Classic mini as first car, bad idea?
Discussion
Classic mini as first car, bad idea?
As a person with no experience with engines, is it a bad idea to get one as my first car? I have a budget of £4-5000 so I probably can't get one in a better condition. I'm in uni as well so I won't have the time(?) but even if I'm not in uni, would it be reasonable to get a classic mini? Are there any other classics that don't need much repairing? Cheers
As a person with no experience with engines, is it a bad idea to get one as my first car? I have a budget of £4-5000 so I probably can't get one in a better condition. I'm in uni as well so I won't have the time(?) but even if I'm not in uni, would it be reasonable to get a classic mini? Are there any other classics that don't need much repairing? Cheers
jusxusfanatic said:
To me yes as well, but then again I have no experience with repairing cars or anything ?? I've also asked this question on another forum and people said it's not ideal to get one as a first car
People also say you shouldn't go out and drink or party. Never listened to them myself. 
I learnt to drive in my mums 1990 Mini Checkmate and then spent my first few months after passing driving it around.
I don't think I could have enjoyed a first car any more.
It had plenty of issues including electrics and rust, which ultimately led to it being sold.
Also from memory, as it was 14 years ago, engine mounts, subframe and distributor were replaced and I changed the alternator (which was easy).
I don't think I could have enjoyed a first car any more.
It had plenty of issues including electrics and rust, which ultimately led to it being sold.
Also from memory, as it was 14 years ago, engine mounts, subframe and distributor were replaced and I changed the alternator (which was easy).
Edited by iacabu on Monday 3rd August 13:13
jusxusfanatic said:
Guess you could say that haha
I'm just worried that it breaks down while driving, which I would expect it to happen. Reckon the condition on a £4-5000 one would definitely need some work
If you are worried about breakdowns, get yourself AA/RAC/Greenflag cover.I'm just worried that it breaks down while driving, which I would expect it to happen. Reckon the condition on a £4-5000 one would definitely need some work
A latter fuel injected Mini would probably be easier day to day than a carb one. But really should not be too much bother if it is in good working order. Newer cars can and do breakdown as well. And due to the electronics can be more complex to fix or even diagnose.
If you fancy a classic type car, the Mini is a great starting point in my opinion.
Perhaps also check the insurance. I taught my son to drive in a classic Mini - a 1990 Flame Red with a MG Metro engine so not quick by modern standards but nice enough.
When he passed they wanted £2,200 to insure him so we eventually sold it. He ended up buying a Fabia VRS twin charge DSG (185bhp) and it cost him £1050 for the insurance as a Uni student.
Other than that, as said by others a great car to learn spannering on, the dexterity you will attain from the likes of replacing engine mounts, removing the radiator etc will stay with you for life!
When he passed they wanted £2,200 to insure him so we eventually sold it. He ended up buying a Fabia VRS twin charge DSG (185bhp) and it cost him £1050 for the insurance as a Uni student.
Other than that, as said by others a great car to learn spannering on, the dexterity you will attain from the likes of replacing engine mounts, removing the radiator etc will stay with you for life!
To run a classic Mini as a first car you will either need a lot of money, or the ability and facilities to repair it.
They are great fun (I have two as my 3rd & 4th cars), but compared to modern small cars they need a lot, and I mean a LOT, of maintenance.
Rust is the big issue and for a £4000 Mini expect to have to do some panel welding and re-painting.
My Grandson had a 1275 Cooper MPIas his first car which he bought and we restored together. he kept it for a few months and then decided that the need to work on it frequently, combined with the lack of stuf modern cars have such as ABS, air-con, great seats, air bags, very compliant suspension giving a great ride, power steering, built-in audio system, willingness to start in wet weather every day and every time, etc was something he could no longer put up with. He sold the MPI for around £4000 and bought a Fiesta 1.25 with all the mod-cons of a modern daily driver. It was very reliable, economical amd great to drive.
He now has a 1986 Mini Mayfair as a restoration project. I have just finished the body welding (extensive) and re-painting. The engine is on my bench ready for stripping and re-building. Luckily it won't cost much in cash terms as we do everything ourselves.
Personally I don't think a classic Mini is suitable as a first car unless you are prepared for the unavailability at times when it is being fixed and can do all the work yourself.
They are great fun (I have two as my 3rd & 4th cars), but compared to modern small cars they need a lot, and I mean a LOT, of maintenance.
Rust is the big issue and for a £4000 Mini expect to have to do some panel welding and re-painting.
My Grandson had a 1275 Cooper MPIas his first car which he bought and we restored together. he kept it for a few months and then decided that the need to work on it frequently, combined with the lack of stuf modern cars have such as ABS, air-con, great seats, air bags, very compliant suspension giving a great ride, power steering, built-in audio system, willingness to start in wet weather every day and every time, etc was something he could no longer put up with. He sold the MPI for around £4000 and bought a Fiesta 1.25 with all the mod-cons of a modern daily driver. It was very reliable, economical amd great to drive.
He now has a 1986 Mini Mayfair as a restoration project. I have just finished the body welding (extensive) and re-painting. The engine is on my bench ready for stripping and re-building. Luckily it won't cost much in cash terms as we do everything ourselves.
Personally I don't think a classic Mini is suitable as a first car unless you are prepared for the unavailability at times when it is being fixed and can do all the work yourself.
Mining Subsidence Man said:
Do it. Whack a cage in it for safety.
My last daily driver mini was a 66 morris cooper with a full race engine and it was like a computer game drive to work.
Do NOT 'whack in a cage'. A roll cage has hard steel tubes and should only be fitted when bolted-in seats and full harness belts are fitted and ideally a crash-helmet worn t all times. Cages are for motor-sport and are combined with other safety equipment to FIA requirements..My last daily driver mini was a 66 morris cooper with a full race engine and it was like a computer game drive to work.
The auto-design philosophy has been to remove sharp and hard steel from the inside of vehicles, not to add more.
I've had two minis in recent years. One was a Sprite Auto which I bought for our Au Pair because I couldn't bring myself to buy yet another Pug 106/VW Polo/Nissan Micra. It was surprisingly reliable albeit I did have to fettle it more than I'd do with a modern.
I replaced it with a Sprite manual which was mechanically great but the rot had got into it so every MOT was a bit of a battle.
They're ok if you don't mind working on it and you don't want to go too far
I replaced it with a Sprite manual which was mechanically great but the rot had got into it so every MOT was a bit of a battle.
They're ok if you don't mind working on it and you don't want to go too far
Cooperman said:
Do NOT 'whack in a cage'. A roll cage has hard steel tubes and should only be fitted when bolted-in seats and full harness belts are fitted and ideally a crash-helmet worn t all times. Cages are for motor-sport and are combined with other safety equipment to FIA requirements..
The auto-design philosophy has been to remove sharp and hard steel from the inside of vehicles, not to add more.
...and notwithstanding insurers don't like them on road cars and will load your premium if fittedThe auto-design philosophy has been to remove sharp and hard steel from the inside of vehicles, not to add more.
A Japanese import might be a good idea-usually late injection models,and I have heard more than a few people raving about the condition of their hap imports-some are in very good condition underneath apparently.
No personal experience of these myself though I’m afraid-I prefer the much earlier models.
No personal experience of these myself though I’m afraid-I prefer the much earlier models.
and31 said:
A Japanese import might be a good idea-usually late injection models,and I have heard more than a few people raving about the condition of their hap imports-some are in very good condition underneath apparently.
No personal experience of these myself though I’m afraid-I prefer the much earlier models.
Back in December 2016 I bought a Jap import '93 Mini 1275 auto, the overiding reasons being the solidity and rot free shell, if the auto'box hadn't caused me such a lot of grief at the time I'd still have it. The Japanese version of our MOT is very, very strict so the condition of the bodywork was spot on. I had intended to do an engine and gearbox swap plus a few other things, it had already been backdated down to 10'' wheels and had the early style central dash pod etc and was loaded with rare goodies. I paid £4k for it which was great value compared some of the Minis you see on offer in the UK.No personal experience of these myself though I’m afraid-I prefer the much earlier models.
As a single car whilst at uni probably not the greatest of plans - mini's are brilliant cars - which is why at 51 I still have mine - bought off my old dear when I passed my test and could never bear to part with it - it's a rare beast - 40 years old and never been welded, although the 998 has long since been replaced with an MG metro 1275....
I drove the nuts off it as a teenager but always kept on top of every niggling job and kept it dry stored. Driving it today is a joy - it's slow, rattly, noisy and smelly and it has to be driven defensively.....but it'll stay with me until one of us expires....
The newest mini is 20+ years old now, parts availability despite some quality issues is excellent and as pointed out they're simple as you like.
BUT a mini is not a jump in and go car - you have to look after it. They have almost no effective security and are easily stolen, it doesn't have the easy ability to carry lots of stuff as more modern cars do...
Without paying big bucks you'll be looking at something old, with doubtless a fair few bodged repairs, with an incredible ability to rust (especially the later models)...and for the same money as a decent mini you could get yourself a very decent eurobox hatchback that'd have none of the issues
Drag yourself over to the miniforum and have an explore...
If you want it - go for it just be aware what you're getting into and the severe limitations of the car (despite that it makes me smile everytime I drive one)
I drove the nuts off it as a teenager but always kept on top of every niggling job and kept it dry stored. Driving it today is a joy - it's slow, rattly, noisy and smelly and it has to be driven defensively.....but it'll stay with me until one of us expires....
The newest mini is 20+ years old now, parts availability despite some quality issues is excellent and as pointed out they're simple as you like.
BUT a mini is not a jump in and go car - you have to look after it. They have almost no effective security and are easily stolen, it doesn't have the easy ability to carry lots of stuff as more modern cars do...
Without paying big bucks you'll be looking at something old, with doubtless a fair few bodged repairs, with an incredible ability to rust (especially the later models)...and for the same money as a decent mini you could get yourself a very decent eurobox hatchback that'd have none of the issues
Drag yourself over to the miniforum and have an explore...
If you want it - go for it just be aware what you're getting into and the severe limitations of the car (despite that it makes me smile everytime I drive one)
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