Buying An Older MINI?

[Big Tav]

Hi guys, I am hoping I can get some good advice on here about the old shape MINI's. I used to sell new MINI's in Australia (R53 & R56) and I really like them. I have always fancied an old MINI though. My Dad used to have a MINI Cooper S 1340 with the twin carbs in the 70's and loved it.

The price of 60-70's MINI's are getting crazy…but I have seen that here in the UK Rover did a remake of the car in the 90's. Now to the untrained eye (ME!) these MINI's look like a classic old shape MINI but updated with newer technology. I am hoping they have the charm of the old MINI but more reliable and a lot cheaper to buy.

I was thinking of something like this:





I am hoping to buy a good one and have my fun and move it on later. Is there a particular model I should go for? What should I spend on one? Are they worth it or are they not as good as they should be?

If there is a forum I should go to that is more suited let me know. Thanks!

[vx220]

Try theminiforum.co.uk

Minis seem to be priced on condition once you get past the 60's collectible stuff, some very expensive mpis out there!

[PetrolTed]

I did the same recently, buying a '94 model. Cost me a few £k but it's great fun, (mostly) solid and only had 40,000 miles on the clock. Lovely little engine.

[Cerberus90]

The late models with MPI engines and 13" wheels are renowned for rusting incredibly quickly.

And the 13" wheels are far from the perfect setup for the mini.


I also prefer having a carb and basic electronic ignition rather than the later injection systems.



Whatever mini you do buy, always buy on the condition of the bodywork. Most mechanical stuff can be fixed by anyone who can hold a spanner, whereas bodywork gets expensive fast if you can't do it yourself.

+1 on theminiforum, great place with some excellent members.