I would really really prefer to get a restored classic mini with AC, but my parents do not think its a very good idea at all because im in college and need a new reliable car. Could everyone please give me their opinions on this subject? Also does anyone know anything about riverhouse mini?

 

Your parents are correct. Unless you are able to maintain a classic on your own, or have sufficient cash & are near someone who is a knowledgeable Mini mechanic, a classic is not a practical car in your circumstance.

 

As much fun as I have had with classic cars, I would never own one as my only daily driver. Not being able to drive until you receive a part that might have to be sent from England will not be much fun.

In addition to a reliable car, you also need a SAFE car.

Get the new MINI and wait until you are out of school to begin tinkering with an old classic.

 

I own both and there is no way I would use the classic Mini for daily transportation. Besides the reliability issues which would favour the new one, its the safety of the classic. This car weighs less then 1400 pounds has no new saftey beams in the doors let alone crumple zones and air bags.

I love my classic but hate driving it on the freeway, its way to small if I got hit even by a small truck let alone a large SUV it would be all over. Its a great car but it is not a daily driver.

 

>>Your parents are correct. Unless you are able to maintain a classic on your own, or have sufficient cash & are near someone who is a knowledgeable Mini mechanic, a classic is not a practical car in your circumstance.

I totally agree. I am able to maintain a classic on my own and have sufficient cash and a very knowledgeable mechanic (one of the best factory-trained mechanics within two miles of me) to maintain my 1965 Mini but I wouldn't even dream of using it for a daily driver. I am sure those of my classic fraternity would argue this point but the classics weren't designed for, nor are they suitible for, today's traffic conditions. Get a new MINI and buy a classic for a weekend toy after you are done with school.

 

I say get the classic Mini. I made it through my college years driving old British cars (MGA and Lotus Elan) and while yes they are unreliable and require much more maintenance than a new car they pay dividends in babes (who like being seen in one) and will teach you much about good mechanical habits and preventative maintenance. A classic Mini is a hoot to drive and be seen in. Who knows, you might even wind up dating Charlize Theron, she of the classic Mini in TIJ.

Go for it.

 

If I get the classic mini(which I would definetly prefer), I would keep my 1990 isuzu pickup as a backup ride while waiting on parts, etc. Im not really sure where I would get one from, ive been looking at http://www.riverhousemini.com .....check out this mini they have on ebay, is this a real classic or one of those 90's european ones?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=31861

 

nice... very, very nice...

 

JiBiS - listen to MGCMAN ... get it, drive it hard, drive it alot ...

The Ebay listing says 1974/75, but that just screams 1990's to me - not that there's anything wrong with that: if they can get a clear title for you, it's ok.
Check some of the existing threads here for names like MiniCity and Mini Mania - they have classified adds on their web sites where you can find good Mk.I's for a bit less cash ...

 

If you want a reliable classic, get a new classic, you get the best of both worlds, the look of a classic, and some modern item's like A/C

 

I was on their website yesterday and I believe they want
about $15,000 for that car. Very nice. Make sure it meets US emissions, etc.
They also had some other really nice cars. Jon

 

For the price of a New MINI you can get a fairly new P/U like a Chev. S10 w/ AC and w/ towing capabilities and a very nice classic Mini. If your classic breaks down, then you have the p/u to drive and you can tow it with your pickup. If you want to find out anything about turnkey then log on to http://www.minimania.com and ask the people there on the message board if anyone has had any dealings with them. Another good source for classic mini's is Michael Lewis at wwww.miniguy.com.

 

I agree, if you are going the classic route, check with Miniguy. Michael has some awesome deals and he is a great guy to deal with.

 

problem with mini guy: all of his cars are right hand drive.

 

Its true, nothing probably beats driving a classic Mini. I was looking into this myself and one real killer for me was a lack of shop space. Local owners said a classic Mini required lots of attention and tweaking...I just don't have the facilities for that. Anyway, when I began to investigate the cost of a Mini...with substantial reliability restoration...plus transport...the cost was beginning to flirt with the cost of a Cooper. In the end, the safety equipment and the presence of AC in a MINI sold me. I have not looked back...I love my Cooper and it was a real good move for me. The car has proven itself over and over. However, I don't think you'll find too many folks on this web site that, given the chance, wouldn't jump at the chance to motor in a classic Mini...at least for awhile.

 

Just because someone else could drive classic MGA & Lotus in a different era (as I did also) does not make it an appropriate solution for you today. Do you have the extra time, mechanical ablity and facility to take care of a classic? Can you cover operating expenses, insurance & repairs on two vehicles? There's a time and place for everything. What's most important? The new Mini is as much a blast as the old (but not the same). Buy new, enjoy it, Get your education, get a job & start your classic collection....have fun!

 

It might be difficult to locate replacement parts in the US since the old MINI wasn't available here.

I would love to have one of those old MINI, but not as my primary transport. :smile:

 

What state do you live in? If it's someplace where hypothetically you could get trapped in sub-zero weather with a scantily clad female acquantance, then you may or may not want the old Mini.

And to adress the "this era" question - AAA is more available than ever. And parts can be shipped much faster now too

If you live in someplace like California (Like me!) where it's 90 degrees out today, (HAHAHAHAHA) then get the old Mini. If you live in New York City or Ohio or something, go with the MINI. Or, if you've got more guts than me, get the old Mini no matter what.

And make sure the horn works for when some SUV tries to merge on top of you.


Distinction - Classic mini = Mini. New mini = MINI. Different titles

 

Parts are not a concern. Nearly everything is available in the US through Mini Mania, Heritage Garage, Mini City, Seven, Mini Motors, and dozens of other specialty shops. On the other hand, a classic can be pretty expensive to maintain. I have enough money into my latest project Mini that I could have paid cash for a new MINI Cooper S. Although the notion of having a classic is fun, the real world experience may be frustrating. I guess it is a matter of what is practical for you. My ex and I used a Mini and a Vespa for daily transport for several years. Maybe that is why she is my ex!

 

Ive decided to go with the new mini and get a classic when i get out of college.............thanx for the responces.

 

JiBiS, I think you've made a good choice. It really amazes me how many classic Mini owners have gotten behind the wheel of a new MINI and been shocked and delighted at the qualities of the old car that are present in the new. That's really cool. I did want to compliment your overall taste in motor vehicles. Driving a new MINI is a great way to keep your Mini passion alive and who knows.......perhaps one day!!!

 

I think you made the right choice. They will still be around when you finish college.

 

Ive changed my mind again. Why pay $24,000 for a new MCS when I could get a nice restored classic mini for like $12,000? Im going to keep my truck, which I have rarely ever had any problems with, and get a classic. If I have a problem with the classic, I can drive my truck. Also I would drive the truck in the winter when it is too cold out to not have a heater!

 

I currently drive a truck (1998 Toyota Tacoma) and am dealing with this same problem. I was certain I'd buy a classic Mini first, keep the truck, then trade the truck for a new MINI when the classic was paid for. But with the news of Indi Blue being discontinued and the changes coming for 2005, I decided to get a 2004 MC while I still can. I'll trade my truck and shorten the loan period and buy a classic Mini in a couple of years.

James


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>>http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=31861

This car looks exactly like the car in the first pic on this site:

http://www.gbmini.net/MINImeetNovember2003/PureSilver/

minus the hood stripes and pinstriping. If it is, maybe someone in that MINI club knows more about it.