Is a stock rebuilt mini reliable? Are they a good daily.

There will be a million different responses to this thread but the short version of a long story is:

If the car is in good condition, regularly maintained, the driver can identify problems before they happen, spare parts used are genuines, and the car is not thrashed - it will last forever.

Start cheapening out on parts, driving like a madman, modifying crap, your troubles will begin.

If you keep all the old "orgional" tech then it's less reliable and or needs more maintance. Replace the old style dizzy with an electric one, use an altenator instead of a generator, the carby could be up graded from the old SU (with the float bowl on the side) to a HIF 6 carby and disc brakes instead of drums.

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Respect mine and I'll respect yours.

I would say 'mostly'. The electronics are notoriously bad. On my mini, I have replaced the alternator and put in electronic ignition (a bit over $200 all up).

Drum brakes are reliable, but require more maintenance. They work as well as discs the first time you brake too

The engines are pretty good all round, but most have and will be thrashed. The gearboxes are probably the weakest mechanical link.

I drove my car to work everyday for 14 years without any breakdowns.
I did upgrade the starter and distributor in that time.

I never used any valve saver oil and I still run a generator.

I think this idea they're unreliable is a hang over from their last days as university hacks, teenagers first cars and paddock bashers.

Try to repair wear items by replacing them with other used wear items and bad results follow. That was my experience with unreliable minis anyway. Shoddy repairs performed on a shoe string budget.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

my last car was a toyota 1986 liteace van - I think I spent as much time fixing and replacing parts on that than I have on my 46 year old Mini since I've had it back on the road, tho the Mini is far easier to work on! - ever tried replacing filters and plugs thur a hole under the passenger seat?!

but, in this weather just now, I don't know how reliable the Mini would be!

edit - and I have used the Mini as my everyday car since it's been back on the road for the last couple of years. the only breakdowns were running out of fuel (didn't suss out the fuel gauge correctly doh!) and my distributor packing in - luckily only a k or so from home and now have an electronic one fitted

I like the phrase of shadenfreude - when I see some brand new car with the bonnet up at the side of the road and the poor sod looking under the bonet thinking uh??

All cars are prone to be unreliable. It's the nature of the beast, being aware of it and what to be able to do about it is the thing

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1968 Mini-Matic

I found that wet weather was not a problem as long as everything is kept working as new and clean.
A simple water (and road grime) deflector in front of the distributor and a spotlessly clean motor and it will keep running.

I've been driving my clubby to work daily for a few months now.
It's got me there and back everyday so far...
I've also spent at least every second weekend fiddling with with things to fix problems or check things I've noticed while driving.

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1975 Hairy Lime/White Clubby
Build Thread: http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=80657

I think your local area/town/route will factor into your mini's suitability to be driven daily. A gentle commute in light to non existent, courteous traffic and a mini will be an enjoyable companion.

Asking it to cope with a commute alongside inconsiderate, arrogant drivers in modern cars in heavy traffic will stress not only you but the poor car also.

Plenty of folks might disagree, but not many modern drivers will be sympathetic or understanding of the idiosyncrasies of a 60yr old design trundling along at a dignified pace.

My 3 daughters have used minis as daily drivers for years, and as long as they bring them home every six months for a service and maintenance then the problems are very few.
Worst part is the drum brakes and the rust, but regular maintenance and replacing basic parts like brake wheel cylinders every 12 to 18 months they have very few issues.

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1969 Cooper "S"
1967 Mini Deluxe
1973 Clubman Van (the fleet spare)
1978 ex 1275 LS ("Wizard" Eaton Supercharged)
2015 HSV GenF GTS(occasional drive & tow car)
2019 MINI F55 Cooper S

Right on

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"Show me the Mini!"

I can vouch for that, when i started spending money on new parts rather than trying old/secondhand ones, my mini miraculously started working better...

As above, maintain it and respect it and you will have no worries. If you are used to modern cars that get taken in for a service when the sticker says so you will find any old car unreliable

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78 Leyland Mini - Prince

But driving a mini is SO MUCH FUN through city traffic

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78 Leyland Mini - Prince

been using my 73 van for last 3 years keep up the oil changes and the standard preventative maintenance
no problems and it is so much fun and the envious looks you get so good

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65 panel van Sprog
73 panel van Iggy