As the thread title says, as well as any suggestions for general classic Mini info/for sale listings on the web. Since many of the classic Mini threads here are pretty old, feel free to refer me to any NAM members who are trying to sell their classics. I'd prefer sellers in the midwest, but will consider others within the continental US.

In the meantime, I've just gotten all of the Haynes manuals for the various models/years -- they'll keep me occupied until I find "the one". My main priority is a good body with little/no rust -- I can handle mechanical rebuilding, but would rather not deal with major bodywork.

Thanks for any help! :smile:

 

what are you looking for?

Daily driver when you buy it....
A workable oldie....
a rust bucket that you will only keep a few parts off of

this guy has a bunch any day of the week: http://www.turkys.com/mini.html , buy off the lot.

eBAy & Mini Mania????

not a recommendation, just a reference

check my gallery and make me an offer - everything is for sale, one just needs to identify the right price.

Pick up a copy of Mini World. Importing a car from UK is less expensive than you would think...just make sure you stay inside the lines (25 years old) else you risk loss of the whole package. In my experiece it cost less to ship from UK to JAX than by truct from Miami to San Fran'

hard to believe

 

You can also go to www.madhouseminis.com

The owner is a good guy, prices range from $3500 to like $13K. He's always getting in new stuff, plus he can build to whatever spec you want

 

Thanks for the info, guys!

As long as it's driveable, the mechanicals are not too important. A 1275 would be nice, but I'm sure even a 997 can be fun. The body is the important thing -- either rust free (I assume this is almost impossible) or a very good repair/repaint.

Currently, I don't have a picture of "my" ideal Mini... guess I'd know it when I saw it.

 

www.westpaminis.com

 

I have been buying parts and having my Mini serviced by Dion Jardine in Wesley Chapel Fl.ever since I bought my classic nearly 2 years ago. www.djminis.com Don't take my word on his Minis,check www.MiniMania.com . I would suggest you check out and drive as many Minis as possible.

 

I would check www.westpaminis.com often. My friend got a very good deal on a Mini from them and the guys that run the company are great.

 

I bought a mini from DJ approx. 2 years ago and I couldn't be happier. There is also a guy in Lexington, KY who has a couple for sale (in great shape) if you are interested, I can PM you his e-mail.

 

EBay is probably the largest marketplace for classic cars. But as we know, it's a tricky place to shop and laden with crooks.

My golden rules for classic car purchases:

1) Never believe anything the seller says about the car, not a single word, especially if he has poor documentation (i.e., no receipts, photos, restoration logbook, etc.).

2) Carefully inspect the entire car before you purchase it and don't buy a rusty car unless you're rich and/or a highly skilled body technician.

3) Regarding inspection, if you are not fluent with classic British car repair and restoration, pay someone who is to inspect the car for you. It's the best money you'll ever spend on the car, period.

Local British car clubs can be of great service here. Some local LBC clubs have knowledgeable guys who will inspect cars free of charge for you, just for the asking (you may have to join their club, small fee).

4) If you see rust, there's always more than meets the eye. Don't buy a rusty car unless you, a) are prepared to spend more than the retail value of the car to restore it, and, b) can do the body work yourself.

5) Purchase the best possible example you can afford.

6) Don't buy the first one you see, be patient. Your perfect Mini is out there, waiting for you. It may take months to find the right one.

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

--Mark in VA

 

ebay is great to get an idea of what is out there, plus minimania is good for that also. Lots of pictures to give you ideas.
We bought our Mini from westpaminis. Alistair and Pete are great and the cars are in Pittsburgh. They are the nicest guys, I can't say enough good about them.
Beware that all Minis look good in the glam shots, most cars do from 10 feet away. When I started seriously inquiring about the Mini I was interested in, Alistair sent me 25 close up shots of the car. Underneath, engine compartment, boot, floorboards, all the not so pretty areas, so I would have a clear idea of what I was getting into. When we went to inspect it, the Mini was better than pictures.
We drove it home from Pittsburgh, about 300+ miles, no problems, just lots of smiles along the way. That little beast has been humming along all summer, what a great Mini.
Good luck with the hunt, when it feels right, you'll just know.

 

Thanks for all the help, folks! I'll keep looking and learning -- 'cause I've got plenty to learn.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting Jeremy Adams ("Sarcux") and saw his classic Mini that's for sale. Until I can get mine sold, I can't buy. Having seen his, I can say that his car is a very nice example at a reasonable price. Anyone interested in getting a classic could do much worse.

 

For Canadian content...and delivery to the U.S, as far as I know, check out....

Big Al's Mini Mover

 

Even if you don't see rust...assume its there on a Mini. Inspect it very carefully

http://www.minimania.com/web/SCatago...3/ArticleV.cfm

 

this topic comes up quite a bit... is there a moderator that can sticky a list of dealers in this thread?

i bought my mini from spencer raynor (www.minitemptation.com). he's always got something new coming across and he was very fair and honest.

 

Here is a thread you may be interested in reading..

http://www.minimania.com/web/threadi.../msgthread.cfm