http://www.minimania.com/web/id/7786...ale_Detail.cfm Going to take a look.

Could I daily drive it? Would it be to slow?
whats involved in making it LHD?

Could I put Ac in it?

 

I don't have any experience with the MPI models, so I can't speak to the daily driveability of it; though I'm guessing that the answer is "yes."

I don't think it would be too slow, but if you're comparing it to a modern MCS then maybe you'd think it's pokey in the acceleration department -- but you'll find that the handling outperforms anything you've ever sat in except maybe a gokart. That's where the real fun factor lies.

Switching it to LHD is possible, I think all you'd need would be a new steering rack and a lot of time to do the switch. However, having driven RHD cars, I can almost guarantee that you'll learn how to drive it quickly and prefer the quirks and specialness that driving a RHD car in the states affords.

I don't know if you could install AC. Might be a power draw issue, but I'm guessing you could get around that.

 

Im starting to love the car, How does it look in yalls opinion?

 

It looks really nice to me -- I would ask the seller for close up photos of typical problem areas: rocker panels, under the carpets, wings, inside the boot, floor pans, etc.

If you can manage it, take a trip down there and drive it. Never buy anything sight unseen! I did that once and it screwed me pretty bad. Ended up buying a rust bucket that looked great in photos.

Also, I would post in the minimania forums asking for advice / opinions about the car -- the guys there are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful and will be glad to give you their "expert" opinions. They may also know the seller or the car personally.

 

If that is one of the last 500 Cooper sportspacks, then there should be a fair warning given that it is not a car made in 1979. If that leads to any danger of registering the car in your state, then think twice. It will have enough poke for daily driving, as power to weight is a bit better than a scion xb for example. On the subject of AC, it is possible to install it, although if this is a deciding factor for you, maybe you should look for a japanese spec classic as they far more frequently come with ac installed.
The legendary handling of a classic mini will be transformed a bit by the large 13 inch chrome wheels on this model. Lots more stylish, but they are more prone to following ruts and ripples in the road unless the alignment is perfectly setup.

 

He said its a 2001! Thanks

 

Could I daily drive it? YES

Would it be to slow? May feel that way on the street since it has a 2.79 FD

whats involved in making it LHD? Need components from a German LHD

Could I put Ac in it? YES, KIT IS ABOUT 1500 THOUGH THE HARDEST PART IS KEEPING THE CAR ACCELERATED AT IDLE WHEN THE COMPRESSOR IS ON.

If you are going to spend that kind of money and you insist on it being LHD with A/C....call this number and ask for Ron, he has what you want.
323.750.5062

 

Looking at two others
Check them out and let me know!

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

And

http://www.miniguy.com/Consign1?id=e...3f6cdfadd6d720

 

The second one you listed seems to be sold. The blue one looks clean, and could be a fun car to drive. Also, the green one looks nice. I think the green one is in juuust a little better condition (judging by the pics) but until you see it in person, you really don't know. I personally don't care one bit for the wheels on the green one. The track is too wide, and look like they are more of a hassle than anything else, really. If you do get them and are still wanting the look that accompanies a 13 inch wheel... go with superlites. And the stripe on the side is unique, and pretty cool.. but the little type R badge thing at the bottom... not so much on that.

The only thing I would be concerned with is whether or not these cars can be titled. If they are re-vinned, they are "illegal". Some people are die hard advocates of getting rid of re-vin cars, but I say what's the harm. Make sure that they are already titled in their state or that you have all the documentation that says it is legally in the country and has a clear title so that you can title it in YOUR state. This will be a big factor, and a HUGE headache if you do buy it just to find that your state says keep it off the road. Considering this... the blue one says that it is currently registered and titled in North Carolina. If this is the case, look at the title and tell your lender and titling people that it is (whatever the year on the title is) restored and updated to the specifications of.. (in the lue car's case a) a 1999 mini Cooper. They usually won't bat an eye.

Other than all the technical stuff I just wrote.

Yeah, you can daily drive the two cars you have listed (I'm discounting the red one that is sold), and they would be tremendously fun. If something should go wrong.. well the cars are notorious for being easy to work on, but the same rules don't always apply to the fuel injected cas. Most people in the mini world try to stay away from the injected engines because the carbed ones are so much easier to deal with when something happens. But please don't let that discourage you from buying one. They are better performing engines. Just a slightly larger hassle should something go wrong.

Let us know if you end up getting one. I know I personally was on this site and many others for....4 years looking for my perfect mini. I found it this december, and I couldn't be happier. And my payments and insurance are AWESOME. Not to mention the gas mileage.

Keep us updated....

wow... I typed a lot. haha