SUPPPPP!


My name =Greggg

I have been in love with minis since I was about 15! Now that I am 23 and have full time work, I have decided that I am going to finally put my money back from work and get a mini in the Spring.

I have done a good bit of research in the years and know mainly what I am getting into

Rust,Maintenance,Rust,Rust, and some Rust and I know NOT to ask you guys about wether or not to USE IT AS AN EVERYDAY CAR! lol ( I saw all the other people asking this) This will be a weekend/ FUN CAR!


Well Anyways. Here is My questions


1. Minis seem so much cheaper over in England and New Zealand. Do you think it would be better to just buy one and import it? ( I know that NZ ones have less rust and also am aware that it has to be 25+ years old to import) Oh and I would expect the big shipping cost ($1000-$2500)

Or do you think I should shop here and really go and look at them and not just take someones word.


2. Do you think that $7000 is a decent amount for one that has a solid body?
( I am not so much worried about engine and interior stuff but I want one with the least amount of Rust)


3. Do you get peoples attention in your mini? Like do girls like it? Does it attract people and get them asking you questions?

I know I love the look of them and I am crazy about them but I want to know if other people think the same or is it just enthusiasts. There is a guy that has one in my town and we have become friends. He is in his early 30's and told me " if your not Social then don't get a mini". He also once said " If you dont have a GF now then you will soon enough" I thought this was defiantly a pro even though I have a gf. Cause I love being an ATTENTION WHHHOREEE.... Is this all true? I would love honest opinions please.

Thanks in Advance!

 

1. Minis seem so much cheaper over in England and New Zealand. Do you think it would be better to just buy one and import it? ( I know that NZ ones have less rust and also am aware that it has to be 25+ years old to import) Oh and I would expect the big shipping cost ($1000-$2500)

Or do you think I should shop here and really go and look at them and not just take someones word.

well, you are aware of the basic problem, buying something you won't be inspecting first. That is a big gamble. That IS how mine came to the country however so it can be done. Finding a reputable broker is the issue if you decide to roll the dice this way. Mine was honest enough to send a replacement short block when the car delivered was found to have a warped head - at no charge. 8 years ago shipping from England to Jacksonville was under $1000 - that was less than trucking from Jax to San Fran . . .


2. Do you think that $7000 is a decent amount for one that has a solid body?
( I am not so much worried about engine and interior stuff but I want one with the least amount of Rust)

When asked 'how much does one cost' I tell forks expect to pay $7000 for something that is safe to drive when you get it; it will start, has decent brakes, lights etc etc. Would pass basic safety inspection. If it is a unique or special model, or has significant mods then go up. If you pay less, IME, you are gonna find a significant problem not long after to get into it. But the REAL bottom line is it is a used car worth that you are willing to pay for it and not one penney more. You only care what I'd pay, when you are trying to sell it to me. Wrt rust, we're back to that inspection thing.

3. Do you get peoples attention in your mini? Like do girls like it? Does it attract people and get them asking you questions?

I take mine to a lot of car shows - mine is sort of a UK hot rod & RHD - and it gets a lot of attention; almost anyone who lived in UK esp' service people, either had one or partied in one at some point in their life. Almost every stop in a gas station will find a short conversation with comments and questions. Girls? well the occasional girl gearhead yes and there are the girls that learned to drive in one living in Europe, but the majority just think it is silly and: no a/c? In the SUMMER?