I'll throw in my 2cents worth. I have a '79 RHD that was imported from England. I received many pictures of the car before I decided to "buy it". I flew to another state on a 1-way ticket to pick it up knowing that I could walk away. I paid $6K for a rust-free, original paint Mini. What I bought was a minimal rust, original color (i.e. re-sprayed) Mini with 30K documented miles (that I could confirm - but I am from England and knew what I was doing). I have had the car for 4 years (garaged) and it has been driven <1000 miles. I am spending about $7.5K to totally redo. I had the car media blasted and I am having the following replaced:

A Panels (RH & LH)
Sill - Inner & Outer (RH)
Door skins (RH & LH)

This does not include other rust repairs - headlight, rear window, floor pan pin holes.

This car will be POR-15 on the bottom & wheel wells and repainted. It will have powder coated frames - rear has surface rust. New carpet, headliner, rebuilt suspension, clutch & brake masters, new brake/fuel lines, etc. I will never see rain again and will be garaged so I do not have to deal with rust etc. in the future. Other than body & paint,a ll the mechanicals will be done myself.

So as others have said - do your research. I am happy with my decision. Paint can hide a lot. I have pasted a link below to pictures of my car after it was media blasted. Sometimes you do not know what you have till you peel back the layers.

Good luck with your choices - I love my mini, but it will not be a daily diver and will not be a show car either

http://s451.photobucket.com/albums/qq234/gahodson/