12 replies to this topic

[MR BLOBBY]

Hi all, newbie here, ever since i've first layed my eyes on a min i new i wanted one, now that i can finally drive i soon hope to be purchasing one. what i want to know is, which would you recommend, the Austin mini or the Rover mini? i'm not bothered by the fact that if i buy a rover mini that it''s not an "original" thanks

[miniQ]

No difference, Find a mini you like & buy it ... All mini's suffer with the same problems.

[Scallywag630]

Austin, Morris and Rover are all original minis. I think you maybe thinking of the one BMW try to call a mini. There are also the Riley Elf and Wolsley Hornet to consider, if you can find one.

[tom3112]

I've had a Rover mini, Austin & Morris, they're all the same really

[MR BLOBBY]

No difference, Find a mini you like & buy it ... All mini's suffer with the same problems.

And what may these problems be? (Haven't figured out how to insert qutes yet so copy and paste will do for now)

If you are saying they're all the same, which would you prefer and why?

[tom3112]

The ones i've had are all different, The Rover i learnt in, the Morris was a clubman and the Austin is beautiful. If i'm correct they were basically just the same car produced under different names?

[MR BLOBBY]

ahh, thanks for clearing that up

[AVV IT]

The only real difference between the Rover and Austin/Morris models is age, with the Rover models being the latest. Therefore with Rover models you can expect a small amount of refinement and development in certain areas over the Austin/Morris models. Amongst other things better soundproofing and upgraded seats with the later Rover models also having electronic ignition, fuel injection, driver air bags, inertia reel seat belts in the rear etc. Sadly you can also expect poorer rust proofing and paint coverage from them too

[conrod]

Your budget is your only limiting factor. Be prepared to wait and you will reap the rewards of not buying the first car you see. Good luck and if you want to learn more about the Minis and all the variants before BMW. Look up the Alec Issigonis book. Might even be in your local library. Why do they call it a BMW Mini? It has a Chrysler engine built in South America???? Cheers Kev.

[Guess-Works.com]

Mini's were also know as Leyland, Leyland Cars, BL, BMC, Austin, Morris, Austin Morris and even Austin Rover, before just Rover... and probably a number of other permutations

I'm fairly sure it was upto the local registration office what they put on the V5

[miniQ]

No difference, Find a mini you like & buy it ... All mini's suffer with the same problems.

And what may these problems be? (Haven't figured out how to insert qutes yet so copy and paste will do for now)

If you are saying they're all the same, which would you prefer and why?

rust.

Edited by miniQ, 18 July 2011 - 02:43 PM.

[MR BLOBBY]

thanks for all the replies, much appreciated!

[yellowmonster]

My twopence is the pré-'87 cars are somewhat better in the rust-erea; later cars seem to rust much quicker and harder.
On the other hand; the older cars have their age working against them and some parts are obsolete (like the brakemaster with black band GMC176).
No problem: just fit a later type (and sole replacement for all older models).
Older models have a carburetor, later ones were fuel-injected.
Older models have drums, later ones (and Coopers) have discs.
It's all down to your likings.
As others already mentioned: find and buy any...