17 replies to this topic

[Tremelune]

Forgive my English--My native language is American.

I'm seriously considering picking up a classic Mini for use as a daily driver, and as I'm prone to deep flights of automotive fancy, I figured I'd ask around a bit to try and see if my expectations are in any way in line with reality. Here is why I want one:

- They're cool (and extremely rare in the US). This goes a long way with me, and I've always wanted one.
- They are extremely small and easy to park, which is handy for NYC.
- They drive well (and I understand they can be made to drive very well).
- They look great with bad/worn paint, which is great because I won't take care of the exterior, and it'll spend much of its life in the streets of NYC.

I would use it for occasional jaunts around the city and long-distance highway trips. It would be driven in every season (from brutal Winter to brutal Summer). It would probably never see a track or an autocross, and it would never need to get through a blizzard. This is what I would expect from the car:

- Reliability. I have a '65 Austin-Healey, and one classic Brit motor is enough.
- Comforts, such as real heat when it is 0 degrees F, and real AC for when it is 100 degrees F while stuck in traffic.
- Safety--Good braking, predictable handling, good lighting, a windshield that defrosts, windshield wipers that work…
- Calm cruising on the highway.

To that end, I had written these cars off, since they stopped bringing them to the US in the 70s, and the early marks can't really measure up to a modern car in these departments. I started to shift my thoughts to buying a BMW Mini, and while I like them a lot, they're not particularly small, fast, or unique. One day I stumbled on an awesome VTEC conversion and wondered if perhaps, I too, could enjoy such a toy with an ounce more sanity and a few more creature comforts.

My research then revealed that recent "modern" classics (such as the Rover 1.3i SportPack) are a bit easier to come by in the States than they used to be. I thought perhaps a late-90s example would cover my bases in desirable factory trim, even if it did so with an arguably pokey 80hp. While I would normally prefer a fuel-injected car, I started reading that the SPI/MPI systems weren't all that great, and are nearly impossible to diagnose/repair in the States. I also got excited about having a Mini with real horsepower out of a bulletproof Honda motor…So I'm left with some questions that can be well served by some first-hand anecdotes:

1) Can any classic Mini reasonably be expected to fit my needs as a (semi-) daily driver that would see traffic, heat, rain, and snow without too much fanfare?

2) If so, considering that the cost of a Rover (or any other) Mini is considerably higher in the US, would I be better served by a motor-swapped example or is that asking for one project after another? Like, do gauges work in these things?? Because of my limited parking space and notable lunacy, I'd rather spend $25k on a very fast, dead-reliable Mini than $15k on an adequate, dead-reliable Mini because the rest of the money would wind up going to something boring like securing my future.

3) If a swap is the way to go, what are some favorites? I've been sniffing around peoples builds. I would like five gears that put the car in a fairly mellow rev range on the highway, and I'd rather not elongate the bonnet. My understanding is that the Honda D-Series motor can be made to accomplish this, but I've only just begun my research, and I think they stopped making those over a decade ago. One thing about the Honda swap is that (if I couldn't find one) these guys could build one for me--I don't have the garage space to do a swap myself. We don't have Vauxhall motors (unless they're GM motors) or the Nissan Micra in the States, so those probably wouldn't make a great deal of sense for me (Nissan Versa? I digress…). Any other notable places to begin my research?

4) Should I just drive my Jeep like a normal person and not go down this dark, girlfriend-repelling path?

All thoughts welcome.

[minimarco]

- Reliability. I have a '65 Austin-Healey, and one classic Brit motor is enough.

It's reliable as long as you look after it.

- Comforts, such as real heat when it is 0 degrees F, and real AC for when it is 100 degrees F while stuck in traffic.

No... not on those extreme days, but fine 300 days of the year

- Safety--Good braking, predictable handling, good lighting, a windshield that defrosts, windshield wipers that work…

Yes

- Calm cruising on the highway.

No.... I don't feel safe driving along side SUVs let alone 18 wheelers on the highway

I'd say get one, it's not an expensive classic to own since parts are readily available form the UK (shipping should be quick to NYC) and it won't be broken into, It's too cute to hurt. You'll love it.

Edited by minimarco, 06 October 2012 - 03:08 AM.

[Ethel]

Minis have greater pulling power than your average guy, it's the permanently grubby fingernails that'll put the ladies off. Rover's injection is actually pretty sophisticated, especially the MPI but it would have to be stand a chance with the siamese inlet ports of the "A". There are several fancy cylinder head options and after market injection systems - You are right about Rover's not being the easiest to maintain, even here in the motherland.

Even 998's can run all day at 70-80 mph if they are in good condition, no one would pretend they make relaxing cruisers but the later models, with better sound insulation and taller final drives aren't unbearable. Four gears are adequate, it's lighter than pretty much everything else to help with acceleration and you probably won't want to go fast enough to over-rev it in top.

You'd probably get similar overall gearing with a modern transplant running through Mini sized wheels anyway. I'm pretty sure other compact Jap engines have been squeezed in Swifts, Charades....

[climaxedcooper]

The guys on MiniMania Message Board will be able to help you a great deal - they are mainly based in the US and run both standard A-series and Vtec engined Minis. They may also be able to point in the right direction of some local NY contacts or club to either help buy, or maintain a classic Mini.
Access the forum via www.minimania.com
Did you know that Mini Meet East 2013 is being planned at Kingston NY? Its one of the biggest Mini gatherings in the States, and you will make some good friends there to help with American Mini ownership.

[Mini Cheddars]

I would imagine you'd find a classic Mini a joy to live with. The only box I wouldn't tick in your list is the air conditioning one. I don't know how the AC in classic Minis are, but I know a lot of Japanese models have them. But they're supposedly really heavy so a lot of people take them out. Especially over here in the UK.

One thing I would like to bring to your attention is the Jack Knight 5-speed gearbox. If you're open to the idea of keeping the A-series engine in the Mini. Would help keep the deafening rev noise out on those long motorway journeys and would help with the fuel consumption of course.

As you say, the MPi and SPi models are harder to diagnose than a carb and a lot of Mini owners even convert their injection Mini to a carb because of it. Although it would help on those really cold mornings you're likely to get over there.

[Tremelune]

I appreciate the responses. It seems like the best way to get what I'm after is to find (or build) a well-sorted engine swap that includes big brakes and a modern(ish) suspension. Without crazy Japanese parts, it seems like it's the only way to get AC as well. It's rare that I ever actually have to drive, but it would be nice to be able to take this thing to Vermont in the Winter--Slushy roads, corrosive salt, bitter cold...Sounds like serious rust-proofing would be needed for that requirement. Suddenly I'm building a modern car from the ground up...

As a motorcyclist, my views on what makes a car safe are skewed. I know that a modern sportbike in tip-top shape won't betray me at insane speeds. My '79 VW Rabbit was rock-solid and dead-smooth at 90mph (even though it could only hit it downhill, with the wind). If a classic Mini could be made to feel like that (even at the cost of serious suspension upgrades), I would be happy.

I've done 70mph a couple of times in my 1098cc 4spd Sprite. The motor is extremely strung-out and in general it feels like I'm going to die--It's part of the fun of the car! If that car had a Honda motor in it, it would feel like I was about to die in a car with a very calm motor. That's not really what I'm going for in a daily-driving Mini. The classic Mini has no crumple zones, minimal bracing, no sound deadening, no mass, a motor a foot in front of the driver, and a tiny wheelbase. I get that, but I'm trying to get a feel for how one of these things might feel for two or three hours at 75mph even if the motor and gearing were perfect.

The real answer to this is "go drive one and see how you like it" but these little guys are hard to come by 'round these parts...I appreciate the responses.

[rob963]

My only two-peneth is that if you don't look after the exterior, it'll rust faster than you can blink, even if its just basic maintenance, it is essential

And on the motorway note, they're noisy, uncomfortable and trucks feel like massive leviathans compared to my tiny Mini... but they are more than happy to go all day at 70, but again, basic routine maintenance is essential!

[jakejakejake1]

Am I the only one who doesn't feel intimidated at high speeds in a mini?
Yes most vehicles are much larger than you but that doesn't make a mini more dangerous than any other car - I wouldn't want to crash at high speed in any car regardless of its size, so being in a mini doesn't make much difference to that end.

And if the motors are well maintained they can easily keep up with motorway/ highway speeds, especially the 1275 engines etc
Head lights can be upgraded for little money as the originals are not too great, but will do for most driving.
Wipers are fine as long as replaced when needed etc.
The later models with extra sound proofing etc are quieter at higher speeds, but you can also buy after market sound deadening for reasonably cheap.

Too be fair I think you would be ok with a 1275, with a long final drive, and there wouldn't be much need for an engine swap - yes in general the engine would be quieter, but due to the size of wheels and final drives available you will be using the same kind of rev range as the normal engine, and you would still have the same road noise etc.

[Big Sam]

Forgive my English--My native language is American.

Made I laugh.

[Mini Cheddars]

Firgive my english. i'm drink on wine rgfhti now.

[MaxAndPaddy]

Firgive my english. i'm drink on wine rgfhti now.

Someone ring for a taxi before he gets in trouble with the bouncers

[Ethel]

Am I the only one who doesn't feel intimidated at high speeds in a mini?

No you're not, I find them quite relaxing, though not comfortable, you have have excellent all round vision and room to spare in your lane. The bits that aren't fun are spray off wagon tyres and full beam, or badly adjusted headlights behind you. 2-3 hours should be no problem with a half decent seat and some soundproofing

[Mini Cheddars]

Firgive my english. i'm drink on wine rgfhti now.

Someone ring for a taxi before he gets in trouble with the bouncers

it's okay .i 'm at home watching that wunetin tarantino film 'deathproff'/.
1
had a saucy lapadance in it"

[Artful Dodger]

Sounds like you are going to be spending a lot of money on a mini!!! Soy our short list is

Engine conversion
Upgraded suspension ( probably coil overs)
Comfey interior
Upgraded heating system, possibly AC
No rusting
Able to travel long and short distances.

It will need a fair bit of maintenance as well, it is a mini after all!!

Best serious best would be to get a normal daily driver, and a track ready Vtec mini to blast around in on a sunny day!

[Mart!]

i'd say get a early 90's Mayfair:
- 12in wheels (better against potholes, wider range of winter tires)
- bigger disk brakes
- good soundproofing
- bulletproof 998cc - simple, reliable, easy to maintain and with a stage one kit, plenty of power for city driving.


you can find good examples for around 8k, and possibly cheaper if you import it yourself. drive it around as-is for a couple years, get a feel for it, and eventually restore it however you want. get one with the least rust possible, get it oil treated for winter as soon as you get it and do it every year.

my first mini was a italian market 92 mayfair, it had the 2.76 diff/998cc combo which was slightly slugish off the line, but after subtle tweaking and a stage one kit i had a great daily driver that could achieve 125km/h on the highway all day.

i wouldnt advise using high spec engines or big money restorations as daily drivers in NewYork, especially if its anything like Montreal. if people in NY park the same way as people here (back up until you see the car behind you move), you might want to look at getting either a canadian spec mini (with the original bumpers) or get a set of french bumpers...

cheers!