Like all old classic cars, Minis do need a lot of on-going maintenance and repairs. Unless an owner has a high disposable income, then the ability to do the work will cause problems.
The good news is that we are all on here to help and advise. In fact, you won't find a better source of technical assistance which goes from simple jobs like changing suspension ball joints to full engine and gearbox rebuilds.
The main thing is to buy a rust-free car (if you can really find one). The mechanical work is generally far less expensive and easier to do.
To give an example, when my Grandson was 16 he wanted a Mini as his first road car. he found a 1997 MPI and we went to see it. The vendor said it had no rust issues, just a few light surface bubbles. Of course, after all my years with Minis we knew better, but we bought he car after negotiating the price well down and paying in cash. It's surprising how waving £50 notes around can reduce the asking price!
To make the car in top condition we had to carry out a comprehensive body rebuild. This included new wings, front panel, A-panels, one door skin, new inner and outer sills and a rear valence. They had all loked fine at first glance, but investigation showed the extent of the corrosion. The panels cost around £500, our labour cost nothing and a professional re-paint, done by a good friend, cost £1200 (he owed me a few favours).
We took the engine out and did a refresh, fitted a new diff pin and layshaft bearings, rebuilt the suspension and stripped and rebuilt the brake callipers.
My grandson used the car after he passed his driving test for around 10 months, but he got fed up with having to do so much on-going servicing and sold it (for a profit) to a friend who lives near me. He bought a Fiesta 1.25 Zetec which was much better for daily driving and never seemed to need anythig doing except an oil change every 10,000 miles, unlike a Mini which needs an oil change every 3000 miles max.
Grandson now has a 1986 Mini Mayfiar which is almost fully restored and is sitting in my workshop undergoing final re-assemble. Because we have done all the work ourselves, the resto cost is currently running at c.£1500, but that includes all the paint for respraying and all the new body panels. It is being restored as a Mk.1 Cooper 998 tribute.
Minis are great to own and drive, but be aware of the skills or money needed to keep one on the road. There have been some nightmare stories on here from enthusiasts who have bought what looked like a good Mini, only to have to do a comprehensive body rebuild plus an engine and/or gearbox rebuild which has cost, literally, thoudands of pounds.
Remember, a Mini was designed over 60 years ago. It is, however, a fantastic and iconic car.
Good luch with your search for a good one.
