22 replies to this topic

[Lorepie]

Hi all,

 

Yesterday I went to view two minis,

 

When test driving the first one (1984 Austin Mini Sprite) - which looked to be in really good condition, the steering was really really stiff, the gas pedal was too keen, and the gear stick . couldn't really tell whether it was in gear or not, and the brakes needed to be pushed down really hard.  Finding that biting point was tricky to say the least.

 

Having never driven an old mini before, we just didn't know what to expect. But if they are all like that I fear I won't be able to drive any of them!

 

Didn't bother even trying to drive the second one we went to see as due to the state of it (totally misrepresented it via the ad they placed online!)

 

Can you guys shed any light on how a mini should drive? I am not in a massive rush to get one so am willing to keep looking for just the right one.

 

Many thanks, Lorelai

[Ryang556]

A mini will never drive like a modern car, the brakes you will have to push a lot harder than you would a modern car, gears and steering will also be stiffer, I'd say from what you're saying test drive one or two more and if they're the same, then thats what mini's drive like! 

[ChrisCityE]

The steering is going to feel heavier if you're used to power steering, but a Mini is extremely responsive to small inputs when it's properly bolted together. Soggy brake pedals are not right, it can take a bit of pressure but there shouldn't be a lot of travel before braking starts.

Can't comment on gears, I've only ever had a quick shift.

[TopGearRules]

If you think that particular car a bit dodgy, then why not text drive another (maybe an MPi) to see if there is any difference? If I am honest, the description (apart from the steering) you told us describes my car very well... however I find driving a mini very easy compared to driving some other classic cars! They dont have power steering, however, anything above 3mph the steering feels just as normal as on a modern car, however much much more responsive!!! When I was learning to drive, I drove a Hyundai i30 (my instructors car) and my mini both at the same time with no issues at all, so if I can do it you should be fine :)

 

Al.

[JimminyBob]

What you're describing is probably about right, they're quite different to a modern car. You can't really tell until you drive another for comparison though.

[Moggyton]

Sounds like your discribing a mini to me took me a while to get used to but its so much fun compared to a modern car!

[miniman24]

Sounds to be about right - however, if the ball joints and TRE's have recently been renewed, the steering will be stiffer than usual (especially with new TRE's) as they need a few miles to bed in properly. Ive just done all of this to my Clubby and the steering is much stiffer than before, but its starting to loosen up a bit :)

[Algordo1100]

They certainly are different to modern cars, plus different minis drive differently. A pre 76 850 behaves somewhat different to a 1998 sportspack for example.
Its good that you are in no rush. Take your time and research as much as you can. When you do decide to view another mini maybe you could take someone who has experience with minis. Years ago I wish I had because I rushed in and bought a right lemon once!

[Alpenflitzer]

As I am used to dirve in the Alps more or less daily passes one hint: Do never dirve a curve without shlightly pushing the throttle pedal.

If let the pedal go the sweet Mini will loose traction control on the back.....

 

Good luck and have fun with the Mini   Bill

[Algordo1100]

As I am used to dirve in the Alps more or less daily passes one hint: Do never dirve a curve without shlightly pushing the throttle pedal.
If let the pedal go the sweet Mini will loose traction control on the back.....
 
Good luck and have fun with the Mini   Bill

Ha.
Don't let that scare you. Minis handle very very well indeed. They were always known for having safe, predictable road manners and liads of grip. You would usually have to be driving like your hair was on fire to suffer lift oversteer in a well set up mini in good health.

[Chris99]

I bought my first one when I was learning to drive. Despite being fine with my instructors Metro it took me ages to get the hang of the clutch on the mini. Actually thought I would have to get rid of it but I got the hang of it in the end and it was fine for the next 30k miles.

[Ethel]

It sounds like the engine mounts/stabilisers might've been in less than ideal condition, that would make the gears selection more vague and pickup of drive (clutch & accelerator) more jerky. The steering, which of course isn't powered, depends on the size of the steering wheel. Though, as you're doing it all yourself, it does take more effort at low speed - the pay off is better feedback & response when you are moving. Wide wheels & tyres with excess offset won't help, nor will badly adjusted and lubed suspension joints. An '84 car won't have a servo as standard so the brake pedal should feel harder. Again, you're doing all the work, and as the floor's nearer there's less room for travel; the same applies to the accelerator.

 

Even so, they are different and take a little while to get used to. Regular Mini drivers will still need time to adjust after driving something else, and it applies the other way round. I used to go from driving  Bedford trucks on chest high cross country tyres; getting back in a Mini felt like you were sat on the road, but after a roundabout or a few bends it soon felt very natural again.

 

If they drove just the same as other cars, no one would rave about their handling.

[alicetheauto]

The sprite had wide 10" wheels. I had one year's ago, the steering was quite heavy due to the amount of rubber on the road.

[Lorepie]

Thanks everyone, everything you have said is very helpful. I think will definitely need to test drive a few to get the feel for it!

[JustSteve]

doesn't sound ANYTHING like a mini to me. 

 

Yes they have heavier steering, heavier clutch, and heavier brakes, and are rev-happy on the vthrottle compared to most cars, but they shouldn't be difficult to drive at all.

 

 

I haven't driven many cars (about 8) but my mini is by far the easiest car to drive. I just jumped in and got on with it... the only strange part was having to rev it when pulling off. Took me a few days to get used to that. 

 

 

 

 

as said, go and drive another and report back

 

edit:Maybe somebody on here would let you try theirs out? If you're ever around here I'd let you try mine out 

Edited by JustSteve, 05 May 2013 - 04:12 PM.