13 replies to this topic

[JoeCanadian]

:grin: Hello All!!!

My name is Joe, I live in Toronto, Canada. I just found this forum and thought I would introduce myself to all... I don't own a Mini yet, but am importing one in a few months, I have always wanted one, but they are rare, and expensive here. I have arranged cheap shipping, and now have taken it upon myself to learn all I can and choose the perfect vehicle to bring over here. I prefer the newer models, as I love the clean, new interiors on them.... I would love to hear what everyones favorite mini is, and which you would recomend for me. Thanks for all the input...

[Dom]

hello and welcome to the mini forum

i like many minis!

[tipcat]

Welcome, Joe... are you bringing in a new MINI or a classic Mini? A good place to start is right here - one of your countrymen, Al*, is on tmf... I'm not sure where abouts in Canada he is, but it may be closer than here!
Good luck with your car when you get it!

[Brawlyrox]

again welcome Joe, hope you enjoy the site, we also have sunshine from canada representing you, shes a UK resident atm but still crazy like i imagine you guys are :grin:

please tell us more about your mini!

Nick

[Al*]

Hey Joe hows it goin? I live in Alberta so still a fair ways away from yourself but closer then everyone else on the forum. Seeing as you want to import from abroad you probally already know that the car has to be at least 25 years old... Therefore nothing newer than a 1980 Mini. Seeing as you like the newer interiors (a bit more modern and creature comfortish) the 1980 isn't really what you'll be looking for. Now there is something that people do alot (it's illegal, only if you get caught though.) They will buy a late model car (for example a 1997 Cooper) and then swap the vin plates from an older (legal) car. In order to do this you'd have to go to UK and do this yourself before shipping it or know someone who could do it for you. ( I'm not exactly recomending this but it is always an option )

Have you looked at the Vancouver Mini Club Swap and Shop site yet? http://www.vancouver...orsale/ads.html There are ads on there from all over Canada ( and the US ) definitly worth a look. Other than that good luck and welcome to the forums Joe! If you have any questions or need more links just ask and I'll do all I can to help.

Al

[miniman5]

Hey joe! my favorate mini is my mini because its how i want it to look lol you arnt after a bini are you! welcome aboard

[Jordie]

I was about to touch on that 25yrs import thing, AL* beat me too it.

If you find a mini you like and need it transporting inside the UK (eg. old owners to shipping docks) contact me as my family own a transportation company.

So welcome to the mini forum.

[JoeCanadian]

Hey Guys, thanks for all the info. I was already aware of the 25 year thing, though I believe it is only 15 years, as my father imports land rovers, and he's got space left in the container to squeeze in a mini for me. I know that, as he must always find Landies that are atleast 15 years old. I am definitely looking for a classic, I'm not too crazy on the new "bubbles"... So, I guess I'm looking for a model that was made in 1990, what would the best model of this year be?? I have noticed ones with sunroofs and soft-tops, whats the story on these? are they hard to come by, leaks??

I've been looking mainly on www.marktplaats.nl lately, as they have a few nice ones. I will check out the vancouver site, but from what i've seen so far, they're pretty pricey over here!

Also, must mention that I'm an ex-pat, gotta get me a car that represents me a little better... Though I'm six feet tall, am I going to have a problem driving/fitting in a mini?

Thanks for all the help!!!

[jimbo_edmondo]

Don't worry 2 much about the height thing, i'm 6"1 and go in ok. If the mini is for you you'll find a way. Welcome to the forum. :grin: :grin:

[CharlieBrown]

Welcome to the forum!

Good luck with getting a mini.

[siggy]

Welcome

Have you tried Big Al for a car?

http://www.big-al-minimover.com/

Great guy

Siggy

[Teapot]

Hey Joe! Forget about your height -- if you want to drive a mini badly enough you'll fit in it! Besides, in a saloon the seats can always be adjusted. I'm six foot and my pick-up seats can't go back any further but I find it comfortable on a long run. Deafening, but comfortable.

[JoeCanadian]

Excellent, that was a big concern of mine... My dad has owned a few of them in the past, when he was my age, and he mentioned that the seats could be moved back in order to fit taller people. So, it's good to hear that I would even be able to make do with it immediately. I'm going to check out the big al site right now, I'm basically looking for something with a solid body and very clean interior, and specifically with a wooden dash (as it looks like a mini jag I find, gorgeous!) what models included this in 89-90??

[siggy]

I meet a guy at MiniMeet2004, who was 6ft and about 25 stone. And he fitted in a Mini

Siggy