47 replies to this topic

[Izzie]

 

haha, very funny however I am looking for legit information! :L

it is! That's the best bit by far, its impossible to see a roundabout in a mini and not smile (unless you are my passenger perhaps). They are great fun cars and NOTHING drives like a mini. There aren't any downsides as long as you accept its an older car that will require regular maintenance to get the best out of it.

 

See, i want to enjoy the car i drive and it is one i would, but looking at the  cons i might as well get a bike :L

[Domneon]

You'll soon love the Mini, take it as it comes. They do go wrong but they are old cars with an even older design

 

I have been doing a lot of miles in my 1991 Neon this past few weeks, and its been real fun

[Izzie]

You'll soon love the Mini, take it as it comes. They do go wrong but they are old cars with an even older design

 

I have been doing a lot of miles in my 1991 Neon this past few weeks, and its been real fun

I havent stopped wanting a Mini, I'm just wondering if I can afford it with all this quirks and little problems! I'll just pick up a Engineering for Dummies book ;)

[Cooperman]

The Mini is a classic car. It drives like a classic car rather than a modern car. It feels like a 55-year-old design. That is the fun and pleasure in owning one - so long as vintage, antique, retro stuff is what you like.

The drawbacks are that they are expensive to own in terms of repairs & maintenance unless you do all the work, and there will be a lot of work compared to a modern car, yourself. The advantages include no depreciation so long as it is kept in top condition.

Just don't expect it to drive, feel or perform like a modern small car because it won't.

It will, however, perform like a fantastic classic car in the same class as other top classics.

[Domneon]

 

You'll soon love the Mini, take it as it comes. They do go wrong but they are old cars with an even older design

 

I have been doing a lot of miles in my 1991 Neon this past few weeks, and its been real fun

I havent stopped wanting a Mini, I'm just wondering if I can afford it with all this quirks and little problems! I'll just pick up a Engineering for Dummies book ;)

 

 

There's a whole range of books out there for the Mini, the Haynes manual is a good start, but can sometimes be of little help

 

You always have the forum to ask any questions you have, I'm sure someone will know the answer!

[Izzie]

The Mini is a classic car. It drives like a classic car rather than a modern car. It feels like a 55-year-old design. That is the fun and pleasure in owning one - so long as vintage, antique, retro stuff is what you like.

The drawbacks are that they are expensive to own in terms of repairs & maintenance unless you do all the work, and there will be a lot of work compared to a modern car, yourself. The advantages include no depreciation so long as it is kept in top condition.

Just don't expect it to drive, feel or perform like a modern small car because it won't.

It will, however, perform like a fantastic classic car in the same class as other top classics.

Thank you, I never wanted a new car. I chose a Mini because it's an amazing car and the first time I laid eyes on one i wanted it. So many people have told me that's it's the most fun you can have with pants on so...! That's good enough for me! I will try keep it in best condition I can and if I'm ever stuf I have you lovely people to help me (hopefully) haha xx

[Izzie]

 

 

You'll soon love the Mini, take it as it comes. They do go wrong but they are old cars with an even older design

 

I have been doing a lot of miles in my 1991 Neon this past few weeks, and its been real fun

I havent stopped wanting a Mini, I'm just wondering if I can afford it with all this quirks and little problems! I'll just pick up a Engineering for Dummies book ;)

 

 

There's a whole range of books out there for the Mini, the Haynes manual is a good start, but can sometimes be of little help

 

You always have the forum to ask any questions you have, I'm sure someone will know the answer!

 

Yeah, i have a friend who claims he is the walking Haynes manual so haha! I'm sure I can read up on the mini I shall be owning and more so i can keep that little part of history with me for as long as I can!

[Ethel]

If you want to learn engineering skills a Mini is a good choice!

 

That's only semi tongue in cheek, the carb'd versions are stuffed full of basic mechanical principles with masses of literature explaining it and how to modify it, and if you choose to dabble it's the cheapest and best supported enthusiasts & tuners' car there is.

[RobbieP]

Pros: Everything

Cons: back ache

[Badboytunes]

1991 Cooper

 

Pro's

 

They look great

Reliable ( if you care for them )

Awesome handling, even in standard form

The Mini "Scene"

Cheap to insure ( depending on age )

Economical ( unless you have a monster engine )

Simple mechanical design,

Cutomisation options are endless making it easier to create a unique car

Driving pleasure every time.

 

Cons

 

4 speed box ( can make long journeys a tad tiresome )

No mod cons, like power sterring abs ect. Although thats half of the fun lol.

Rust if not looked after.

 

The Mini is an awesome little car which should bring much pleasure. As stated though be mindfull that they are old cars that will need plenty of looking after to ensure happy trouble free motoring.

[CMXCVIII]

'89 Flame, usually around town.

 

Pros -  not just an old-fashioned driving experience but an old-fashioned top-class sports car driving experience! No modern car offers anything like the same go-kart immediacy as a standard Mini. By the way, lots of classic cars aren't that nice to drive either!

 

Cons - old-fashioned maintenence needs! No modern car need you to adjust the points every winter or lift the bonnet to make sure the heater has actually turned on or off. By the way, lots of surviving classic cars require less fiddling and fettling! 

[Gerbil367]

1988 City E upgraded to 1275 and upgraded interior etc

 

Pros

as you said, how much fun with pants still on!!

Nearly everyone loves the Mini

Dumb grin everytime you drive it

Just being different

The Mini Forum and all the helpful people on it

 

 

Cons

 

cold in winter (well until heater warms up), hot in summer (its what window winders are for)

You cant leave the sod alone and want to add another improvement

Empty wallet (because of reason above)

Head scratching when it defies all reason as to why it wont start (enter the forum questions!!)

Dumb grin evertime you drive it (I know its in both - wait till you see yourself!!)

(a serious one) keeping it safe from theiving rat bags!

 

I've had a couple of other classic cars before, but have a lot more fun with the Mini and everywhere you go, someone will come and talk to you about it for no other reason than its a Mini!

[BronkoMini]

Yeah nearly everyone loves them , on a ore run the other day we moved and stopped to let a BMW past in a tight bit if road and he said several expletives to the mini in front as he stopped next to him, I didn't look at him when he stopped next to me.

[ribz0]

Hey Lzzie..

 

Go for it... They are amazing little cars and if you are into old, retro and classic as mentioned above, you will love them.. I have a 1970 Holden Torana which I built also but the mini is so easy to get parts for!!

 

Every car has good and bad.. you buy a brand new car and you will have problems but the old stuff you can fix yourself... I have a 1975 round nose and am building it myself... It was sitting in a container for over 10 years... I have never had one so this is great for learning about them... Unless you have lots of money, you will need to learn to do the work yourself...

 

The best thing you can do is rust treat your little beast.. I mean drown the thing in fish oil.. park it on a hill and let it all drain out the back... Regular checks, maintenance and upgrades are the best thing you can do to any old car... oh and enjoy driving it as you know everyone is thinking to them selves.. "look at that nice old little mini... wish I had one".... You know it.....

 

Cheers

[JacckKirk]

Oh i missed one of the best pros

Watching people mini bash each other & knowing its your fault