I NEED SOME HELP FROM YOU!!!!! This is on ebay and I think I am inlove....

HOW MUCH DO YOU THINK IS FAIR / WHAT IS IT WORTH?

Mini

HELP ME PLEASE!!!!

What are the chances she will drive me back to Ohio w/o any problems?

 

Wow.. that is one beautiful Mini.

I have wanted to get into the classic but haven't felt like spending the money.

I tell if I was in the market I would seriously look at it.

It looks fantastic but of course looks can be deceiving.

THe thing about value is what is it worth to you? I really hate to say it but it's true.

Just do yourself a favor and come up with a top dollar amount you would pay and do not go higher no matter what.

I think by the looks she will make it home for you just fine but you never know....

good luck and let us know how it goes!

At the current price I would probably buy it even if it didn't run well at all... it is a pretty setup!

chris

 

Is all the paperwork in order? Not legally in USA if 1978.

Looks great - as Chris said that doesn't tell you everything.

What's the engine? Not listed so presumably a basic 998cc? The higher power versions are worth much more.

I've seen someone asking for $15K for something not as nice looking as this; but realistically if I was going to buy this (which I'm not!) I wouldn't want to pay more than about $7K.


(off topic slightly - look at these pics; the guy that owned this Mini Cooper S thought that a straight swap of my MINI for his Mini would not leave him looking for additional cash ... he figured his Mini was worth $25K!)

 

yeah if it were me i'd go 7000 flat see who keeps up . i've been drooling lately and have seen cars this nice sold for 12000. but that's the 1275 engine. you could have anything in there but it's probably a 1275 or 1000. by the year of it . in person would be nice so they can't ask too much if not seen in the flesh.

 

It appears to be a nice, late model Mini. Likely it would easily take you back to OH.

IMHO
Under $3,500 = rusty, lots of work fixer uppers, basket cases
$3,500-$6,500 = runners with some rust that need major work
$6,500-$8,000 = daily drivers needing finishing/paint
$8,000-$12,000 = very nice daily drivers needing little, if any work (your example)
$12,000-$16,000 = show quality Minis of unremarkable nature, late model Sportspacks etc
$15,000+ = Classic Minis of significant vintage, IE REAL Cooper S' of show quality, and newly rebuilt VTEC Minis with superior conversions.

Of course, you'll find many exceptions to this and minis will be priced all over the lot.

No Matter what:
Buy the best body shell you can find for the money you can afford.

 

Can't say what that Mini is worth, but Hrach is certainly an excellent and knowledgeable Mini guide. I haven't seen him in a few years. There are (but rare) certain models of classic Minis that would be worth as much if not more than a new MINI. Significant cars with racing history or pedigree and low production Cooper S'.

 

Not legally in USA if 1978.... why not? 2006 - 25 = 1981....anything from 81 and b4 is now legal by federal rules (US). My 79 came in 2 years ago.

That said - I don't buy this as a '78. I believe it is a later car. Tip off #1 is the top dash pad and the ash tray. It is different on my '79 (I have MOT documents from mine that go pretty far back....I'm confident it is a 79) This has the 'newer' configuration. It could be a model difference since mine is a saloon buuuutttttt. The ashtray hole is actually cut into the body shell suggesting to me this is a later shell than my '79.

That said - if the car already has a FL title it really doesn't matter in most states. (Sorry CA people)

It certainly looks clean in the pics tho.

**********
driving a freshly bought 25 yoa car from FL to OH is risky...I'd recommend an escort car with plenty of tools.

I bought mine in Tampa and needed to get to VA. Found the AutoTrain to be the cheapest way to do it! and glad I did as the first problem happened half way 'tween Tampa to Orlando....

concur with $8k to $12k for decent daily driver.

********************
there is some discussion brewing about this car and seller on SUNSINEMINIS.ORG

http://sunshineminis.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=11012

 

i also believe this is a latter model.........the first thing that tipped me is the front side marker.........im not sure what year they started that........minimad any history on that?

 

as far as you are prepared to walk

 

LOL thanks everyone...I am planning on sitting back and watching how the bid war goes...if she sits low...who knows.....THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!!!!!!!

 

I would concur that it is a 90's car (not a bad thing IMHO if the paperwork is "clean".) If you are serious about the car I would try to have someone down in Florida have a look at it (especially if you are thinking about driving that far.) Strange things can lurk under a shiney coat of paint. I would suggest reaching out to the folks that are in "Mini's of Florida." They are a classic mini club in, you guessed it, Florida. I'm sure that, if asked and promissed future beverages, someone down there who is knowledgable would be more than willing take a look in person for you. (You will find the ranks of classic owners to be a rather large, abit slightly disfunctional, family.) Their web site is http://www.classicminis.org/ and if you look under contacts Jason Neumann is listed as one of their primary contacts and he is in Jacksonville.

Best of luck!

 

I am insanely jealous of the person who is lucky enough to pick up this car for (right now) such a BARGAIN! It is exactly what i will be looking for...only closer to home (canada) and not just yet. I already have a current project but that little jewel is BEAUTIFUL! I'm looking for a Mini to match my MINI.

Bump for a good sale!

 

i just painted my classic to match our 06.......should be interesting when complete......

 

As with any used car purchase, caution should be taken to ensure that someone is not trying to rip you off. Check the paperwork, VIN/carfax (I noticed that the seller did not provide a VIN, I would contact them and see if they have one). It's possible that this is a "grey market" car. Could it also be possible that it was imported and registered as a '78, when in fact it may actually be a newer model? Before you bid I would try and do as much research on the car's history as possible. That being said, it looks like it's well worth the effort and assuming there isn't a bidding war the car may sell for a great price.

 

still 5 days left on the bidding.. this thing will probably shoot up higher than 7K.. interesting to find out if it's authentic or not. That would just **** me off.

 

check www.sunshineminis.org classic threads (the only active FL MINI/Mini message board), Bobbie Martin of JAX has some comments on the car there....

 

Can you link the exact thread?

 

come on, you gotta do some work here too....:-P

http://www.sunshineminis.org/forums/...ic.php?t=11012

 

Thanks everyone!

 

BTW....there is another way to look at this

When people ask me what my 'classic' is worth, I ask 'em, "What will you give me for it?"

That's all that really matters. Well, not what someone else will pay for it; but what YOU will.

The pool of people that can put a price on one of these is small....and the true test is only what a buyer will pay. The best appraisal in the world ain't worth diddly-squat if no buyer will step up.

So - decide YOUR VALUE and if ur willing to pay it, do so & be done. If you are looking for a true investment car, I'd suggest something other than this nitch car.

Everything is for sale, everyday. The question is simply how actively we're negotiating the price!

 

Ditto on Capt Bj's remark.........i told everyone that once my car is painted and i redo all the interior and mechanical work that i was going to put it up for sale......people dont understand why..........money talk's.......and if it's profitable ...why not ......i'll just turn around and by another 1 or 2

 

Cars are not investments......they're depreciating assets

Most people never get back what they have in them (money & time).

It is always cheaper to buy one restored and finished by someone else than it is to do it yourself.

 

bet cha i get can get back more than i will have into mine

 

and i know you said most people

 

Most people never get back what they have in them (money & time).

Figure it out when all is said and done. Add in the value of your work and let us know.....