31 replies to this topic

[Mini_Magic]

Don't crash.

[minimissionary]

Don't brake on bends.
Go slowly unless you REALLY know the road.
Remember that Minis slide under heavy braking.
Keep your brakes adjusted, and invest in some decent pads on the front.
Keep an eye on your tyre pressures.
Steer out of harms way

[Haribo]

I only passed a couple months ago dude and i just took it easy and try and learn your car inside and out :) gonna take some getting used to i know it did with me :)

But everyone is right with what they say haha

[TfcIan]

Don't believe the hype about the handling being better than modern cars - If you take a corner fast enough you'll still understeer.
Also you're not in an immortal box, I had an accident within 2 months of passing my test in my mini, the main reason was icy conditions which I didn't identify but you've still got to remember the car has limits and in a crash you're likely to come off a lot worse than you would in a modern car.

Just take it easy, it won't feel too natural after first passing but eventually you'll feel comfortable with the car and be confident in both your own and the cars ability. Just don't get over confident, especially with mates in the car (if they say you're going slow, just say it's so the ladies can check you out )

[Ethel]

Same as driving anything: look well ahead, anticipate and leave enough space to react.

[iMurray]

Learn how to deal with slide... There's one tip.

[rally1380]

I think the main thing to remember with a mini is the lack of any crumple zones and airbags compared to modern cars. Don't let that put you off driving a mini though, but you kinda do need to be aware that you are not surrounded by big blow up bags when an impact happens...unless you like driving with a (ahem!!) blow up doll !!!

Now onto the more interesting stuff.....

Make sure your tyres are decent, in good condition and check the pressures - this won't improve the handling as such but will make the handling more predicatable.

Someone else mentioned the no braking mid corner. Definately avoid this one as it unsettles a car (any car for that matter) and the rear will end up coming round and might just be the start of a spin! This is a technique used by rally drivers to get a car sideways (see left-foot braking) but does require space and practice!!!!! I did this whilst going too fast up a country lane...the car's back end started to come round so i gave a little opposite lock to try and save a spin happening. The tyres gripped and spat me to the outside of the bend and straight into a massive oak tree!!!! i was fine....the car needed alot of work!!!!! Was a long time ago when i was younger tho.

Keep your car maintained. If you look after the car then it shouldn't let you down. Remember that the mini's technology dates back to the 1950's so unlike modern cars, will need to be cared for and tweeked every now and again....any questions or problems then ask on here and someone will help you.

Take pride in your car and more often than not you'll drive it with more respect and not like an idiot.

A track day is a waste of time unless it is a mini (or classic car) only day. You won't learn anything as all you'll be doing is looking in your mirrors trying to get out of the way of faster cars. I did a track day in my mk1 golf gti and was one of the slowest cars there!!! so unless you have a very hot mini....stay away from the track days unless you fancy porsches or westfields going past at high speed!!!!

A handling day might be a better solution. They are a little like track days in the sense they are not held on roads, but are usually held on dissused airfields and allow a bit more run off space should your talent run out.


Most important though - enjoy your mini and the freedom that you get from a driving licence (well done by the way). Don't drive like you think you are the next F1 or WRC star and you'll do fine. If you do want to push your handling....do it somewhere away from other cars and ideally on private land otherwise the boys in blue will be all over you and your licence may not last very long!

[konyo]

Your get use to it, I went from a new fiesta to the Mini, just take it easy, your find it easier to not keep your hands on the wheel at the 9 and 3 position ;) I certainly got out of that habbit when you don't have power steering lol.

Try not to go 4th into first when you stopped, go down the gears instead :)

Good luck, there fun cars to drive when your use to them

[Tamworthbay]

A track day is a waste of time unless it is a mini (or classic car) only day. You won't learn anything as all you'll be doing is looking in your mirrors trying to get out of the way of faster cars. I did a track day in my mk1 golf gti and was one of the slowest cars there!!! so unless you have a very hot mini....stay away from the track days unless you fancy porsches or westfields going past at high speed!!!!

Track days are brilliant, I wouldn't take a car to a motorbike day and I wouldn't take a mini to a modern day (or just open day) . Practical classics do great days and a few other mags do as well. Blasting around with old jags, Austin 1100 s, vitesses etc etc is a real laugh and the best way to find how the mini handles when close to, or beyond the limit! If you plan to tootle about then they are not for you but if you plan to enjoy a mini to the full then they are worth a go.

[JustSteve]

Buckle up, and hold on tight!

[JakeJakeJake]

Ask your mum or dad what to do with a choke

[jb93]

Get the bus. It'll be cheaper in the long run

[jmmini]

Might be because I've been go karting for a Klong time but in my opinion the mini is a dream to drive, I hate my dads Mazda simply because of the visability and the throttle difference. I would not want to drive another car... Just don't crash, or get the front end strengthened as my dad made me.

[konyo]

& if you ever need anymore power, just pull out the choke! Lol!!

[stocky]

Just remember the crumple zones are your knees and face. Quite a good reminder for me to not drive like a goon. Also you are no good to your family dead.

Take care and expect idiots to pull out in front of you, cut you up and generally make complete arses of themselves

Also, enjoy driving your mini and your gateway to freedom!