Hi guys, my name is Justin and I'm brand spanking new to the forum.

My last two sets of wheels have been motorbikes (postie and a Spada) and I've now decided that a car is the way to go.

Being 6"4', it's only natural that I'm interested in a mini hehe...

I've been doing my research and haven't been able to find any stark differences between models. I wanted to check this one out today but it was sold yesterday it looks to be an absoloute bargain, but then again it might have been a rustbucket:

http://carpoint.com.au/used-car/LEYLAND ... 51278.aspx

What I'm after is an everyday commuter which is reliable. I have a budget of $4500.

What would you guys recommend?
Any pointers?

Thanks heaps,

Justin (edgeyhill)

_________________
edgey

hey mate, your best bet is to justkeep looking, 4500 is a good budget, and should buy u a good mini, keep an eye out on the forsale section here, and also the mini clubs website

_________________
-jamie-
1963morris 850
1965 solid side van
1994 rover racecar

Justin, your a smart bloke. a budget of $4500 WILL get you a good, decent, driveable mini. Some things to look for that make one car worth more than another is motor size (eg a 1275cc is generallly worth more than 998cc) but if you do get 1275 mak sure it's got front disc brakes, which is also a good thing to have. Roundnoses (60s models and some really early 70s) are usually more desireable than a clubman (like the one in the photo, hey are a 70s model. Ausmini is a wealth of mini info, just ask questions and you'll more than likely get a good, honest answer.

<edit> that LS add claimed that the mini has 'power steering', i hav never ehard of or seen a mini with power steering, they don't need it. That is still false advertising though.

You should post an add in the 'wanted' section.

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

yeah just keep a look out - it may take some time to find the right one for you.

slinkey - 1275cc must have discs in NSW - not sure if its applicable everywhere

_________________

a girlfriend would be cheaper

Sure is the law here too. What I emant was, if 1275 needs disc brakes, if it is small bore (850, 998, 1100) doesn't need them but is a good thing to have, I personally would go discs on every mini I have, both minis I have are 1275's and both need discs so they have them anyways.

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

Hey Justin, I work in North Sydney! maybe we can get together and chat about my favourite topic!

_________________
Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

wow! thanks for the tips everyone!

Personally I'd prefer an 850 over the larger engines, but that's just me. I'm not after a rocket... plus and 850 leaves scope for upgrading

I'm not too fussed between a roundnose and a clubman. Though clubmans are newer...

slinkey - yes I'm definately after discs. I'd happily buy a cheaper mini with drums all round and add discs myself. My first motorbike was a postie bike (Honda CT110) which had drums front and rear - not good when riding/driving in any traffic, yet alone Sydney traffic.

Lillee - could do! I'm trying to find out as much as possible before spending any money, so a chat would be great! Do you guys meet up as a group for drives or coffee or anything like that?

thanks again guys, and keep the advice rolling in

_________________
edgey

If your after a 850, i know of a genuine 2 owner 20,000 mile old morris 850, looks like it left the factory yesterday, although its a few grand above your budget, let me know if you want more details.

Doogie

_________________
I won Hay once, here's the pic to prove it..


Hay, it's not about the car, it's not about the venue, it's about the people that come here. Peter Dwyer, Mayor of Hay NSW.

so by looking at that leyland on carpoint..what can you mini expert people tell me about it?
i know its going off not much info but you might be able share some info

Not sure if that Mini was a 1275LS either. All the interior seemed to be wrong. No velour upholstery and only a 2 gauge dash.

hey mate,

my name is Chris and i am the promotions manager for the Mini Car Club of NSW.

Why not come along to one of our monthly gatherings and ask as many questions
as you like! there are mini nuts from both age spectrums (i am 21, the older members
are close to 70) so youll be gauranteed to get a good range of advice!

The next meeting is on the 5th of January at the Veteran Car Club of Australia Hall, 134 Queens Rd Five Dock. Arrive 7.30pm for an 8.00pm start

There will be loads of mini nuts there, as well as some minis as well!

If you hvae any questions on that, please feel free to email me at [email protected] or call me on 0419 618 139

Cheers
Chris

I drove that mini that was on carpoint he only wanted 2500 for it at his yard. The motor was good and the box ok but the body was junk roof gutter was eaten away A panels needed to be replaced and the new paint only hid so much. I doubt any proper pink slipper would have passed it for rego.

Be very glad you didn't buy it

Steve

sounds like i wont bother checking it out then, from the hills to wherever it is seems like a fair way just to look neways.
and thanks for the info

Thanks for the invite Chris, I'll definately try to make it on the 5th.

Thanks for setting me at ease Steve, I knew that there had to be something wrong with the Carpoint mini as the price was too good to be true!

_________________
edgey

yeh..i might try and make it there..depends if i have to work back.
ill try my best