Well, you guys and girls may remember me (the commodore-driving 19 year old whose father forbade her to get a mini).
Apparently, we all underestimated my mother's negotiation skills
There will be no disowning if I get a Mini.
Now, my main problem is the lack of mini expertise in my immediate circle of car people (being mostly comprised of commodore drivers, with a nissan-piloting boyfriend).
I would be deeply indebted if anyone could find it within themselves to help me out, while test driving and inspecting a potential purchase, since I don't know what to look for rust and 'annoying little problems' wise.
Please, anyone?

Best idea is to join one of the mini clubs, Hotbricks or Mini Club of SA, if you go along to a meeting and ask there, I'm sure someone will either be selling one or know of someone selling one and be able to help you out.

Another option is to visit one of the myriad of mini places in Adelaide. Morris Mania, Minisport, Brickworx, I think all of them have cars they can sell you which should be in decent mechanical order.

I found Mowog's guide to buying a used mini helpful.

It really depends what you want. Are you after a round nose mini (Morris) or a square one (Leyland). Are you after a reliable runner or a project? Do you want a performance engine or something which is just economical.

Tell us more about what you're after and we can help!

I'd like to take a look at this mini -
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5257

I'm after a roundnose, preferably in running condition as I'd like to keep it on the road until late next year (at which time it can be rebuilt etc). It's just that I know minis have their own specific problems, like any car, but I'm not sure what they are (the link you included is great though:) )

You could always take it on a test drive to one of the local mini places and get them to check it out for you.

Hoists are there.
you find the car, put it on our hoist and have a look for yourself???

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Miniworx Centre 0883741299
Sooperdooperminicooperexpertengineering
Online BMW Mini Shop

I know of a guy..... his girlfriend wants a new car, so she is forcing him to sell his mini to fund it.

When I get some details, i'll let ya know.

There are plenty of minis out there anyway

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[NATHAN] -- Sold everything mini related and am back in big beautiful BMWs

My dad was the same... He was telling me not to get a mini.. "they're too much trouble, constantly having to fix them, insurance will cost heaps, I wont help you with it i dont have enough time, blah blah blah".. So I worked my ass off, saved me money and went and bought one anyway
I let him drive it, and he changed his mind pretty quickly.. he loves it! He used to have a minor and a mini ages ago.. so i guess it brought back those old memories ayy

Oh and good luck in getting a mini! From my purchasing experiences I've found most of the mini owners selling their minis to be very honest and friendly.

I'm no expert on Adelaide, but it seem's to have a very good mini culture over there. It is dead set an Alladins Cave for mini parts and I often wonder how many Cooper S's went there to die. I could handle a few German steins, wines, sausages and sour kraut as you cruise through the Barossa. Those fruity beers are deadly and near killed me once, but I could think of worse way's to go.

Hahndorf is better than the barossa

Hey check out this at minifinity... it's a buyers guide for a mini... it's REALLY good! very simple and useful..

http://www.minifinity.com/UpDownload-in ... lid-6.html