Classic Mini 101 - Buyer's Guide

If you're new to minis, this video is an introduction to some of the things to look for when buying your first mini. Disclaimer: this isn't a thorough pre-purchase inspection guide or a guide for the seasoned collector. If you'd like to see more content like this video, let us know in the comments!

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[mikespencer]

I wish all reviewers were this good! Expert. Articulate. No jargon. Minimal repetition or hesitation. Really well done.

[nightrider]

I can’t explain how much I want one it’s been my childhood dream car for as long as I can remember

[DawleyDude]

No matter how far gone these cars are, they can always be saved. Thats the beauty of them. Simple mechanics, simple panels, and unless you have an ultra rare version, you can use after-market parts or bits from other cars, ive seen early 2000 rover versions with 60s and 70s parts because the owner wanted a more modern engine/performance but old trim.

[danielreigada]

Great video! I love the old style minis. I was stationed in England for 2 years back in the early 90s ('92 - '94) and at the time these were all over the place. I remember that nearly all minis at the time had rust bubbles in the A-panels. I had an Austin Metro, which, if I'm not mistaken is mechanically almost identical to the mini but with a different body. It had the 998cc A+ series engine, a sidedraft carburetor with a manual choke and the hydrolastic suspension.

[scooterbob]

While still living in the Philippines, I had a field job so I decided to buy a used 1964 Austin Mini 850. I had a lot of fun driving it but after a year, I began to experience a lot of mechanical problems. Imported parts were expensive then, so I had no choice but to sell it at a small profit. I then bought a more reliable brand new Honda motorbike which I used for so many years trouble and accident free and also had a lot of fun riding it.

[Banoma]

For rust, also check behind the glass and windscreen. It can suprised people when you remove the glass.

[gtr]

Good vid!! Classic Mini was my very first dream car. Had the luxury of test driving one roughly 10 years ago and reignite the flame. Now that I am older and financially able, I am looking to get myself in the distance future~

[YonniFui]

Im not looking to by a classic mini but thevideo showed up in my feed and I decided to watch it. In the beginning he lost me but at the end he convinced me to get one. I own a 2013 6spd mini cooper s n18 r56 and now I want a 4spd carbureted classic mini.

[avivscrewvalla]

It's great to see your films getting more entertaining with each new release! Well done!

[stevep]

Ensure you have a cover over the dizzy as like me you'll be down to 40mph on the motorway in the rain, very scary!
These cars are legends in their own lifetime I would love another one, I had a go in a fiat seicento it's not a mini in anyway but it had it's own character.
Whoever coined the phrase "everybody should drive or own a mini at least once in their life time" was spot on you don't know what driving is until you drive one of these.
Mine was a bog standard 998 and left a Scooby for dead in the lake district that's what they are b road aniahlators viscorel simplistic entities that get under your skin, if you own one don't adorn it with baubles get it running properly and enjoy the smiles they bring you!

[duffieldaj]

Am a retired mechanical engineer and have built many a mini from an early age involving every nut and bolt. I have had some great fun in them and in the 1970's that was the car to have and the girls loved them and yes you can. I have built some powerful engines for my minis, but they do have one issue limiting the amount of power and the amount of hard driving. They are a 3 bearing crankshaft and if you are going to start fitting a stage 2 - 3 head and a hot cam not forgetting better aspiration, then you must fit and line bore a steel centre main, fit a good oil pump, lap the relief valve and stretch the relief valve spring to give you high oil pressure. Also fit an oil cooler and a good oil pressure gauge and keep an eye on it. Oils are much better now as of the 1970-80's so that will help. However I am thinking of building another hot Mini even at my age.

[peterfeltham]

Nice to listen to a person who really does know what he's talking about.And why the hell aren't these amazing cars still being made en mass.

[adammillard]

I once drove my 850cc mini down a hill and onto an empty parking lot with virgin snow. I put on the hand brake and turned the steering wheel hard over to the right then proceeded to do about three full 360 degree spins. What great fun!

[hadynmcloughlin]

Great video for the beginner looking to buy one. Had a 850 as my first car 20 years ago and now looking for another one at the age of 40. New sub. Happy Easter

[jamesworley]

Excellent video! Everything you said is correct. I would have liked to see a little more detail on the different Mks for example Mk1 & 2 with external door hinges, sliding windows. Mk2> Square rear lights. Mk3> roll down windows. Mk4> Reserve lights. Technically all mini's are right hand drive but factory converted for left hand markets. AC was Japan spec only. Maybe a future video on some of the other models like the Moke, Van, Pick ups, Rover Cabrio and ERA Turbo.

Being from England and of a certain age I've had a Mini since I was 16. They used to be 10 a penny but getting harder to find. I'm 36 now.

Ps. You can get two adult males and 2 mountain bikes INSIDE a Mini Saloon! First remove the passenger seat. Now take the wheels off the bikes. Your mate sites behind the driver and the bike frames and wheels fit nicely into the passenger footwell.

[classicminidiy]

Great video guys. I might go so far as to say I like this more than the buyers guides I did haha. Very clear an concise. 👍🏼 I would love to come see you new shop sometime.

[USBbadger]

for rust check where the subframes mount, boot floor, battery tray, floor pans and in the rear pockets either side of the rear seat.

[未来Past]

AAHHH, Im so excited!!!. Ive been re visiting all your videos because I recently found out that i will be getting my first classic mini (as my first car) this month so ive been learning as much as i can about my car and how to maintain it. Your videos are a great help!!

[bonzobanana]

What a great video, no padding just fast clear valuable information. I've owned 3 Mini's in my life (I'm in the UK) and such great fun, it can make any journey a fun journey. I drive a largish estate car now, it feels safe and very practical but it's like going from a bicycle to a wheelchair.

[galaxietw]

I own a mini and it definitely "not the car for the introvert"--totally agree.