18 replies to this topic

[Peterg1]

On the lookout for a Mini. Notice a company that imports these cars from Japan.
I realise they have aircon. But the main appealing thing being the dry climate they have been in
So hopefully no rust.
Anybody any experience with The Car Warhouse or indeed a Jap import.
Thanks

[FlyingScot]

Got a JDM 35th Anniversary Cooper. No problems with rust (does depend where in Japan it comes from), aircon still works in mine which means it used about 2 days per year. Get one then dowse liberally in Bilthamber wax.
Quite a few guys in our local clubs have them as most of the home based ones have bad rot due to road salt.
Haven’t used the seller quoted.

FS

[GT Jimmy]

All Japanese Motors in Stockport have a black cooper for sale, looks good. It comes with a 2 year warranty too. If I only had a spare 6 grand

[surfblue]

My dad had a 1997 Landrover Discovery 1 imported from Japan. If you have any experience of UK versions you'll know they literally dissolve with road salt. This was bought at 9 years old and was truly immaculate, it was like a brand new car when we picked it up. It was smothered in waxoil and when it was sold at 18 years old it still looked really well.

[Peterg1]

Just looked at that one in Stockport.
Looks tidy, would be great to hear of somebody who has a Jap import Mini just to see if they really are rust and rot free!!

[Screwdriver]

Buying a Japanese Mini has one other advantage over a UK equivalent car - the Shaken!

 

For those unfamiliar, it is known as one of the most grueling vehicle inspection tests in the world. Failing to spend money on passing the Shaken can force a vehicle off local roads, which is why shipping classics has proven lucrative for UK importers. Given the high standards, classic cars have had no expense spared during their decades of Japanese ownership.

 

I've attached a picture of my 1996 SPi, as imported. I've only paid to replace the cracked wooden dash with a NOS replacement, renew the rotors and pads and swap back the rubber cone suspension. No rust anywhere and now completely covered in Waxoyl. Can't recommend a JP SPi enough. Try to get a limited edition if you can!

 

 

Attached Files

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[mikal]

Ever considered importing a decent Mk1 from Australia? We don't have the rust issues you have and judging by the prices they fetch in the UK the costs of importing one would be easily recovered. And you get wind up windows with 1/4 vents (post '65)!

 

For example, my 1967 car is insured for about 10,000 pounds. It has a newish (15,000 km) 1293 engine and close ratio gearbox built by reputable mini specialists. Fully adjustable suspension, disc brakes, ported big valve head, fast road camshaft, Weber and full leather interior including dash. Getting about 80 Hp at the wheels. No rust. What ballpark price would it be worth in the UK?

Edited by mikal, 06 April 2018 - 12:08 AM.

[AndrewT]

NZ is also a good source of rust free cars. Picked up my 1275gt for peanuts when I lived there. It's still got all its original panels and floor with no welding or rust.

Genuinely worried about bringing it back to the UK in a couple of months as I'm convinced it will start dissolving the minute it is rolled out of the container.

[mrmeds]

interested in getting jap mini too- seems increasingly hard to get lowish mileage minis at sensible prices. Sold my 16000 mile s works a few years ago for £9k to GC motors now regret the decision- but silly prices now to buy one... so.... thinking about getting a low mileage jap car and sending it up to mini sport for cooper garages kit.... as a cheaper option

[vx220]

I looked a while ago, and it seemed a lot of the ones for sale at that time had chrome mirrors on the wings, which I'm not keen on...

[spiguy]

I looked a while ago, and it seemed a lot of the ones for sale at that time had chrome mirrors on the wings, which I'm not keen on...

 

That's true, alot of jap minis do have wing mounted mirrors. Mine did but I just took them off and popped little black rubber blanks in. These were spied on a desk at my work and fit perfectly. Not very noticeable and certainly not enough to put anyone off what is essentially a rust free car at similar prices to a rusty UK one.

[mab01uk]

Not always rust free (depending on area of Europe) but how about importing an Innocenti Mini:-

https://www.kijiji.i.../?entryPoint=sb

[miniQ]

Not always rust free (depending on area of Europe) but how about importing an Innocenti Mini:-

https://www.kijiji.i.../?entryPoint=sb

 

I've been looking at these the past couple of days.

 

Can't be bothered with the hassle of communication, paperwork & trust. Only about £600-800 to get it trucked here. 

 

A 60's or 70's mini that's only maybe been restored once in it's life with all it's original panels and no oversills. What a dream. 

Edited by miniQ, 04 June 2018 - 05:57 PM.

[mrmeds]

I looked a while ago, and it seemed a lot of the ones for sale at that time had chrome mirrors on the wings, which I'm not keen on...

that worries me a bit- can't help thinking holes appear in wings easily enough without drilling them in for mirrors !

[spiguy]

honestly, until you have seen a Jap mini in the flesh you have no idea what you are missing. Even threads on bolts etc are like new. True what was said, it depends where it came from in Japan but if you get the right car from the right place it's a sight to behold.