Well, now that I will soon be starting work in a decent paying job with a somewhat decent boss(my brother), I will be saving for my first car.

My heart is pretty set on a mini. Specifically a round nose (sorry Matt).
I know becuase they are old cars they can be a it on the touchy side of breaking down.

But what my question is, is is it possible to get a car in reasonable enough condition to be fairly reliable?

Mostly I'd be using it to get to the train station to go to work (or drive in when the trains aren't running - thats central coast to Hombush). And probably lots of cruising around.

Tell me what you think (please)

Thanks
Cass

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Talk is Cheap because Supply Exceeds Demand

Yes it is very possible - make sure you save up enough money though - don't buy a roundy for $2,000 and expect it to be reliable. It is possible as I'm sure many of you are getting sick of me saying this but my mini is my EVERYDAY driver and has NEVER broken down on me - regular maintenance is your friend.

It is possible but make sure you start off with a good base.

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"In two years time your car will be like a lady's clothes, out of date, my car will still be in fashion when I am dead" - Sir Alec speaking to Pininfarina

Is $6-$7k a reasonable starting price for a Roundnose mini??

I know that maintainance plays a big role, which I'll look forward to getting out under the car and everything on my days off.

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Talk is Cheap because Supply Exceeds Demand

I think so - try and get one with a minimal amount of rust.

Having said that I think you should be able to find one in that price range - don't expect to find a good genuine '65/'66/'67'/'68 Cooper 'S' for that price. Stick to the less desirable models, eg 850, Deluxe, K etc.

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"In two years time your car will be like a lady's clothes, out of date, my car will still be in fashion when I am dead" - Sir Alec speaking to Pininfarina

Yeah, I'm not to bothered about what model it is for my first car. First car being first car, its bound to go through some rough times.
As long as its a round nose (I was going to say something about not looking like its run into a brick wall but thought better of it..... )

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Talk is Cheap because Supply Exceeds Demand

$6.5k will buy you a very good mini

Matt

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Good to hear. Well, I'll be saving the money first, and then I will start looking.

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Talk is Cheap because Supply Exceeds Demand

yep save up
get a 1275 with disc brakes, then you never need to worry about upgrading it

Yeah you say that Spaceboy, aned I would have agreed, when I first bought my motor and got my car on the road.

But now - Now more upgrades....

Attempt to get 1275 and discs. But not necessary but is a good thing to have. Oh and twin tanks are very handy. Both the mini's at my house have 'em and without them, I'd be in trouble many times.

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1964 Morris 850, 1330 Supercharged - 81.8hp atws.
1975 Leyland Mini S 1100S powered - Nice and reliable.
1977 Leyland Mini LS - Project LS-T

weber

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busier than a 0ne legged man in a butt kicking competion

Translates as make sure it has a weber???

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Talk is Cheap because Supply Exceeds Demand

I would keep it as simple as possible and as standard as possible so you can use all the documentation that supports a standard car.

The more go fast mods you add the more you will need to learn on top of the basic car.

I dont really want a fast car. I just want an A to B car with character. I think my parents would be happier if I didnt have a fast car at the moment sa well.

I agree with you though BIAM, the more basic and standard it is, the easier it will be for me to learn.

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Talk is Cheap because Supply Exceeds Demand

no i mean then you wont have to upgrade your 1100 or drums later.

Why would I have to upgrade if I only want the basics??? is it a requirement?

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Talk is Cheap because Supply Exceeds Demand