Micky B wrote: G'day
I'm lookin at purchasing a already dismantled car to restore/mod. What are the most common problems with the old minis that i should look for, ie common places for rust or damage, and are there any typical signs that a car has been abused?
Cheers
Welcome Micky...
generally speaking.....as above for the rust inspection...
have a good look underneath the car....if you see lots of dints and bent things...then it could have had a hard time....from then on it is the same as assessing any older car....if there are paints chips in all the usual places like door jambs, bonnet, front valance etc and if the whole interior generally looks tired and very well used ..well it could have had a hrad time....
Check condition of all glass and rubbers...a badly crazed windscreen is no fun at all.
Check for a rattley, smokey engine...that could be expensive for you...
my pet...check the steering free play....rock the steering wheel to and for and look when the wheels start to move...excessive movement on the steering wheel without much happening to the wheels??? you have found the first thing that needs to be done!! 
road test if able, does she steer straight? brake test...pulls up nice and straight also?? Does the engine rock back an forth excessively?
any unusual noises?..clutch OK...graunchey gears?? Noisey gearbox on the overun?? or through the gears?? Gear change action OK??
CV Joints...find a big car park and slowly do the tightest circles you can...first one way then the other....listen for a clicking sound from the driveshafts...clicking can mean you need to overhaul CVs or couplings
look under the bonnet after your run...any obvious signs of oily smoke from anywhere? any sign of oil leaks? (look carefully all over and under the engine/gearbox)
Fuel leaks!! can you smell petrol or see any fuel line or anything that looks dodgey??
General cleanliness of the engine compartment may give you some indication of whether the previous owner looked after it or its just been to the steam cleaners!!
Check tyres for tread depth...if it has been sitting for years in the one spot with deflated tyres you will probably have to buy 4 new ones.
Check general condition of wiring loom and electrical connections...looking for frayed or bodged connections. The battery is in the boot! if you can...have a look under the battery at the condition of the box it sits in...a common rust area.
While you are there, check the condition of the spare, check the condition of the fuel lines and tubes.
and anything else you think to check  good luck 
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Check the car numbers (rego paper is easiest) and check for the date of the car (windscreen wiper motor, boot door lock are common places to find the exact date of the car. Early cars had a plate...