26 replies to this topic

[vx220]

If I was buying a classic mini for a daily, which would you recommend?

I'm guessing no real world difference in performance, I'm thinking about reliability and availability of parts and expertise?

Any help or experiences gratefully received

[nicklouse]

one that will allow you to us it in your area. 

 

parts are all about the same for any mini.

[cal844]

It depends if you have knowledgeable specialists in your area for either carb or injection minis.

Parts are pretty much the same...

Personally I'd go for an 80's car as its the best of both worlds.... Reliable and good quality metal.

A few small upgrades I'd consider depends on the conditions locally, if its in rain alot use electronic ignition, instead of points ignition.

Regards

Cal

Edited by cal844, 09 July 2021 - 05:54 PM.

[beardylondon]

As much as I love minis (I have 2) I would never daily drive one now, so depending on your annual mileage, I would consider something modern / newer, that will be nicer to drive and not as easily stolen, unless you have a garage.

 

However, if you really wanted to go this route, I would go for an SPI or MPI (so anything 1991 to 2000), as they are the cheaper end of mini ownership, with some modern comforts, BUT are prone to rust badly.  If you can find one, I can highly recommend a Carb Copper (1990-1991) but they are few and far between it seems these days, and especially for sensible money and condition.

 

UPDATE: just seen Cal's post, he has a point about 80s minis, but so many have been mucked around with, hard to find a decent one, which does apply to ALL minis, so buy on condition!

 

If I was buying a classic mini for a daily, which would you recommend?

I'm guessing no real world difference in performance, I'm thinking about reliability and availability of parts and expertise?

Any help or experiences gratefully received

Edited by beardylondon, 09 July 2021 - 05:59 PM.

[beardylondon]

dupe post

Edited by beardylondon, 09 July 2021 - 05:56 PM.

[vx220]

Thanks all.

Any thoughts on the injection systems and ECUs? Is one easier to diagnose issues than the other?

[cal844]

Thanks all.

Any thoughts on the injection systems and ECUs? Is one easier to diagnose issues than the other?

If you have the correct cable and application (someone has developed both for use in most smartphones) you can diagnose and repair BUT you need to know what you're doing as throwing the parts cannon gets expensive quickly!

Have a look at the following video link, you'll see how easy it can be.

https://youtu.be/NQDieDiDrY4

Oh and before you purchase feel free to post pictures for a second (or third/fourth) opinion!


Regards

Cal

Edited by cal844, 09 July 2021 - 09:28 PM.

[mab01uk]

As said if you are going to use a classic Mini as a daily driver you will need to invest in extra security like a Disklok as they are easily and frequently stolen.

Also if used on winter salted roads then you will need to put in efforts for regular rust prevention and repairs especially on later Minis which can rust quite rapidly if neglected even for a short period of time. Regular oil changes and greasing of suspension joints is also an essential compared to a 'maintenance free' modern car.

 

Best steering wheel locks 2021:-

https://www.autoexpr...heel-locks-2021

 

Stolen Mini Alerts:-

https://www.theminif...en-mini-alerts/

Edited by mab01uk, 10 July 2021 - 08:29 AM.

[sonscar]

No matter which you buy only buy it IF you really want to drive it.There is no ABS,probably no airbag,you will be able to closely observe wheelnuts of other vehicles(unless the windows are steamed up).There are many drawbacks.You may have to learn to drive differently and just driving will become something you will have to really think of compared to a modern car.
This said it can be fun if you have the right attitude.Have fun,Steve..

[vx220]

No probs with the wheelnuts, a VX220 and 2x MR2 roadsters in my history!

Lack of ABS is worth remembering, although again my car history includes non-ABS cars, including minis.

Looking forward to showing the kids I work with what real driving is like!

Edited by vx220, 10 July 2021 - 10:45 AM.

[vx220]

I've seen one in Chertsey, is there a recommended inspection service for minis? For my peace of mind and due to working awful shifts...

https://www.carandcl...uk/car/C1358095

Edited by vx220, 10 July 2021 - 10:53 AM.

[Quinlan minor]

I used my MPi as a daily driver for from purchase in 2009 until its restoration in '17. I use it less, now, but that is more a result of change of circumstance, particularly post March '20.

It was reliable and needed only the regular maintenance as intended by the manufacturers.

It works well for me, as it gives me the thrill I look for, from a car, without having to travel at licence-losing speeds.

I find modern cars wonderfully efficient but pretty damn soulless and uninvolving.

Horses for courses but, if it suits, then you'll have a lot of fun in one.

[vx220]

It works well for me, as it gives me the thrill I look for, from a car, without having to travel at licence-losing speeds.
I find modern cars wonderfully efficient but pretty damn soulless and uninvolving.
Horses for courses but, if it suits, then you'll have a lot of fun in one.

I think you might be me!

[mab01uk]

I've seen one in Chertsey, is there a recommended inspection service for minis? For my peace of mind and due to working awful shifts...

https://www.carandcl...uk/car/C1358095

 

I would find out the reg number and then check/research the MOT history online as sometimes any failures listed can tell you a lot about what repairs/maintenance have been done and any rust repairs that may have been required to pass if any.

Check the MOT history of a vehicle:-

https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history

 

Also have an HPi check done to check for finance/write off history, although as it is a trade sale this may have been done by the Dealer.

 

The 13" Sportpack wheels must have been fitted later as it only has the standard plastic wheel arch extensions used with 12 " wheels. The factory 'Sportpack' option 13" wheels came with larger wider wheel arch extensions with no visible fixing screws and the front wings were re-profiled/cut away below to the clear the larger wheels on full lock, check this has been done neatly with no cut bare metal edges left to start rust under the plastic arch extensions. The factory Sportpack steering rack also had restricted lock to prevent tyres rubbing on full lock and heavier duty shock absorbers were fitted due to the heavier 13" wheels. None of that is a major problem to sort/check if you like/retain the larger wheels with 175/50x13 tyres. Steering will be heavier at parking speeds than with 165/60x12 wheels as no power steering was ever fitted on classic Minis, it all comes down to personal choice in the end with regard to wheel choices.

Edited by mab01uk, 10 July 2021 - 04:01 PM.

[Icey]

I’ve said it many times before but I wouldn’t daily a classic anymore. Like most others, I have used one as a daily before covering healthy distances without too many problems.

But.

The condition of the roads is much worse. Driving standards are (IMO) worse. Classic Minis are far more valuable than they were. With more traffic there’s less opportunity to enjoy the drive.

If you want something that’s still called a Mini, is cheap to run and enjoyable to drive, I’d by an R53. For less than £2k you can get one in reasonable condition. It’ll have some toys (air con etc..), better safety features, and suits modern driving conditions much better.

As it ever was, rust and poor servicing is what kills Minis, both are problems amplified if the car is used extensively during winter. It’s just not worth killing one for the sake of the odd nice drive. I’d rather keep it in the garage until I know I’ll have a good time driving it (club runs, summer days etc..).

So for me, it doesn’t matter what the fuel delivery system is, the platform isn’t suited to daily driving.