Mini (classic) as a first car? advice please!

kitcatz

Hi there,
It would be great to get some advice on this... I'm just learning to drive at the moment. I've always loved the old-style minis and I'd really love to get one, but people keep telling me not to, saying they're hard to drive, and I read somewhere that they're like go-carts to drive, they don't meet the safety standards of modern cars etc. So I had decided that since I'm just learning, I should just get a car that I know will be easy to drive.

But I was talking to someone the other day who said an old-style mini would be perfect to learn to drive in, it's small, big steering wheel, easy to park, and easy to drive, he said anyone who has ever actually driven one would say they're easy to drive.

So basically, I'd appreciate if anyone could tell me if you'd reccommend me getting a mini as my first car or would I be better off not..
Thanks!

carchaeologist

Many people learned how to drive in a mini!!:D
Rust would be the main problem with a mini i reckon,especially in the sills,with such a small shell you need as much strength as possible.

MorrisCooper

Come along to Mondello Park this Sunday and you will see over 200 Minis on display, racing, doing a parade lap etc. etc.

The Irish Mini Owners Club will have a stand there so feel free to ask any members about their advice on owning one.

www.irishminis.ie

Billy

245

You'd need to drive one for a decent period of time - there's an ever-growing gap between what was and what is - cute looks are one thing but an everyday driving experience is another thing. I had one - I appreciated its kart like handling but I couldn't live with it - and that was nearly 20 years ago - cars have come a long way since - it all depends on what level of compromise that you can tolerate.

kitcatz

Thanks carchaeologist, yeah, I've read about the problem with rust. I see a mini for sale on the internet at the moment which I'd be interested in, says it has no rust. I wonder is there a way of protecting it against rust (apart from keeping it in a garage), if I decided to get one I'd have to find out all these things.

Thanks Billy, that's brilliant! I'll definitely try to get there on Sunday. I'm excited about that! Sounds like the perfect opportunity to find out more about them!

245, just read your message. see, that's what I don't like hearing, people have said it to me though. I know, they're adorable, but I'd want to know they were ok to drive, otherwise I don't think I'd want to get one. I don't want to make it harder on myself learning to drive if I'm struggling to drive in a mini, that's if it's that much different to drive than the average modern car.
Thanks

nhlrules

hi there

Ive had mini's since i was 17 and i learned to drive in one many years ago.

They have not change much since they started building them in 1959 although the later models in the 90's do have more safty equipment on them(airbags etc)

They are great fun to drive especailly around the city. I wouldnt worry about difficulty in driving them as no matter what you get into to learn you will make mistakes.

Another good thing about them is they are cheap to run and to tax#

The rust issue can put people off but sills and floors which are the main problems can be replace quite easily and cheap so I wouldnt let that put me off either.

Ther are a few for sale on adverts and one of my pld ones is there for sale too
http://adverts.ie/75957


Best of luck in making your decision and as Billy says if you wannna have a better look come down to mondello tomorow

getz

over th e years i have had eight minis i passed my test in one and so did my wife,and son as any will tell you ;you will never forget the fun it is to drive a mini, rust ect is now not a problem there are many new parts you can now get, that will no longer rust or rot,just get on the mini web sites or get the new mini mags, i would get myself a mini now[as a second car] but for the high cost of trying to buy one [most new small cars are cheaper]go for it.

245

kitcatz wrote: »

245, just read your message. see, that's what I don't like hearing, people have said it to me though. I know, they're adorable, but I'd want to know they were ok to drive, otherwise I don't think I'd want to get one. I don't want to make it harder on myself learning to drive if I'm struggling to drive in a mini, that's if it's that much different to drive than the average modern car.
Thanks

They're really easy to drive - probably a perfect car to learn in, in that the controls are easy to use and responsive. Visibility and manouverability is excellent too - its probably one of the easiest cars to park etc.

It was my first car and I hated it - I know that that's very much a minority opinion but that was my experience. I didn't like the driving position (the steering wheel angle is not comfortable) and I found it noisy, bumpy and short-legged - it was very much a city car and I seemed to be either speeding up or slowing down in it - it didn't cruise or amble along in a relaxed manner. I considered it to be too compromised in that the benefits of good handling and visibility didn't make up for the noise, bumps and generally frenetic driving experience. It wasn't paticularly economical either. Its worth noting that more modern Minis have larger wheels and probably better suspension/gearing setups but I suspect that the basic driving experience is similar, certainly nothing like as comfortable as you'd get from a modern supermini such as a Fiesta/Polo.

I hope that I haven't offended the many Mini fans out there - everyone has their own perspective and values different attributes in a car. All I'm saying really is that you should be clear in your mind about what you like in a car and make your choice on that basis. Its fine to buy a car on the basis of its character or looks as long as they're more important to you that its disadvantages. If everyone bought cars purely on the basis of practicality life would be very dull.

macplaxton

They're not difficult to drive, but you'll find gear selection and steering a world apart from a modern.

Very unrefined and basic motoring really.

I've had one, and driven a couple, but then I'd drive anything really without complaining!

I prefer the bigger ones myself. Had an Austin 1100, a Maxi and an 1800 and enjoyed the "float on fluid" suspension as opposed to the rubber cones.

They do have their charms, but give me a Hillman Imp any day!

kitcatz

I went to Mondello Park today. Saw some gorgeous minis, made me want one even more!
Nhrules- thanks, I had a look at that mini. It's really cute. The inside is really cool but I'd prefer one without leather seats (I know it's silly, I saw lots of gorgeous minis for sale on the internet but the leather seats put me off!) There's one I'm interested in at the moment, it's a 94 Austin Mini. Yeah, I think I might be better off getting a 90's model, and I've read that the later ones made after '96 are not so noisy so I'm not too sure.

Getz-, that's what I like to hear!! You must be happy with them since you've stuck with them for so long, having had 8 of them! I know, I'd say it would be great having one. I don't think there's any other car I'd actually be excited about getting. I think if I was getting one I'd make sure to get one that has no rust, some sellers say if there is some rust, but I'll have to find out more about how to prevent it, is it just a matter of buying the parts, is it rubber strips.. see, I don't really know!

245- thanks, that's one thing I like about them, as you said, they may not be comfortable for tall people, not much leg room, but I'm small so a mini would suit me!! Looking at the minis at Mondello today, the dashboards really are very short, which to me seems great cos you must feel like you're in control of the whole space of the car, being so close to the front of the car (althogh probably not so good as a safety aspect).
No, I appreciate your advice, that's why I posted the question, because I know they have their bad points. I just have to decide.

Macplaxton-Yeah, someone said to me that if I was used to driving I'd realise the difference between a mini and a modern car, if I tried driving a mini. Hillman Imps look kind of cute, but I'd prefer the mini!!!

Thanks for all your replies. I feel like my heart is ruling my head a bit. I just love the cute look of the mini, and I know it has it's bad points but it seems like they're not that bad. I'll think about it a bit more!

carchaeologist

You should try and drive one for a day if possible,you will know then if it will suit you.But good to see you have enthusiasm!

245

For all its faults there's plenty of people for whom the Mini is the classic of choice - its a very personal thing. If you buy right then you haven't got much to lose. There should be plenty available (especially in the UK) that would be very well maintained, rust free and reasonably priced. If you do buy one then don't compromise on condition - there's loads to choose from.

jozi

If you want one then get it, you won't regret it!

I don't own a mini (yet) but my brother has 2 that drive (of which on is parked up), a shell and a project he's working on and my sister also just got one 3 weeks ago.

I've had the pleasure of driving his mini for a few weeks. Sure they are noisy and un-refined but how many other cars get so much attention from everyone one else? People stare and point at the car they make people smile. They have a great following to, lots of meets and mini runs. I was doing the Mizen to Malin run a few weeks ago with my brother, was really great fun.

Btw, tall people can drive them just fine, I'm 1.86m and have no problem driving them. Seats seam to vary a bit from the few I've driven, some more comfortable than others. We did 1004miles on the MTM run and all I had from it was a slightly sore neck, prob from looking back taking pics.

Sign up to sites like miniresource, irishmini and ni-minis to name a few, there's for sale sections with them all and start looking.

kitcatz

Yeah, I think I will, might arrange to go to see one I'm interested in, at least sit in it, get a feel for it and see what it's like. Thanks.. I don't know what it is about minis, they must have a spell on people!

Thanks 245, I might look up the UK websites, I'd have to find out how much VRT and any other costs involved. I know this might seem silly but I'd want one without leather seats, I've seen so many gorgeous ones reasonably priced with leather seats, which is really annoying, wish I could look past it!

Thanks jozi! It's true, thay make you smile! Every time I see a photo of a mini, you can't help but smile, they're so adorable!! I hope it's not thought of as a show-off car, I'd be getting one cos I just love them, they're so cute, but I suppose I would be buying one mainly for the looks, but not really to show off for attention!
Wow, that's a lot of miles! Yeah, I saw some tall guys at the Mondello Park. I'd probably be in better proportion in one though, I'm small!
Yeah, I had been looking at miniresource but it's down at the moment, pity!
Just found ni-minis.co.uk I'll have a look now in a minute!
Thanks for all your help.

Does anyone know if you can install airbags on a 94 mini that does not originally have them? I don't think you can, but I saw the middle part of the steering wheel with airbag belong to a 96 I think, different wheels I think, so probably not.

jozi

I don;t think they are bling enough to be show-off cars, to small also but they can be blinged up with kits and the like.

I think VRT works out at around 500Euro. My sisters brining in a Racing green (same as flame red) and that about what she has to pay.

Read on irishmini's miniresource are having some server problems lately, irishmini's is just as good :P I'd nearly go on there and ask where to look.

kitcatz

That's ok then! I'm not a show off type of person! I'd be happy enough with the white roof and stripes!!
That's not bad for the VRT! I've registered for the ni-minis website, so can't get onto for sale thread til I get accepted! The green minis are gorgeous, second nicest to red I think!
Yeah, irishminis is good, was looking up the sale items! I've been looking at all the usual car sites, but might see if they know anywhere else, thanks!

Fishtits

My first car was a mini, 26 years on after countless different models, I still have one in the garage (competition type)

These little buggers are highly addictive. Apart from the Alfasud, I've yet to drive a more involving day to day car.

Anyone who has driven a mini understands the term "handling", I don't think there has ever been a mainstream affordable production car since '59 that could equal its raw seat of the pants experience. Creature comforts it isn't but you'd never fall asleep at the wheel...:D

Now, the down side.

You'd better be friendly with a decent mechanic, these cars came from a era when very regular, real maintenance was the norm, none of your oil & filter & run a greasy rag over it stuff of the modern reliable era... minis have grease nipples, amongst other archaic service items.

Also, rust is a serious problem, I very much doubt that outside of a rebuilt car you'd find a mini without rust, (I've never seen one...) its a fact of life, accept it and you'll be fine. Check the web & you'll get all the info you need on this one. There are many many mini websites, minifinity.com used to be a good one for regular type owners, ...update... just checked, its still going strong.

My advice would be to go ahead and get one, they are so different from anything else on the road, the bond with fellow owners is huge, the social scene seems to be thriving.

BUT, on pain of death, make sure that whatever you buy has been thoroughly checked out beforehand by someone who is intimately familiar with these cars. There are a lot of munters out there for sale.

If you buy a shiny, snake oil equipped lemon it will drive you insane, and drain your bank account...

Good luck.

commited

Hey kitcatz,

I think a Mini is a fantastic first car in many ways, but at the same time not ideal. Most people I know who've owned Minis have sold them as they want either a bigger car or a quieter car. The reason I started buying other cars was that I wanted more power!

I learnt how to drive in a modern car, but then bought a Mini as my first car. I've never really been without a Mini since! I did 10000 miles in my favourite Mini in 6 months and loved every moment. It was reliable too! Here's a pic:


I sold it stupidly when I bought a BMW. It came up for sale since but it's now been changed into a cooper lookalike which killed a bit of the charm for me!

My girlfriend learnt in a 98 Mini. We picked it up in the UK, a bit of a heart over head moment. It's been a bit troublesome, but she loves it. A pic:


The most important points to look for:
- RUST. RUST. RUST. A little bit of surface bubbling isn't a huge deal, but you want to check the sills, floors, boot floor, bulkhead, doors, scuttle panel, a panels & front end in depth.

- Engine. Make sure it pulls well, doesn't smoke and doesn't pour fumes into the cabin!

- Mileage. I've owned alot of other cars with over 100k, but Minis don't handle mileage too well unless they've been rebuilt. The red car pictured above had 38k on the clock and was still really tight. It was rare enough to find one that low, even more so now. My girlfriends car had 78k on the clock when we bought it, and I had to rebuild the engine at 80k. It was an absolute mess inside and needed lots of new parts. I reckon <60k with full service history is the way to go and worth the little extra.

- Gearbox: make sure 2nd gear doesn't crunch and it doesn't pop out of any gears.

- Electrics: Ensure that everything works. Some Mini's are possessed.

Don't worry about scruffy interiors or anything like that - all of that can be changed!

One thing I will say is find a good mechanic around you, and as long as you take care of the car it will take care of you! These cars are cheap to own, run and fix when they go wrong.

I'd recommend that you go for a 1.3 Mini which is post 1990. The 1996+ cars (known as MPI's) are the quietest and most refined as well as the safest. Most people would say most reliable too.

If you're based in and around Dublin, I don't mind lending a hand. The cars can be a minefield and finding a good one is very very important!

jozi

Regarding fixing them, get a good manual and you can do a lot your self.

Before my brother got a mini he could just about change a wheel, he's now in the process of restoring one top to bottom, he does all the maintenance on his car himself.

commited: that red one looks gorgeous!

Are the MPI one fuel injected or electronic injection? Are they not as much hassle as any other mini engine? Think I've heard of people going back to cabs with them?

commited

MPI are fuel injection, as are the SPI's which are the ones people commonly change to carbs.

The MPI system is good tbh.

MorrisCooper

My own opinion, though not everyone's, is that the best all round wheel size is 12 inches. 13s are just too heavy in traffic and wear wheel bearings due to the extra load. The factory 13inch set-up known as the Sportspack, has a reduced turning circle which isn't the best around the city.

Hope it helps,

Billy

commited

Billy, I'd agree with you 100% - 12s are the best for a daily driver.

viz139

I've had minis for 20 years and would highly recomend one as a first car.Whats your location? For a reliable mini you need a mini friendly mechanic that wants to work on minis.Rust is a gaurentee with minis but can be treated. Great time to pick up a bargain but make sure you get it cheaked out.

carchaeologist

They can be made to do whatever you want,heres one with a 2 litre vauxhall engine,and it looks great IMO.


And a twin engine minivan,two two litre engines..its a road car.

kitcatz

Thanks for all your replies, you've been really helpful!
Fishtits- you don't give a very pleasant description of the driving experience of a mini! Do you need a mechanic who deals specifically with minis or can they be serviced by any mechanic? Yeah, I'll have to find out about how to prevent rust. If I do decide to get one, I'll have to get a good book on minis! I know, I'd make sure to get one in great condition, but even so, they're still not the safest of cars.
Commited- I think I'd be happy with it, I suppose if I was thinking more practically, there's not much room for shopping etc, but I wouldn't be too worried! Your red mini looked gorgeous, must have been strange seeing it had changed. The mini I'm interested in is a 94 austin mini, it has white roof and stripes- does this mean they've been added, are the stripes only a trate of Coopers? Your girfriends is lovely, is it purple? I should hope it wouldn't pour fumes into the cabin! If it has had it's NCT though, it should be ok, shouldn't it, although I'd probably get it checked out anyway. Thanks, that's really nice of you. Yeah, I live in Dublin. The thing is, I've seen a good few with leather seats, but I don't want leather! Also, I keep saying to myself I don't want to spend too much as it's my first car, there's a 94 that's a reasonable price, but if I go for a 96-99 they're over €5000 and most have leather seats. Pity miniresource is down, and would you believe, I tried to register on ni-minis and got an email saying "your account was deleted thanks"
Jozi, that would be funny, me getting into fixing cars, good idea, you never know!
I'll stop waffling on now!:)

commited

Hi Kitcatz,
Mechanic - I can recommend a few good ones around Dublin, so don't worry about that! It's best to use someone who's sympathetic to Minis

The best way to prevent rust is to keep the body and underside of the Mini clean, have the car treated with "WAXOYL" and keep it away from salty roads!! Also fixing any signs of rust early save lots of money later on.

The best book for Minis is the Haynes Manual

Yeah my girlfriends car is purple - it's a pearlescent colour, it has a blue tint in certain lights and has a gold fleck in it.

I wouldn't guarantee that a car with an NCT automatically means that it's fantastic. My girlfriends Mini went through an NCT when it really shouldn't have - I have rectified lots of faults since.

Why don't you want leather? It's fantastic!

Is your budget €5000?

SligoBrewer

I'm just back yesterday from a trip to the UK with my Dad, with a 1995 Mini Sprite. in which I hope to learn to drive in, although I have done a lot already in the rents C5. Now, we have looked at several Mini's in the last few weeks, and tbh there are a lot of rust buckets and lemons out there, both here and in the UK.

I saw a 00 Cooper, that had the most fantastic interior and a perfect engine but was rusted through and through and tbh needs a reshelling.
On the same day, I saw a '96 John Cooper Works, that was again fantastic inside and under the bonnet, but had a dodgy sill refit and a price tag that was outrageous.

Then, we went to Liverpool to pick up (or so we thought) a '95 Cooper. Again, it had a fantastic interior, but had a body that was as if it had just rolled from the factory floor. Everything was fine 'til we turned on the engine and took her for a test drive. The engine was shot, clinking and rattling like a person rattling a bean can.

Luckily, I had 8 or 9 Mini's printed off from the Auto Trader the day before we left, and so we went to to Manchester to look at the Sprite. A quick check under the car, and the sills were perfect. The boot floor was perfect and so were the A panels. Not a patch of rust to be seen. The engine was flicked on, and wow twas amazing and therefore and bought on the spot.

The one thing I have definitely learned, is how to buy a car and check it fully over before you purchase. Rust, price and a good engine are the three things to keep in mind when buying a Mini.

As for learning in one, I can't wait. As soon as it's VRT is paid, I'll have the Blue Bear out on the road, L plates on display.

jozi

She's tidy looking! Nice shine of the paint! A set of nice wheels and your sorted!

Don't forget to sign up to some of the forums mentioned earlier and the clubs!

carchaeologist

SligoBrewer wrote: »

Luckily, I had 8 or 9 Mini's printed off from the Auto Trader the day before we left, and so we went to to Manchester to look at the Sprite. A quick check under the car, and the sills were perfect. The boot floor was perfect and so were the A panels. Not a patch of rust to be seen. The engine was flicked on, and wow twas amazing and therefore and bought on the spot.

The one thing I have definitely learned, is how to buy a car and check it fully over before you purchase. Rust, price and a good engine are the three things to keep in mind when buying a Mini.

As for learning in one, I can't wait. As soon as it's VRT is paid, I'll have the Blue Bear out on the road, L plates on display.

Nice...burn the hubcaps and a decent set of wheels and Robert is your aunts sister...

Well wear:)

kitcatz

Lovely mini sligo! Sounds like you really do need to check them out properly to make sure they're up to scratch! Glad to hear you got one that you're really happy with in the end! Blue bear.. cute!
So you think it's worth the effort going to the UK for one? ..better choice I'd say and I know the VRT isn't too much, so I'd say if you get the mini for a reasonable price it's worth it!

Viz, thanks, that's good to hear! I have people changing my mind though, telling me to get a modern car, safer/easier to drive etc. I'm in Dublin, so hopefully some mini mechanics!
I think what I'll do is, I'm getting lessons at the moment, I'll wait til after a few more lessons maybe 5 more weeks, then I'll be more confident about driving and I can test drive a mini, see what it's like to drive!

Thanks!

SligoBrewer

kitcatz wrote: »

Lovely mini sligo! Sounds like you really do need to check them out properly to make sure they're up to scratch! Glad to hear you got one that you're really happy with in the end! Blue bear.. cute!
So you think it's worth the effort going to the UK for one? ..better choice I'd say and I know the VRT isn't too much, so I'd say if you get the mini for a reasonable price it's worth it!

Viz, thanks, that's good to hear! I have people changing my mind though, telling me to get a modern car, safer/easier to drive etc. I'm in Dublin, so hopefully some mini mechanics!
I think what I'll do is, I'm getting lessons at the moment, I'll wait til after a few more lessons maybe 5 more weeks, then I'll be more confident about driving and I can test drive a mini, see what it's like to drive!

Thanks!

It's definitely worth it. Any mini here worth it's salt is sky high price wise.
If your going, bring someone who knows them inside out with you. It'll be a massive help.

viz139

Cheak out Minifix in Dublin 087 2597085.Paul Kelly usually has or knows of minis for sale, or can cheakout any car your thinking of buying.

jozi

I've met paul a few times, sound guy. Try get a car of him, should be a minter :P

SligoBrewer

A bit o/t, but I'm having problems registering on the irishminis forum.
Is there a specific reason why?

SligoBrewer

Nevermind, all sorted.

MorrisCooper

SligoBrewer,

Well wear on the new Mini.

If you fancy meeting a whole bunch of enthusiasts this weekend, there's the Donegal Mini Owners Club's annual show in Ballybofey this Sunday.

There will probably be trade stands there as well.

Billy