put in my Mini 07 in this year 25k..

and i love it!!!

if you want japan Reliability please buy JDM car

 

I can handle that, it's the "rumors" of I work on it more than i drive it syndrome that is bugging me