Just trying to help you out. I went with the other route two years later and a mountain of used sandpaper I still have a big pile of parts. I like doing the body work but I would love to go downstairs right now, put the key in and take it for a spin.

 

If I were to consider the simple question of a MINI vs a Mini (which I did once upon a time) don't forget to factor into the cost medical expenses. I have a friend who was rear-ended in a Mini and it t'weren't pretty. As an extra car to have fun with, fine....relatively easy to maintain yourself once you get it sorted out. But as a reliable daily driver that will have to stand up to today's typical roadway demands....not so much.

 

It would be cool if BMW got together with Britain and put them back in production for a year.
I like hanging out with you classic mini drivers. Hopefully some day I'll have one for myself. One similarity I notice between the old and new minis is the owners often fluctuate between two poles: ecstatic driving or horrendous repair work.

 

I've got the best of both worlds: a 2002 R50 for nice weather daily driver; 2002 R53 for the track and more spirited driving, and an '87 Mini just for Fundays. I do feel safer in my MINI's than the Mini. Regarding maintenance costs, the track car obviously comes in at #1 in cost and frequency, with frequent oil and brake fluid changes, along with all the mods trackheads do.