7 replies to this topic

[Andyh.]

Hi All,

I am Andy and considering a Mini.
Currently I drive 1-3 times a week all less than 30 miles round, but a few times a year I may have to do 100-150 miles at a time.
So not quite a daily driver but regularly used.
Currently have a newer car but feel it is wasted and a Mini seems much more interesting.

Do you guys think the right car would be up to such use?

I don't have experience with classic cars and maintenance but am interested in learning and I know how to watch a YouTube video!

Look forward to being able to contribute as I undertake this journey!

[Ethel]

Welcome,

 

They did make 'em to drive y'know 

 

So that's more than possible, whether it's the most practical For you is a different question.

 

It could be the most cost effective option, IF you can find the right Mini that is, or soon will be, exempt road tax and doesn't need rust related surgery etc (An even bigger if). However, it's almost certainly going to be a bigger up front investment, which you could get back - but would also be a bigger risk & potential maintenance cost. That's maintaining its bodywork condition, the day to day mechanical bits are as cheap as you'll find & more likely to be possible as d-i-y.

 

The competition could be a more modern "eco" hatch that's in a free or cheap road tax band. It'll likely hold its value too, but there'll be no way back if it catches tin worm, or gets pranged. 

[stuart bowes]

as well as the maintenance issues it may be also worth considering how you would feel on a motorway driving a car at its limits trying to overtake or even just to keep up with modern traffic, it can be tiresome and sometimes a bit nerve wracking (I say that only with with actual driving experience of old fords, im still building my mini not driven it yet, but it's still something to consider) 

 

if you do all Urban or B road with occasional short bursts of A roads then it's less of an issue, and no doubt way more enjoyable (well looking forward to some country lane blasts)

 

I don't think I could ever not have a 'daily' on hand for general use and long drives, certainly in my volvo I feel like I'm driving a tank and it can easily nudge at the edges of 100mph (which I obviously never ever would do..) without feeling like it's going to explode or violently throw me off the road, 

 

short version it would really depend on what type of driving you do and as already mentioned whether the car is even practical for your uses

Edited by stuart bowes, 04 April 2024 - 11:24 AM.

[coopertaz]

used to use both ours as daily drivers, just be aware rust if used during winter and you may need to get used to maintenance but loads of help and advice on here and that's part of the fun. also expect lots of interest  everytime you go to petrol station.

[stuart bowes]

just to add I didn't mean to come across totally disparaging about the mini in general, obviously I love them

 

I was responding to the idea of using it as the only car instead of what I assume a lot of people do i.e having it as the project / fun / sunday drive car 

Edited by stuart bowes, 04 April 2024 - 12:13 PM.

[Andyh.]

Thanks for the welcome and replies all.
I may have even been a bit optimistic about how much I drives a quick look says only 2.5-3k a year.

My Mrs has a car and if I don't cycle we often use hers to get around.

Mine generally is used when she is otherwise engaged and I need to get somewhere local-ish that a bike/weather isn't suitable or visit family hence the occasional longer trips.

I will be honest I never really considered the idea that a Mini would be a bit small compared to today's much bigger cars so that would be something to consider.
Apart from my longer journeys the rest are all town and country driving. Perhaps it is weighing up taking the longer routes by a/b road as opposed to the motorways.

Certainly a lot to think about already!

[Designer]

and it can easily nudge at the edges of 100mph (which I obviously never ever would do..)

NEENAA NEENAA NEENAA        

 

My daughter has her Mini as it was her first ever car and learnt to drive in it. She has had it for 28 years and use to drive it on motorways but now would take A  B roads only or should I just say C because of all the pot holes.

[Quinlan minor]

I used my MPi for a 90 mile round trip commute, including Motorways, without any problems.

A standard 850 might be a bit asthmatic on an A road/Motorway, but a decently fettled 1275 will quite happily hold its own.

I do 250-300 miles a day trips several times a year.

If you want it, get it. Life doesn't offer do-overs.