Reasons you Should or Should NOT Own a Mini
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- Опубликовано: 5 июл 2024
- On the fence about buying a classic mini? Or any other classic car for that matter? This might help.
Table of Contents
0:00 Intro
0:17 Reasons you should own a mini
2:26 Reasons you won't own a mini
4:31 A good old sound clip
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It's uncomfortable, it's loud, it smells bad, IT'S PERFECT.
Should have added 1984 Mini, RH drive, 1275
You end up smelling like the car.
Classic cars do not smell bad, they smell delicious
That reminds me of a girl when out with
Recently bought my mini as a first car and I love it! Bought it as a non-runner while having no experience with fixing cars at all. I spent a few weeks kneeling down in front of it on the driveway trying to get it running. The funny thing is - so many people saw me struggling with it and decided to come have a chat and try to help out, eventually a mechanic saw me and offered to take the mini into his garage for free. He got the car running and I gave him a box of beers as thank you. Absolutely wonderful!
i want one so badly where did you buy yours because i’m having a hard time finding one for under 5000$ i don’t care if it’s not running I’m willing to fit it
Parts availability is a huge bonus too
This! And the parts a relatively cheap as well! As someone who has both a 70's muscle car and an Alfa Romeo, it's kind of liberating to buy good parts for cheap.
@@sjowe before I got the mini I had a 1979 Mazda 323 RWD Wagon, and apart from gaskets, shocks and bushes there was literally zero parts available. It’s so nice to be able to order any part you need, and google any part number and it turns up
You have almost everything new for them. Except front parts for Clubman and 1275...
I just bought my first classic mini! I pick it up tomorrow. I can’t wait
Awesome, congrats!
Have fun, currently getting mine back on the road
How do you like it so far?
@@brianschoeneck4384 I love the car. I wish I would have bought one sooner
How are you enjoying your mini?
I watched this and nothing changed about me wanting a mini, I’d love the attention, I’d love to drive it everyday and I’m not gonna let it sit there, I’m hopefully gonna get one when I pass my final exams
Maybe I missed the story, but if not can you please expand on the “Lake adventures!”
Detoured - Classic cars on Vancouver Island
He has a video of the trip and as always is a good watch!
I own my Mini for about 19 years now and i totally agree with Phill. Mine is very reliable, i do all the repairing myself. Right now its stripped to the bare shell and gets a refresh, because my Mini gave me so much trust, so much fun and beatyfull moments. So, if you can, buy one and let that car be part of your life. Enjoy the ups and downs of that great machine.
Beautiful!
The number one thing how to know a Mini is a car to be driven: Never been fitted with bloody cupholders!
At least not from factory.
Had 5 over the years last one was a 98 rover mini mpi saw it years later on eBay it’s not scrapped but not taxed or mot I checked on line it’s probably in a shed somewhere used to love when someone was tailgating then you hit a country road twisting and turning and the car behind just disappearing .
Just bought a 1982 mini, waiting for it to be delivered. Found your channel, loving it so far!!!
Welcome aboard!
Welcome!
Congrats! We bought one recently too. SMCO already worked on it and made it so much more enjoyable. A real joyride.
Great video, I love everything about a Mini haha! However although the attention isn't always the best bit, I do love the fact that they make people smile and laugh as they remember their stories of the Mini!
I have a Morris Minor and it's the same. In fact I get people hanging out of windows filming me as I drive, constant thumbs up and the worst is the people who honk when right on top of you. But I am sure this is how God prefers we live. You could drive a modern car from coast to coast and not one person would speak to you... I can barely make it to the next cross street without having 3 conversations. These cars unite humanity in a way little else can, and that can only be a good thing.
Not many classic cars handle like a mini! If you want to turn right in a mini you actually turn right. Cheers from Australia.
I totally agree on the attention. I love to see people having a big smile, kids jumping up and down waving, people taking pictures and video on the freeway. The biggest joy for me is tough see how much people love and and enjoy seeing one drive by.
women love the mini, And the good thing is, when you pick up a woman in your mini, you never are suspicious that you want toshow off and impress, like you might in a 911 or a Jaguar.
But I also have to admit:. women love the Mini when you meet them or date them . Once we were married , my wife started complaining about leak of comfort and Safety and asked me why I would not sell it. But my Mini has survived all of my previous relationships altogether
I've had a succession of classic MiniVANs since passing my driving test 1968! Currently restoring my 1981 van to the highest standard, just for shows, cruising, and FUN. Classic Minis are (as you say) simple, ALL parts available, few specialist tools required, affordable (compared to newer cars), TUNABLE, DIY-able (except for maybe bodywork repairs & spraying?), they are becoming VALUABLE (esp. the vans £15,000 and UP), and when set up carefully, the handling is still outstanding compared to many other modern eurobuckets. They are still the most popular car on the amateur racing circuits, for all the above reasons. Reliable? In my memory, I've had only three breakdowns in all those years, two coil failures (I always carry a spare now), and one dizzy cap shortout. I have always been meticulous in maintaining my 'vans, that's important, but that's fine for me as I like 'hands on'.
And always a talking point, swap stories, have a laugh wherever - almost everyone over 30 has had a Mini. 👍👍
Oh, and if driven gently - economical.
All comments are spot on…the last one, bang on.
It so so so wants to be driven and boy are they fun to drive.
Hope the car down by the lake is all good.
Your video quality is second to none. tHanks for another great video!
Those are two very cool Minis. Flexmini's mini and I love Ollie (car 26).
So glad you guys are posting again! Hopefully we’ll see more content. I’m getting a JDM soon so perhaps you can do videos on working with the AC units found in those cars.
If you go on the mini forum you can get all the manuals including ICE /workshop/ AC manuals
You Know your stuff, nice work. Just bought my Mini Sky after 40 years apart from my first one!
Missed more technical content from you guys!
Very succinct comments and all true. Now get out there and buy one!
I had a 1071 years and years and years ago. I have now got a BMW mini, believe it or not I got the buzz back again. 🇬🇧
Love their style!
Phil, you nailed it on the head! Hope you and the crew are doing well
Hey, thanks for the amazing videos. I saw you had a tool bag/roll that you take with you in the mini. Can I ask what tools you bring around with you while you drive? Trying to figure out the must have bits and bobs. Thanks again!
Hey man cool video I live in ireland I've got two minis and every time I take my mini for a drive to the grocery store it's like a magnet for women the last time I parked my mini at my local grocery store I just parked up and this hot red head came out of the store I could see she spotted my mini and she was walking across the car park and the closer she got to me the bigger her smile got and she stopped and just said waw love your car and we chatted for a bit about the mini then it started to rain and she ran to her car and smiled and waved as she drove away the car starts the conversation it's a talking point I was gonna sell it but man I'm not sure now 😎
The mini cooper is a wander full car I love it I have been owning a Austin mini Cooper MK2 in sri lanka its is with me for a 30 years this car is my father's gift wen I was 21 years now I am 56 years old I still love the car it has good memories I use the mini to work 3 days a week it super car
Dude. You are a legend. You are absolutely right
By the way your videos were very helpful during the assembly of my mini
I just finish the restoration of my 1976 mini.I own it since 2015 and except the paint work all the other jobs did by myself. It is very easy to work on a mini even for first time (my job is totally different).it took me 7 months but now I can enjoy it again in the narrow and full of turns roads of the small island of Samos in Greece...The mini is my only car by the way but the biggest distance here is 80 km from side to side of the island....so the mini is perfect
Nice work! Sounds like a dreamy place to drive one.
ruclips.net/video/fwRkbm4qGng/видео.html
Totally agree with all that Philip. The drawing a crowd can be a tad annoying if you’re in a hurry somewhere and when people ask what year it is etc sometimes it’s hard to be in the mood to talk when you’re thinking of where you have to be. I just leave myself extra time if I know I need to stop for petrol lol
Got to plan that extra time in! It takes some getting used to.
“If you own it, you should drive it” 💯
Man that last "Why not" kinda hurt my feelings. LOL. Mine has been sitting in my garage for a few years now due to engine issues. Kinda got defeated and gave up on her. I really need to get her running again.
It's not meant to get you down. Anything is possible with some time and persistence! Sounds like a good winter project.
Oh I know it wasn't. Just need to get motivated. It's hard when I don't know a ton on what to do to figure it out. Thought I had things figured out at one time...NOT. Then something else happens. Then that got me discouraged.
Thanks! another excellent video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I really miss my Minis, brilliant little go-karts for the road. Times when I'm asked if someone should get a Mini, I always say yes SO LONG AS, you have a basic set of tools and time to spend with it, because you're going to need them! For me it was always an adventure of "Will I get to work today!", never a dull moment haha. Not owned a mini for two decades now. Would I do it all again if I had the space to keep one? You bet
Right on! The will I get to work today question is a real one.
Bought green bean my wee 96 spi in the Fall, and 4months later after lots of wrenching almost sold it today seeing the prices at auction. Something stopped me and after bumbling around Lake Country this weekend, realized these little cars get under your skin in a good way! Now to learn more about wiring and electrical. Any videos planned on Classic Mini wiring in the future?
impatiently waiting on getting a classic mini. I need to find a good side hustle so that I can afford one
That engine behind Phil in the first part of the video looks dreamy. I would love to drive a mini with that in it 😎
Could you imagine!!
Going to Whistler in a classic Mini! (sommer, post-Covid)
Thank you i really love to drive mini cooper s classic.
I daily drive my classic mini and it hasnt let me down in the middle of the road yet!
Love to hear that! The minis that get driven often seem to fare the best.
i just bought a 1990 rsp mini cooper!! just need to find a welder to finish the body repairs that the pervious owner started!!
love the work wheels on your Mini! I just got a set of tires mounted onto mine and will be putting them on my mini pickup! how did your mini end up in the lake? that looks nuts!
Cheers. Phil's co-pilot was taking a turn and spun it around after a corner. Was a lucky near miss! It's in this old video ruclips.net/video/YDVisVOdE8o/видео.html
I've always loved Minis , ever since a family friend bought a new one in 1960 and I recall the excitement as a child of the hairy back seat ride being deliberately thrown hard into bends - it left an impression that has remained with me all my life !.Having owned several over the years and the last was a home built replica Austin Cooper 1275S which I foolishly sold in 1987, Iast year I had the rare opportunity of buying a 1961 Austin Seven 850 that had been entombed in a garage since 1975 with just 37k miles.It is in amazing condition and will not be fully restored - just conserved and cannot wait to get it back on the road .I totally agree with your observations, they are the only truly ' classless ' car, the impoverished and wealthy own them and driving one gives a wonderful ' superiority complex ' hard to define but not wishing to be pompous , anyone can own one if they really wanted to but you upstage anything else costing 20 times as much !.They were of course designed by order of the managing director of BMC , Leonard Lord , to eradicate the hated huge number of foreign made bubble cars that were taking over UK roads at the turn of the 1960s .
I do own a classic mini cooper I have kept a efi unit it 1275cc but it not raining much good please let me know what should I do
Another reason not to use one as your main daily is lack of comfort and features, especially if you're *ahem older like me. I've had several over the years but lately as I've got older I value comfort and convenience more than anything else and the past 3 I've had weren't my daily drive and I was glad to have a modern car too.
I hear you. Minis are way too much fun, but for a daily driver even the cheapest modern cars out there are a million times more practical and comfortable. I think we're feeling our age, too.
Ha! I'm thinking of fitting a set of grab rails to my Mini so I can get in / out. Its a bit undignified when you have to crawl out, & pull yourself up on a nearby lamp post.
The classic Mini is for me one of the best cars made but I found a perfect and might I add practical substitute for it, a 1993 Suzuki Swift!
I bought a mini a couple of months ago, I'm working on the emissions problem, it's a spi, I took it a 3-minute lap around my block and people stopped me to see it and take photos, in Costa Rica classic mini are few, I understand that there are less than 30 in the whole country, of course that represents a small problem with the spare parts I need, I have to import them from U.S. Which is the closest thing I have. in short they are funny, sometimes frustrating 😁
Bought mine a month ago. The parts lists is long, the list of repairs is long, list of things I've replaced or repaired is long.
One of the best things about the car is. It's not long. It fits in my garage with some of the other toys.
Yes it's easy to work on. Most everything is serviceable.
Some parts are pretty expensive but the majority of them are very reasonable.
They're pretty rare here in the PNW.
Even though I've had to work on mine from day one. Every time I touch it. It's an improvement. Although, every time I touch it. I find something else I need to repair or order.
I should be done with stage 1 in a few weeks. Stage 1 will get me through the summer and I'll start looking for more improvements to do next winter.
Mini's remind me of VW's in their simplicity. Although I'd say a VW is several notches down in sophistication.
One thing that always concerned me about the Mini is the sharing of engine and transmission lubrication. I thought that was a recipe for disaster..... Until I realized that 8 out of the 9 motorcycles I own are exactly the same. Duh.
It really is a neet little toy.
Fits in the garage, easy and fun to work on, cool AF.
What more could you ask....hurry up box of parts 😁
I had a “68” mini that I loved for 11 years until the right front wheel broke (aftermarket wheels/metal fatigue) and sent me into the center barricade at 60mph on the 10 freeway here in LA… but I would do it all again if I could get another EXACTLY like it… I love videos that are supposed to include cons, but they aren’t really ‘cons’ ha ha
Excellent video, With "tips" to enter the "MINI" culture
MINI stands for the modern version, the classic is referred as Mini with only a capital M. But totally agree on your comment!
Had mine for about a year now. I agree with all the yeas and nays . I’ve had 25+ cars in over 50 years of driving and it’s my first LBC. Probably my last play car. Probably see you guys after the autocross season to get the tranny re and re to fix the second gear crunch. That’s a bit beyond my comfort level of wrenching.
Shoot us an email anytime.
Plus the roadtax (taxes you pay for using your car on the road which is set amount per month or per 3 months) are insanely low dual to its low weight
Hi the wheels of Red mini are mamba 10 6 et7 ? Thanks by
Steve where in the World can I find Mini-Lite mags 10"? I would like to add these mags to my mini?
I am from South Africa
Hmm I need to get my mini to a mechanic, OR I need to get the tools to service my engine.
know issues:
-water in the oil (likely a crack in the block)
-screwed up stock engine steady (needs fresh threading on the block)
-loose gear shifter (really got to hunt for those gears)
I'm lucky the rust hasn't broke through the body yet, that is something I'll have to adress very soon since she's not sitting in a garage anymore.
My best mate in Liverpool, England owned a red mini from circa 1965-68. We had disgraceful Sixties adventures in it. It was unbeliavably spartan: I shall never forget how to slide the passenger car window, to chat up some young, er, ladies.
I only ever owned a single car myself: a 1984 Austin Metro, which was a direct descendant of the mini. It might not have had the "cool" personality of the mini but it was far more comfortable, spacious and practical. I suspect that it was also more reliable.
I’ve been looking for a mini for a bit now. I was wondering what the height restriction might be. I’m a hair short of 6’4” and I’ve been trying to find someone that has one to see if I fit but I can’t seem to find one…
If you want to own a classic MINI you need to have a lot of time. To drive it, to fix it. To have fun with it
I want to build one after I restore my Honda n600
Currently considering/searching for a Miata (NA) for my first project car as I'm finishing up college this year. A classic mini has been my dream since I got my current modern mini as my first car. Is the classic mini a viable alternative to a Miata for learning to work on something with very little background knowledge/skill?
It's definitely a car you can learn on. And to be fair, both are. The bigger differences are that the Miata will have a much more modern design for just about everything, and then FR vs FF.
"minis are meant to be driven" I'm curious what car this doesn't apply to?
There are millions of classics out there that just sit in a garage.
@@Stevestonmotorco I know I have one,a 90 something Mini.
Great video 👍🏽👍🏽
Thank you! 👍
So buy a Gen 2. They won the national highway safety awards for "mini" years!
What specs does the 26 have?
Owning a mini for a year now, among other cars and I can't agree more with you.
Just an exception about the attention you can get, I think it depends where you live. Here in Europe, minis are common (probably more than in the US or Canada) and people are used to it. They might get a lot of positive attention, but it's fine and you can live with it. I've got a Chevy C10 and it drives way more attention here than the mini.
Also, one of the good reason to own a mini is definitely the availability of parts and their price. Mini parts are affordable, and most of the repairs can be done by anyone. It's cheap to maintain, cheap to drive and it looks great. One of the best compromised for a car enthusiast.
Interesting about the attention, but it makes sense since they must be more common compared to the old Chevy. And good point about the parts.
do you guys get many clubmans in Canada ?
3rd reason to own is absolutely true. I sold my 70 Dodge Challenger last year and bought an SPI and haven't looked back. I keep saying that I 'failed by succeeding' with the Challenger. It was fully restored and beautiful and I didn't want to park it anywhere, get it dirty, risk damage, or take it to the store and getting it out to drive was an event. We've had a ton of fun driving our Mini and that's not including all the waves and conversations about the car. I'll pull it out anytime to take a quick drive because it's so enjoyable. No more classic car baggage.
Classic car baggage! Going to borrow that term :)
Oh, and congrats on the mini
Ok want another one now.....regardless of the problems....🙄🤣👍👍
Great video....about to have 850 likes....
Spectre Type X in the background? 👀
Hey guys, there's a brown mini in the background at some points, which looks like it has an intake on the rear quarter feeding the engine in the boot. Where can I get one from!
Cheers
That scoop was created exclusively for the Spectre Type X that will be released soon. More info on www.spectrevehicledesign.com/
I was going to buy a classic mini for my first car but my mom said they were too unreliable..
hi, can I fit the motolita steering wheel to the '98 rover mini that comes with an airbag as standard? what kind of boss should I use? thankyou
You want a boss for the MG MGF. Those are pretty easy to track down
@@Stevestonmotorco is it possible if I switched the steering shaft to the non-airbag model from the earlier models? in that case it would be easier for me to find the boss kit in Indonesia
I need something more modern, like a classic mini😄
is that spectre type 10 on the background??!
oh shit just saw your next video! didnt know you are the people behind spectre. cheers
The classic Mini makes me feel so proud to be English.
in srilanka we do not have enough spares.that is the case
Also size? :)
mini makes people happy
I already have a r53 Mini cooper s. But what years classic mini are good?
They're all "good", it depends more on what you want in terms of carbureted vs FI, old vs newer, etc. Check out our Buyer's Guide video for tons more info.
@@Stevestonmotorco thx. Will check it out. This should be a deep rabbit hole lol
How about a d16 swap left hand drive?
❤️ Mini ✌🏻
The non-existent suspensions are the main reason to not own, in my opinion. Utterly uncomfortable for every road (except maybe a racing track). I can deal with no AC, rattling noises (and squeaky noises, banging noises...) with a smile on my face, but I'd kill for a normal ride.
Mini tends to overheat. Well !!! At least on my Mini. I have 2 radiators and four radiator fans. I am still not happy with the engine temperature.
About how much are Mini's going for these days? Ones that need a slight bit of work
£4000 maybe for one that's running but a bit rough round the edges
I don't work on sideways engines . M.G. is good enough. 👍
Saludos 👍
Hi!
🇲🇽
I am lucky that I have my mini for 30 years now ( a 1974 innocenti Cooper), because according to that guy there is no good reason not to have a mini. But what will al the poor guys do , who did not get one in time? there are by far not enough classic Minis left for everybody
Have you successfully manage to sell one to a Singapore owner ?
Hi, we only sell our parts.
@@Stevestonmotorco so if I were to ask you to buy a old mini and build it up . Would it be a possible to export it to Singapore ?
"Minis are affordable"........... really? not sure about the price in the states but in the UK they are getting harder and harder to find an affordable working example. But yes, they are a weekend toy and are meant to be driven hard.
Keep looking. One will pop up. I got a peach of a 1990 Checkmate 3 years ago for £3000. Flew all the way to London, got a mate to drive me to Dorking, and drove all the way home to Glasgow with a huge smile on my face. Nothing mechanically gone wrong with it yet. But just the best fun you can have on 4 wheels in my opinion.
I sold my fully restored 1978 Van for 7000 euros 5 years ago, some nice ones are nearly double that price these days
How tall can you be and still fit comfortably?
We've had customers up to 6'5" who fit comfortably. Especially after installing our seat brackets and steering column drop bracket. There's a lot of cabin space, so it's all about maximizing it by getting the seat further back and lower.
I'm quite a tall guy (195 cm) and I can easily fit into classic MINI. Even without any changes in steering wheel or seats
6"4 human man fits just fine!
With some of your engine swaps, do you guys have a 1275 for sale laying down somewhere? 😂
Not at the moment! They are usually 998s and autoboxes :)
El 998 bien tuneado puede ser fabuloso
@@RobinTheMini si pero el mío es automático y quiero cambiar por uno manual
@@Stevestonmotorco if you guys ever get a1275, I would be interested, love the videos 👍🏽👍🏽
Reason #4 …. You will have as much fun at 30mph as any other car at 40/50/60+
Reason#5…you will not stop smiling
Reasons to own: Most smiles per gallon, and most smiles per horsepower (and that is exponential the faster it is).
If your frightened to break your car, maybe a mini isn’t for you. There are two kind of mini driver. Those who have broken their mini, and this who are going to break their mini.
Top reason for owning a classic Mini: why wouldn’t you ?
Another unfortunate downside: safety, or lack of
True. Being in an original Mini in modern traffic can be a bit scary if you're not a confident driver. Even standard SUV's are enormous.
I always tell my wife 'don't worry about me getting hurt in my Mini if I'm in an accident, cause I'll be dead." Just set your expectations correctly and you'll be fine.
The real Mini's have what I'd describe as 'active safety' meaning that round thing called steeringwheel plus the handling keeps you out of accidents! Also its less of a target for SUV's since its so small 😉
@@thatdudeinorange2297 Being much smaller than modern cars doesn't make you a target, you're just not seen in wing mirrors so you have to allow for and predict other people's mistakes more than usual.
Why own one? Parking is everywhere. Fuel economy is awesomeness! And why drive a boring car?
well said
Cupholders on wheels= boring cars!
The 4th reason...."The Italian Job".
Minis are absolutely NOT cars to be driven in all weather. They suffer badly from rust and they have so many water traps. Plus the wipers are tiny and only wipe about 60% of the windscreen 😂