Have my bucket of rust and bolts for about two weeks now. Was running well (ish) when I got it, but brakes were terrible and the lights didn't work (previous owner about 1/4 way through loom replacement when I bought the car). A week of nights got the lights and brakes sorted and now its my daily commute car (3 miles each way, no freeway - yep, I am US based).
They say these cars are more smiles per mile than any other car and, although I won't dispute this, I am enjoying the tinkering and repairing as much as the driving.
My son can't wait to learn to drive stick on this thing. It was his growing interest in cars that rekindled my enthusiasm. Dad's first car back in Ireland was a Wolseley Hornet which he used to auto-cross (before my time). These are practically impossible to get in the US now so it was a Mini for me.
Looking forward to getting good advice from the community.
Damian