48 replies to this topic

[minifirstcar]

Why are they so expensive? Not long ago you could pick up a decent example for a few hundred and now it's a few thousand! It's not as if they've become rarer or more classic in the last few years but there must be a reason.

[Daviewonder]

It's not as if they've become rarer or more classic in the last few years but there must be a reason.

 

Yeah but they have though.

[Ipod]

Because all the "special" kids bought the V-dubs back in the 90's, leaving a gap in the market, now its the Mini's time

[KernowCooper]

Theres nothing classic cheap anymore, that boats sailed

[Cooperman]

You might also ask why Lotus-Cortinas, E-Types, Mustangs, Mk.1 Escorts, etc., are all more expensive than they were years ago.
They are all classic cars and are becoming rarer as time passes. The classic car movement is strong worldwide and anyone wanting to drive an old classic must pay for the privilege. The benefit is that if a classic is kept in good original condition with period modifications it will increase in value over the years, although maintenance costs will still be higher than with a modern car.
In another 10 years a Mini will cost considerably more than it does now. Special editions or sub-models (Mk.1 Cooper 'S', Innocenti 1300, Mini 30, for example) will be a lot more expensive. Even now a mint Mk.1 Cooper 'S' will fetch between £25000 & £30000.

[minifirstcar]

It's a shame, all my friends will be running around in £300 corsas and puntos while I'll have to blow my life savings to get my dream first cat

[Madabout....]

I've been thinking this same question for the last 6 days since my 1991 Mini Cooper turned up at my house.

Whilst its a iconic car I'd have thought the large amount on the market would have meant prices remain low a bit like old MG's, etc.

I be interested to hear the feedback to the opening poster.

[Andy!]

If you really think about it, 2-4k (average cost of a decent basic mini) really doesnt get you much, you could buy a much newer, better equipped and a more reliable car for that much. But They're so expensive because they're so iconic, lots of fun, and they are getting rarer over time, purely because some will get written off, some will be scrapped due to bodges/lack of funds...

Edited by Andy!, 16 August 2013 - 09:40 PM.

[Cooperman]

Are good condition old MG's cheap? They weren't the last time I looked. There is a lot of cheap junk about requiring thousands in restoration costs.
You can't compare the Mini with cheap modern cars. That is not comparing like-for-like. You must compare the Mini with other true classics, for that is what they are.
The Mini is a 55-year old car really, in design terms, and is becoming rare, especially in rust-free condition. Cheap they won't be as any true classic won't be cheap. A 1966 Mini 850 just sold for £9700 local to me this week. An MGA sold for around £23000 and an MGB in decent condition will be a minimum of £6000. You can get a really good Mini for £4000 which is just as classic as the 'B'.
My 18-year old Grandson had a 1275 Cooper MPI as his first car, totally restored and rust-free (by us). He has decided it is not suitable for daily driving due to the miles he does and the lack of reliability, so he has bought a Diesel Mondeo and is going to sell the Mini (hooray, space in my workshop to build my 1964 850). He can still drive my 'S' and the 850 when it's finished, so he is not 'Mini-less'.
As a classic car the Mini cannot be beaten for style, retro drive and sheer old-type fun. Just so long as you can restore, service & maintain it yourself.

[oltonlad]

apart from that..............mini's......and all classic cars are much better than the crap that's available today, at least you can fix a classic car at home and you dont need a laptop to do it with either!!

Edited by oltonlad, 16 August 2013 - 09:51 PM.

[A-Cell]

It's natural selection. Survival of the fittest! Every year there are less and less left, simple supply and demand.

[MiniGrin]

The numbers have gone down, they are a great little car, and demand has risen. Most classic and performance cars have risen in price, good news if you already own one, not so good for you if your only just looking to buy.

[Archived4]

Yeah, they have made the transition from old car to classic car in my opinion

 

My sierra is still classed as an old car, but I know of 30 scrapped within the last month, so soon the penny will drop and it will become a classic car like mk1, 2 escorts, the mini, opel mantas, asconas, etc etc

[Yoshii]

My 18-year old Grandson had a 1275 Cooper MPI as his first car, totally restored and rust-free (by us). He has decided it is not suitable for daily driving due to the miles he does and the lack of reliability, so he has bought a Diesel Mondeo and is going to sell the Mini (hooray, space in my workshop to build my 1964 850). He can still drive my 'S' and the 850 when it's finished, so he is not 'Mini-less'.
As a classic car the Mini cannot be beaten for style, retro drive and sheer old-type fun. Just so long as you can restore, service & maintain it yourself.

 

Be my grand dad?

[Cooperman]

The Sierra Cosworth is now a real true classic.
If I wanted to drive a classic as an everyday car I don't think I would choose a Mini of any engine size. My choice would probably be either an MGB-GT or a Triumph 2000 on 2500. The Mini is too slow for long motorway or main road journeys, but the 'B-GT with overdrive can cruise at civilised revs at 80 mph in overdrive top and still the revs are not high. The Triumph is fast enough with a great 6-cylinder engine.
Minis are fun and iconic for short trips and are good to drive, if you like early 60's 'feel'.
I can't imagine being young and having a Mini as my first car with all my buddies having cheaper cars which are more reliable, quicker and with a smoother ride. But if you want a real classic as a first car, that might be different.