I agree with Mini Mad. At the end of the day lets compare apples with apples.
I had a 1995 commodore, it cost me $13,000 in 1999 when I bought it which was a big bargain as it stands. Since then it costs me well over $10,000 (a guess at best) to maintain and upkeep includng:
2 raditator replacements
6 sets of 4 tyres
2 sets of brakes (discs, pads and callipers)
1 gearbox replacement
2 water pumps
1 alternator
1 power steering pump
1 set of stocks
3 accidents
Countless number of services
Countless bottles of oil, fluid, filters
When i sold it It was 11yrs old, went for 200,000kms and it was a "reliable" car.
Now lets compare this to the humble mini where we expect to pay $1200 to $4000. They are at least 30 years old. Some of the serviceable parts in the car are fresh out of the factory from 1968. They were a humble, low-end of the market car that was not designed to last 100,000 miles or more than 10 years at best.
So we go and spend $4000? $5000? $6000? to fix our minis and we complain how expensive they are. Then we complain about their reliability and safety. Think logically, a 30yr old car no matter how you approach it is still a 30yr old car. They are novelties and unless you find that one of a kind gem (usually original stock clubmans from the 1970's) then they will give you grief. It's all part of classic car ownership.
If you want a reliable first car for your son or daughter or yourself, know nothing about cars, and can't/don't want to learn how to fix it yourself then don't! Times have changed! Minis are not fresh out of the factory anymore! they are old and some are falling apart! it's not the same as what you remembered them to be in 1970 or 1980. It's now 2007 and NONE have been made in Australia for nearly 30 years. Cars wear out like shoes. You can't expect to buy a 30yr old bargain shoe and jog around in it like they were a new pair of Nike's...
It's not just isolated to minis. Don't buy 30yr old anything for your son or daughter as their first car. (30yr old Coronas come to mind here *shiver*)
They are fantastic cars don't get me wrong, but they are not invincibly reliable after such a long time.
Go buy a modern car and realise how much they cost. $20,000 will not leave you much change for a new base model corolla. Even if you buy a $4000 corolla, I garantee that you will spend $3-5000 in the first 3 years of ownership. It's just the way things are with cars.
Bottom line: You can't get anything for free, not esp when it comes to cars. They are a money pit whichever way you look at it. Some more than others. Don't fool yourself into thinking that Minis are particulary reliable or cheap as you will be bitterly dissapointed. Minis and other classic cars of this type attract a premium because of the novelty.
eg. How much would you pay for a 1970 Corona (which were MUCH more expensie than minis were to start with)? I'd have to be paid to have one. But there are plenty of 1970 minis that are attracting $5000+. Apples with apples.
When I bought Lillee she was in a TERRIBLE state. Barely running, totally unsafe, falling apart is what I would call it. I have spent nearly $10,000 in 3 years on Lillee including buying spare extra parts and she broke down on Sunday (Yes the new 1330! but again it's a 30yr old starter motor that carked it, they only last 30 years
) I am not complaining one bit. In fact I was aware that it would, and it was only a matter of time...
I am sorry that some of you have had a bad experience with your mini ownership. It should be all rosy and happy joy joy. But we are talking about cars.
. That wasn't part of the deal! The engine didn't last long (not my fault) and since in the last six years it has had five different engines.
