Hi all,
I’m new to the forum, and chasing a bit of advice.

I don’t own a mini yet, but that is something that I am looking to change, and I just thought I’d ask a few questions so I don’t buy myself a headache. I had a ride in one of my mates minis ages ago, and swore that I’d buy one – one day.

I’m in a position now where I can justify one, but I would have to be able to use it as a commuter. Nothing too serious, probably 20mins on good roads each day. I guess the main thing would be that it would have to be reliable.

I’ve been eyeing off one of those rover mini’s that you see about, apparently they are imported from Japan. I thought this might be a good option, as some of them are 1999 with not a lot of km’s and have air con, disc brakes, air bags etc.


Can anyone tell me if these are a worth a look, and if it is easy to get parts/tech support for them? Also, being from Japan, are they prone to rust?

Happy to spend 10 to 15k to get my hands on a good one but just like to get an opinion from those in the know if it is worth it.

Any advice would be a great help
Thanks!

I'll get chased with pitchforks and torches for this one but I'll say it anyway:

You'd be better off with a BMW Mini Cooper S.


The reason for that is the the rover minis reliability isn't a guaranteed thing because of their age. 1999 sounds like yesterday but it wasn't - it was 15 years ago! The engines in the rovers would be lucky to get 120,000kms before a rebuild is needed, the airbags may no longer work (as they have a life of only 15 years) and the rest of the car itself is basically the same as a 1959 car - the technology, refinement and the servicing that goes with it.

As a weekender a rover mini is great - jump in start it up off you go 9 times out of ten.
For that other occasion when a sensor is on the flip or the suspension needs a rebuild you'll be glad you have a normal car to get around in in the meantime.

I couldn't agree more Harley. As someone who had the same idea and bought a rover, and has proceeded to pump another 10g into it just to keep it running over the last few years, its a nice weekend car. When it comes to a long trip, I feel more at ease in our 63 model 850, or 68 model minimatic. Why? They have less things that can go wrong (thinking efi sensors, general wiring etc). If you want a fun cheap reliable daily, buy a bmw mini or even a suzuki swift etc..

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88 Rover 1.3i "Reggie"
99 Rover 1.3i “Grover”
12 Mini Cooper S "The shitter"
17 Mini Clubman JCW “Noddy”

Thanks Harley and niceboy, I guess as reliability was my main concern, you have confirmed my doubts. I am still thinking of getting one, but I might need to get a daily driver as well.

Thanks again!

Reliability isn't the concern, its the misconception from newcomers that because it was built in a time when mobile phones existed that they must be more reliable than the older siblings.
When they were new, they were probably pretty good, but most of them these days are still on their first life, and the late rovers were some of the most poorly built of all the minis.
All these 15-20 year old rovers that are still on original bushes, engine, bearings, and everything sounds good, but really, in my opinion, are all at an age where they need a full rebuild.
Thing is, nobody selling one for $20k will tell you that it needs another 10 spent on it.
I'm predicting some cheap late model rovers coming up for sale in the near future.

I know all this because I bought a 99 model and it lasted 500 kms.
10 grand later its all good again, but I wouldn't buy another one unless it was real cheap!

Hi Loopa
Yes lots of things could go wrong, its a gamble with any car, as others have said. I agree that they are getting older and work will be needed. ah but the fun.....
Sometimes you just gotta do it, if you want to enjoy yourself and have some fun, go ahead.

Yep sold my 95 rover and bought a 06 BMW JCW cooper s couldnt be happier just love it. To keep my classic juices going am building a 64 sliding window so all good on my front.

buy a rover dont listen to anyone here steering u to a BINI
as long as the car is maintained it can be a good daily driver , and best of all your rover mini wont lose value like a bini
happy motering

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A good friend will come and bail you out of jail...but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "Damn...that was fun!"

Loopa,

Just because a car is old does not mean it can not be a reliable daily driver. Many a mini owner tries to do things as cheaply as they can, only fix things when they actually break, and generally treat a mini as a sometime weekend driver if it starts for them.

Buy a mini of any age, spend some money on it and it will be reliable. If you have a BUDGET OF 10-15000 buy a good bodied car, and spend 5000 on the mechanicals. You will have a very reliable daily driver....

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2000 Ford Festiva 'Trio' - 26kw ATW

For a daily I'd take the new mini any day. They still have that fun feel you get in an old one but they will get you anywhere any time.. Ours has done 110,000 k's without a drama of any description. And it's comfortable, quiet and goes hard!

Don't get me wrong rovers are cool, but if you get one you have to be prepared to spend money and a lot of time maintaining it to keep it "reliable"

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Potato

Thanks for the advice guys, I guess I have a bit of thinking to do now.

I have to disagree with this, I drive mine every day to and from work. I do about 400-450km a week, the only thing I have done is the normal oil changes, grease the front end regularly and put fuel in it. Has not missed a beat since putting the SPI motor in it.
So you can have a reliable and cheap car if you do regular servicing.
Cheers Pete

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A recent study found the average Aussie walks about 900 miles a year
Another study found Aussies drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year
That means, on average, Australians get about 41 miles per gallon

Kind of makes you proud to be an AUSSIE

We have a 2001 Volvo which has just had the transmission replaced and a 2004 Renault which needs a transmission replacement at $8,000. BMW MINIs do have some inherent flaws although fewer than french cars (grrrrr!).

The only thing about the later Mini Coopers is that the rust prevention is worse than earlier cars, but servicing costs are far lower than MINIs.

2 cents.

drive my 73 Leland panel van every day
as daily to and from work
and when ever I can on the weekend have done for two years

how many new cars do you see with dud light
or other things wrong

look after it. it will look after you
abuse it they will bite you

1c

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65 panel van Sprog
73 panel van Iggy

shop around you could pick up a decent restored mini for the same as what you would a rover, also you could find a restored mini might be more reliable than a rover that someone bought thinking newer is more reliable but not maintain it.

mini's like most cars are only as reliable as you make them. the jap imports are quite cheaply made like a lot of japanese small cars only built to really do 100,000k's as people trade them in at 60-70,000k's