Hello,

I was just curious about classic mini drivability as a daily vehicle.

I have a 59 Austin Healey Bugeye, and its NOT a vehicle I'd want to drive daily, due to weather, and gearing mostly.. you get into 4th at about 35/40mph, then 55 is cruising speed... How does the mini compare, does it change on the later model cars, or is it all the same gearing for all the years? Is the car capable of keeping up with normal traffic?

I'm sorta between a classic beetle (63-75ish) and a mini cooper. I like the idea of the Mini better, but I'm not sure if it would be as capable on the highway as a 1600cc beetle..(which sounds like it will cruise at 70-75 if need be...

thanks for the help!
Tim

 

1. yes
2. yes

850cc = 50mph
998 = 84mph
1275 = 90mph
1380 = 100mph

Ear plugs must be worn to achieve those speeds.

 

If you want a daily driver look for a late model. They'll be advertised as "197x or 196x/199xspec", "Sportspack" or similar. SPI or MPI is also a giveaway as is A/C. These are most suitable for your use and capable of sustained freeway use. They are quieter and have disc brakes and other nicer features that many early cars don't have. Far superior to old Minis and Beetles.

Here are examples:
http://www.minimania.com/web/id/8153...ale_Detail.cfm

http://www.minimania.com/web/id/8221...ale_Detail.cfm

Be aware that a Mini legally must be 25 years old or older to be imported. These cars are here under dubious legal status federally. That said, as long as you have a valid state title or can get one in the state your in, you'll likely be just fine. Customs has already passed it through so no one is looking after it. Do pay attention to your state's registration laws no matter what car you buy if you buy from out of state. As an example, a Mini must be older than 71 (I think) to be registered in California due to emissions standards.

 

FYI, last year I bought a 1973 Mk3 Mini that was a legally California registered vehicle.

Jeff

 

Neither one is very comfortable or all that safe for driving on the highway. My uncle drives his super beetle daily and hasn't had too much trouble with it but he just uses it for running around town though and isn't commuting with it. You are probably better off with the beetle in terms of local parts and service.

I wonder if the 80's and 90's beetles are re-vinned and brought in as much as the minis are.

 

I had a 1275cc S back around 1970 or so. I sold it because while a lot of fun to drive, it was a pretty awful car. Noisy, can't open the windows to throw change at the toll road machine, cheap materials,,etc.

But most of all, I sold it because if you ever had an accident with an American car, you would be meat all over the street.

The car has exactly one thin piece of sheet-metal between you and the outside with no reinforcement whatsoever, and crush-space measured in millimeters. It doesn't even have headrests to avoid a broken neck if hit from behind.

The car was roughly as safe as a motorcycle, without the ability to get out of the way if you saw an accident coming. I sold mine as soon as I drove it in winter weather for the first time.

 

Thanks. Being a FL resident I don't track that. If you did a '73, then I believe it is 74 & older. I wasn't sure on it. I'm sure someone will set it correct.

 

A valid consideration. The Beetle would be somewhat sturdier, but still w/o contemporary safety standards. A 90's Mini would have side impact beams, headrests, some have air bags and other safety features as they were constructed to meet EU safety standards at the time. Modern Minis have roll down windows and creature comforts beyond OldRick's 30 year old experience.

I feel opposite. Accident avoidance potential is in the Mini's favor due to size and agility. Bright lights (F&R) and loud air horns are required.

But, in an accident size/mass matters though plenty of people get killed in Explorers and other supersized and "safer" vehicles. Are your absolute chances of injury greater in a Mini? Of course. You must evaluate the risk given your own tolerance levels.

I drive the Mini like a motorcycle. Head on a swivel. The Mini has one advantage. People don't see motorcylces at all. Minis get attention, especially in brighter colors.

Is it an ideal commuter? No. Will it work? Yes. Is it fun? You bet.

You decide what is right for you.

 

The big problem I see with any small car on the highway is that you sit so low that trucks and exploders can't see you in their mirrors and out their side windows because your car is below their line of sight. I once backed my truck into my new cooper s because I forgot it was in the driveway and could not see it over the bed of my truck.

If you are between barriers on a bridge or on a highway that doesn't have a center median there's nowhere to go if someone doesn't see you and changes into your lane. This kind of accident happens all of the time regardless of what you are driving but what you drive is the difference between walking away or not. Car safety/reliability/performance/etc. have changed over the years which has changed the way people drive today. My feeling is leave the antique at home an purchase a modern car for a daily driver.