Any classic Mini owners on here? Thinking of buying

[dabofoppo]

I've wanted to own a classic Mini since before I learned to drive, but somehow never got around to buying one. Not really sure what they cost these days, but I'm thinking of buying one if I can afford to.

Before I fall into a black hole of researching everything about them, I thought it would be sensible to get out and talk to a Mini owner and get a drive in one (if even as a passenger). I've been in Minis before, but not for a long time, so want to make sure that I'm making the right decision.

It would be greatly appreciated if any Mini owners (Leinster ideally) could drop a comment here or send me a PM if you'd be open to a meeting up for natter and a quick spin.

Thanks!

[Titan]

What sort of era were you thinking about?

One of the earlier ones from the 60/70's or later MPI/SPI one from the 90's?

I have a 1968 Cooper that has just been fully restored, I don't claim to know a lot
about the technical end of it but you are more than welcome to come and have a look/drive in it
if you want.

I am based in Cavan, about an hour from Dublin Airport if that gives you a rough idea of where I am.

[Kaiser]

What sort of era were you thinking about?

One of the earlier ones from the 60/70's or later MPI/SPI one from the 90's?

I have a 1968 Cooper that has just been fully restored, I don't claim to know a lot
about the technical end of it but you are more than welcome to come and have a look/drive in it
if you want.

I am based in Cavan, about an hour from Dublin Airport if that gives you a rough idea of where I am.

I’m not looking to buy a Mini, but can I have a spin anyway!?

[dabofoppo]

What sort of era were you thinking about?

One of the earlier ones from the 60/70's or later MPI/SPI one from the 90's?

I have a 1968 Cooper that has just been fully restored, I don't claim to know a lot
about the technical end of it but you are more than welcome to come and have a look/drive in it
if you want.

I am based in Cavan, about an hour from Dublin Airport if that gives you a rough idea of where I am.

Not really decided on what era, but I believe the very early Minis used hydrolastic suspension which gives a very rough ride, so would probably avoid those. I'd imagine those early ones are much more expensive anyway. Based on my current knowledge (which is not a lot), I'd be leaning towards an SPI, but as with all classics, I'd be buying on condition rather than spec.

Thanks a million for the offer of meeting up. I'll get back to you on that

[Titan]

I’m not looking to buy a Mini, but can I have a spin anyway!?

Anytime at all Kaiser 😉

[Titan]

Not really decided on what era, but I believe the very early Minis used hydrolastic suspension which gives a very rough ride, so would probably avoid those. I'd imagine those early ones are much more expensive anyway. Based on my current knowledge (which is not a lot), I'd be leaning towards an SPI, but as with all classics, I'd be buying on condition rather than spec.

Thanks a million for the offer of meeting up. I'll get back to you on that

Not a problem at all.

Yeah the earlier ones would usually be more money.

There is nothing wrong with going for one of the later ones from the 90's,plus there were also quite a few special editions so there might be a better variety of different colours/specs to choose from.
Plus the injection ones might be a bit easier to live with day to day,I am still trying to get used to using a choke...

[MX5 Ryan]

Rust rust rust.... It's the only thing that would worry me with a mini. I have owned 2.

A 1970 with a a series engine (1.0l) and then a 1995 spi mini kingfisher (there was a black one posted in the spotted in Dublin classics this week)

My friends raved about them more than I did. Long journeys were painful in the 1L.

The SPI was a great car but the quality of the metal in the later ones just isn't there.

My friend bought a 2000 cooper SPI... He ended up having to rebuilt the whole car due to corrosion. It's mint now though. He also had Stevie Griffin do the engine and gearbox at the time

I still own an mgb and to be honest... One English car at a time is plenty (there is ALWAYS something that needs doing on them).

I may sound like a grump! But I think most people look back on minis with tinted glasses.. they get attention everywhere you go.. but they will keep you busy tinkering (you may be after that as I doubt the Beat requires much spannering!)

[dabofoppo]

I got to drive Titan's absolutely minty one. Lovely thing, and great craic, but I couldn't get comfortable in it what so ever. The Beat is like a grand tourer compared to it (in terms of comfort). So I've put the idea of ever owning a Mini to bed for good.

[markcro]

Back in the '90s my sister bought a 1L Mini for 50 quid with the plan to use it to learn to drive in. We used to rip around in it, dog slow, but it felt fast. One morning we caught one of the neighbour's kids p1ssing into the fuel tank! And it never ran right after that. It then sat for months and she never got around to doing driving lessons. And it went downhill fast, not that a 50 quid Mini had much to fall anyway.
So we ended up towing it and leaving it at the side of the road about a mile from the knackers in Tallaght. We went to the Square for some shopping and some lunch. Came back, and it was gone. Job done!

Very much a fun car though. That would probably be worth money now...

[Titan]

I got to drive Titan's absolutely minty one. Lovely thing, and great craic, but I couldn't get comfortable in it what so ever. The Beat is like a grand tourer compared to it (in terms of comfort). So I've put the idea of ever owning a Mini to bed for good.

I think the combination of the car being from the 60's and the seats from the early 90's might have not helped you.

A 90's version should be more comfortable and the seats will go back further as the rear storage bins aren't there to restrict the seat going back.
If it was something like that which was causing you problems.

I know a few fella's who are 6ft plus and they also have a few varieties of Mini's.

But I would imagine there is quite a difference in the harshness and noise even compared to a lot of cars,that little 998 makes a lot of noise to not be going anywhere too quickly 😉

[Tristan]

[Tristan]

Watching this makes me want one.

Working on one one And hearing it rust away makes me not want one.

They're like ugly but gamey fat chicks, skateboards or Vespas , great fun to ride but not something you want all day every day.

[Deadly Dave]

I have a 1990 998cc Mini. It's on 145 tyres, lol. I can rally drive it on its limits and still not break the speed limit. I have only done one longish journey in it though and that was enough.

[Titan]

Yeah long trips can be a bit tougher alright.

I know a couple of fellas who took his newly restored Moke from Dublin to his holiday house in the south of Spain.

Wasn't too much fun until they got half way through Spain and they started hitting the warmer temperatures.