I'm WAY new to this forum, but I'm glad I found it, as I can see you have a lot of information regarding my favorite car : D

I live in southern cali and I've been looking for a classic mini for awhile, without such luck. After not being able to find one the last time I was searching for a car, I've finally hit the point where I can start looking again.

I figured you guys might have some information that could help me in my search... if so, I'd really appreciate it.

I'm looking for something that's in decent running condition. I have about $5,500 to spend.. but I don't know how much that is in the world of classic Mini's. I haven't even been able to find one for sale yet lol. I'm willing to drive pretty much anywhere in southern cali to pick up the car so I'm hoping I can find something.

Anyways, thanks so much for reading all of that... and if you can help me out, thank you.

 

Hi, Fractal, I'm new here, too. Just got my MCS last week, and I also have two classics (a '63 from England and a '67 from Australia) that I got this summer. Classic Minis are a ball, and in southern Cali you should be able to find something fairly decent for $5500. There are lots of Minis in this neck of the woods.

Your likely options will be a rusty one with a fair engine and extras from the UK, or an Aussie/New Zealand version with a decent body (usually much less rust) but everything else worn out (they drive them to death down under, and often haven't maintained them well, since they were often cheap "starter cars"). Either way, if you look hard you should find something that you can drive while you fix it up.

Research is the key. Start haunting the forum at minimania.com (and check out their cars for sale section), and start coming to MOALA meetings (Mini Owners of America, Los Angeles -- also check out the MOALA chat board at moala.org). Ask lots of questions. And try to bump up your budget to the $7-8 grand range -- the cars get a lot better.

 

Try this guy in Ventura

www.miniguy.com

Bill

 

Hey guys, we are doing a breakfast meeting in Torrance this Sunday. primarily classic Minis but I have a new MINI and I am the one sponsoring it, so there. Please come. Here are the details: http://www.moalachat.com/showthread.php?t=187

 

Did you check out private sellers on the www.minimania.com website? That is usually a good place to look. Better than miniguy for sure.

 

Hey Camel , Johnny Here...
I'm also looking for a classic so if you see something nice call me at the shop. thanks again

 

No I haven't tried any of those yet...

Thanks everybody, this really helps out a lot. I'll try and get some more money, it's just I had some problems with my last car and I had to pay a lot to get it out of the shop.

Thanks again though : D

 

Rodger that bro, will do.

PM me your price range, and what it is you're looking for. i.e. what year, or do you care, do you want a Genuine S, or just any Mini, do you want it for VTEC (say yes to that one, and I will not tell you about the Genuine ones, haha). I just need an idea.

I'm currently looking for a classic for another buddy of mine who also owns a shop, so I can keep an eye out for you too.

Plus, if you find one, and want me to look at it and check it out, I can do that too.

 

My favorite classic Mini shop is Heritage Garage in Costa Mesa. I've dealt with them for years. Great guys. Very honest. They always have a few Mini's around to sell.

 

These guys are not in SoCal but they have fair prices and they ship.

http://www.westpaminis.com/Minis.html

I second Heritage Garage - Graham is a good guy - but they only sell the higher end stuff.