Hi everyone!
I would like a little advice. I just watched a show called the Mini Story on Motors TV and it got me thinking. I would love to buy a classic Mini but know nothing about how to purchase an older/classic car.
What are the better years to buy?
Are they available pretty much anywhere?
If I decide to buy one here in Germany does it meet U.S. inspection?
I know nothing about fixing cars so one that is in pretty decent shape and good working order would be preferred. And what is the price range, I know loaded question, but would 10000 buy a decent one?

Right now I have a 2006 Cooper S, it is an excellent car and would love to keep it when I move back but from what I have found out it does not meet U.S. DOT standards.

I do plan on getting one (a new version) when I move back, but a classic would just be a bonus. And If I buy it here, I think I can ship it back to the U.S. with the rest of our move.
I am in no hurry, not moving back until sometime next year, but if I decide to get a classic I would like to start researching now.

Thanks

 

Welcome to NAM DEHawk!

A great source for classic Mini knowledge is the book "Complete Classic Mini 1959-2000" by Chris Reese commonly found on places like Amazon. It was instrumental in my 1-year learning curve when I researched classic Minis.

If you haven't done so, get off base and drive some classic Minis. There is no similarity between the classics and your '06 MCS, which is a great car BTW. If you plan to bring it back to the U.S., and to do so legally, it will need to be at least 25 years old to be legally imported into the U.S. Based upon UK prices as seen in MiniWorld Magazine's classifieds, $10K USD should/could buy you a really nice classic.

Unless you are willing to learn how to do the maintenance yourself, you might reconsider getting a Mini as there probably aren't a lot of U.S. mechanics who would happily work on one. Parts are available, courtesy online purchases, but be prepared to have downtime when something wears out and or breaks, which happens with all older cars.

Glad you're not thinking a classic would be daily driver. Replacing your Euro-spec R53 with a US version is a great plan, and a classic would be a great "little brother" toy.

I really enjoyed the time I spent researching the 50-year history of these cars. Keep in mind that you will be looking for something 1984 or older. I'd suggest you spend some time on the MiniMania classic forum as well as their classifieds. You'll get a good sense of what's already in the US which may guide you toward or away from importing one yourself.

Good luck and keep everyone posted with what you are finding in DE!

 

Great info!
I actually went to the MiniMania site today. Only one in Germany and it looked a little used. There was one in France but I think it was a 2000 model year and asking price was 15500.
So has to be 25 years or older. This might sound stupid but are Mini's out there that are in good shape that are 25 years old? If so are they like other classic cars, they reach a certain age and the price suddenly starts to increase because of the "Classic Car" label?
So are they easy to work on? They look easy, no electronics and stuff like new cars. Are they easy to modify while at the same time keeping things in an acceptable original condition?

Thanks again for the info, I will have to look up that book as well.

 

• Must be 25 years old for US DOT/EPA rule exemption. May need to be older depending on the state you live in (CA).
• Look around there are plenty of Mini suppliers and clubs about. There is a German thread on www.sunshineminis.org Maybe you can get a lead there.
• A nice Mini should run $7500-$10,000 depending on condition.
• Yes, Easy as any low tech 60's-70's car engine-wise and electrics. Trans is integrated in the sump so requires more technical skill.
• Plenty of mods available -body, suspension, engine, trans, etc...
• Watch out for rust and bodged repairs.

 

Where are you in germany? I used to be at Spangdahlem AB. I still have a contact for you in that area that can build one for you and you can take it back to the states with no problems. IM me if you are intrested.