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First Car Opinions?
https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=95312		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  SamM3982 [ Sun Apr 30, 2017 8:57 pm ]
Post subject:  First Car Opinions?
Hi all,

I am a new member to the site as my passion towards minis is only newborn. I am in the position to buy myself my first car and I was considering a classic mini. What model, year or style, I have not decided on and quite frankly I'm not sure which one to choose. I am not sure what sort of car would be suitable to be a daily driver, (which it would need to be) and how much mechanical expertise is required to maintain a mini.

I have no current mechanical experience but I am interested in the field. I don't have anyone close to fall back on for mechanical experience either.

I am in Tamworth, NSW.
Following are a few links to cars that I think are prospective buys.

1. https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/cardiff ... 1127027573

2. https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/cardiff ... 1144213323

3. https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/campbel ... 1143384935

4. https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/woodber ... 1145855529

Any suggestions, feedback or constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated.
Author:  Bill B [ Sun Apr 30, 2017 9:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Car Opinions?
Welcome to Ausmini. There is a lot of help available here.
I have learnt a lot about fixing cars since buying my first mini in 1969 - they belong to a period when regular maintenance was normal, so you need to be able to do some mechanical work. Modern cars are 'set and forget'.
When I was working, my 2 minis were daily drives and they were fine for that. Most mini owners have more than 1 mini - partly as a back-up and also because they were cheap.
Now they have become expensive.
Round-nose minis (850, Deluxe and mini k) seem to be favoured but the later 'clubman' style is really the same car.
Most are 998cc or 1098cc, some are 1275cc. They are becoming a bit slow in modern traffic unless modified.
But they are all still fun to drive.
Good luck. Post prospective purchases on here and get some feedback.
Author:  simon k [ Sun Apr 30, 2017 9:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Car Opinions?
If you have no mechanical skills, then using a mini as a daily driver is a great way to gain some!

You need to start with a car in A1 mechanical condition, then you need a mechanic you can trust who will be sympathetic and patient
Author:  timmy201 [ Mon May 01, 2017 6:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Car Opinions?
A good idea is to come along to a mini event and have a look around and ask lots of questions. Whereabouts are you?
Author:  SamM3982 [ Mon May 01, 2017 7:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Car Opinions?
I am in Tamworth, NSW.
Following are a few links to cars that I think are prospective buys.

1. https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/cardiff ... 1127027573

2. https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/cardiff ... 1144213323

3. https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/campbel ... 1143384935

4. https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/woodber ... 1145855529

Thank-you in advance for any feedback given.
Author:  bluehishouse [ Mon May 01, 2017 8:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Car Opinions?
Also keep in mind the costs. A 'newer' classic is cheaper to buy and also have some more creature comforts that older ones dont (but not many) and are easier to get some parts for since they are a bit less collectable. Just gotta be prepared for anything! I drove a garbage torana everywhere for years, i used to carry a spare voltage condensor in the glovebox and keep the rotor button in my pocket for security!

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk
Author:  MINImal effort [ Mon May 01, 2017 8:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Car Opinions?
As others have said - minis will require some mechanicing all the time. However they are fairly basic and easy to learn. (I'm another where my mini was my 2nd ever car and learnt as I went)

The cars on gumtree look to be a good start. All look to have good bodywork - which is the hard and expensive thing to fix if no good. Mechanicals are a lot easier to fix if needed. Have a good look for rust when checking any out. There are a few buying guides around on the internet (but make sure you look at a Aussie on - those in the uk have far different issues to us!)

Good Luck.
Author:  simo74 [ Mon May 01, 2017 2:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Car Opinions?
Lots of good points and advice above. I guess your budget and what you want to use the car will greatly effect what type of mini is right for you. My advice would be to buy something as complete and in good condition as you can afford, with a particular focus on the body being good (no rust). Unless you plan on doing the bodywork yourself this can be expensive to fix and generally if you can see a small amount of rust it means there will be more hiding elsewhere. The mechanical part is easier to do in mu opinion and there are plenty of people in forums and in the clubs that can help with most things. How much were you looking to spend ?
Author:  9YaTaH [ Mon May 01, 2017 2:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Car Opinions?
What they all said...

and I suggest, try and get one with disk brakes...its a jungle out there on the roads and good brakes are almost a must.

The other thing you can do is fit electronic ignition ASAP...points are not for everyone and can be an Achilles Heel, especially with the dodgy quality of some "new" parts.

At some stage, get one of the well-experienced people on here to come and give the car the once over :idea:

Above all, drive defensively...most (Oops! nearly said Soccer Mums! :oops: ) 4WDs are so high up and bowl along with a feeling of invincibility that small cars and motorcycles can be fair game :roll:

Willkommen!! :D
Author:  simo74 [ Tue May 02, 2017 10:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Car Opinions?
9YaTaH wrote:
4WDs are so high up and bowl along with a feeling of invincibility that small cars and motorcycles can be fair game :roll:

Willkommen!! :D


Ha funny you said this, my only 2 modes of transport are my mini and my motorbike, so I live with this every day. I second the comments around electronic ignition and disk brakes, they make for a more usable daily driver for sure.
Author:  p7676 [ Tue May 02, 2017 5:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Car Opinions?
Don't expect to get a Mini that you don't have to work on.P7676
Author:  1071 S [ Tue May 02, 2017 6:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Car Opinions?
While acknowledging all the comments above, you should note that a huge percentage of the 5 million Minis sold went originally to people like you... they were after transport to get to school, work or the shops... An "ordinary" Mini in reasonable condition will provide years of faithful service with just a little regular care and attention....

I used to drive my 850 (3 years old when i got it) from Sydney to Townsville several times a year (college holidays).. it never (sic) let me down. Scroll forward a couple of decades and I gave my Daughter a 76 Clubbie for her 17th birthday. She drove it to school for a year before (Dad) broke it. In that time she learnt the art of Mini driving ..destroying 4 perfectly good Contestas by going off the road frontwards, backwards and sideway... She also learnt about checking the water, oil, fuel, tyres etc etc.. and how to avoid tradies with big trucks..

Of course you will be buying a 40+ year old car so you have to be careful ..or spend some time/$$ fixing OPs bodges.

I've spent a lot less money keeping my Minis going than my Wife has spent on her Subaru etc..

Cheers, Ian

Once you do that, take a bit of care and you'll be fine..
Author:  Timbo [ Wed May 03, 2017 10:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Car Opinions?
Like many of the above I've had a Mini or a Moke since I started driving, more than 30 years ago.

If I'm being totally objective, then a classic mini doesn't compare with a modern car any more. They are slow, have bad brakes (even the ones with good brakes) and they require constant maintenance. If they had a modern ANCAP test they'd probably get a negative score ... if you crash one you will die. Inside they are smelly, noisy, cramped and ride terribly. They are cold in winter and hot in summer. They are unreliable in the rain and overheat when its hot.

BUT, I can't be objective. I love them despite all that. They are tremendous fun to drive. People wave, honk and talk to you at traffic lights (even if they are calling you "Mr Bean"). They corner like a go-cart and can be made to perform adequately well without spending too much money. Your mates will think you're nuts, but they'll all want a go.

Just don't crash it.

Tim
Author:  Stuwey [ Wed May 03, 2017 12:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Car Opinions?
I think Tim's hit the nail on the head. They're a lot of work, there's no denying that. But you'll have a ball. There really is nothing like it.

Do you have any mechanically minded family members or mates that can assist you? If not, i'd maybe shy away. If you do have some close help that you can call upon (at all hours) then get into it.

Note: Most people here including myself have them as a second or third car. There's a reason for that.
Author:  SarahAubrey [ Wed May 03, 2017 1:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Car Opinions?
I'm also on the hunt for a Mini. First time poster, thanks for the advice. It'd be my second car and I also ride a scooter and I have someone nearby who I think could possibly help with the mechanical stuff. My first car was a 1980 Corolla that would overheat over 80k so I know that older cars have their own personalities. Would you say a later model would have less rust and be more reliable? Or does it just depend on the car? Are there spots that rust hits more than others? Like the footwell (I remember my nana's Studio 2 had a hole in the floor). Very little seems to come up in Sydney, a few in WA and Qld I see. I feel a little helpless trying to find something and not knowing enough about what to look for. Many thanks
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