Classic Mini 101 - Buyer's Guide 

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

When I see a Classic Mini, I hit subscribe.

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

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.

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

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.

BMW should make classic mini electric variant :D for a budget price

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.

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.

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!

Rust rust and more rust Especially for UK buyers Salt roads destroy these cars Check for the panel gaps on the doors Check for oversills on the floor. These are bad as they are not vented which they should be as standard otherwise they rust from the inside out. Check the roof gutter to ensure it has a drip rail if the car is advertised as a 70's mini. If it doesn't have a drip rail it's not a 70s mini shell. If you are looking for a 1959 to 1969 mini seek professional guidance or do alot of research on what you should be looking for to ensure you are getting what you buy Did I mention rust? The cars built 1990 onwards are actually more prone to rust! The later examples are built from lower quality and badly stored and painted steel they are total rotbox's I would advise to avoid ones of this era from the UK market. American, Japanese and italian markets have alot of nice examples. Buyer beware if you are looking in the UK. You will lose your money on a scrap car if you aren't clued up. Even if you pray a pretty penny on what on the surface looks like a good car.

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

Warning. The late MPI version of the mini has an absolute garbage shell. There is likely going to be a lot of rust. Apparently, they changed the quality of steel they used to create the shells after 1997. Could be wrong about the facts but this is what I have heard from a mini restorer. I also own an MPI and can tell from first-hand experience, SO MUCH RUST.

Love it man! Would love to see a video about the 16valve cam conversion! That’s what I’m hoping to do when I import mine! I’ve only ever seen one in person.

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.

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~

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

Buyer beware of a second hand mini! The ride is great fun, but look - it was designed in a similar fashion to a bic lighter. Imagine a shady character saying “this is a classic bic lighter, and this is your chance to buy one”. Every mini is going rust in a short space of time which will be demoralizing to most anyone. Lastly, they are so dangerous to be in, especially in North America-where F150s are driven by learners with learning disabilities. Dead.

Its funny. Start of the video almost makes me feel like we are about to fight because I wanted to buy a mini and all of the sudden hes chasing me.. (just joking) :)

I saw the same as Mr beans car but in red at the start in the background

Hi guys, i'm from Brazil, and hopefully I'll buy one mini for me. Also I love your videos and tips anyway my question is: Do you have any tips for site or shop that I can import parts and acessories for my future Mini? Here is kind of difficult to find those parts, so if your guys can tell me where I can buy it, will be awesome. Sorry my bad english, and thanks for any help!

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

Thx dude. A brilliant video.....

I would think RUST would be the MAJOR thing to be careful of with a 60,s Mini!

The 1974 italian Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300 is fantastic… what do you think?

This is awesome because I'm using this video as my checkpoint list for maintenance haha. Thanks!

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.

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!!

Good stuff..Love and raced Mini's..Samoa, Seatle area mini owner association..1968

That red one with the 26 badge needs to be my Birthday Gift this October 26th all the way to Chennai Tamil Nadu, India! Lol I love Minis BTW!👼🏽🕵🏼🇮🇳🗺️👍🏼🙏🏼

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.

It’d been nice if you had some variants on display (Hornet, pick-up, Estate, Clubman) And it’d been good to explain why mk1,2,3 cooper S are so expensive.

Lovely old cars these. Just so cute and practical for city use. Undoubtedly a revival of the classic Mini in EV form may give good competition to the Honda E.

horrible for rusting.

Amazing now i know what to look for when buying my first classic mini

Hey! Thank you for the video and tips! I was wondering if you could make a video where it is more clearly to see how 4 persons in a classic mini looks like. I cant seem to find any photo or video about this...

Very instructive vidéo which give a lot of tips to well buy a mini. Thanks for sharing those details. Great job 😉👍👍👍

I owned 3 minis they were fun to drive but be prepared to work on them constantly. Ignore the automatic it's terrible.

Late to the party here but great video, i would add that any rust you see at the scuttle/wing (fender) joint will be far worse underneath. Just bought a 1988 Mini City E yesterday, it's a project, guy got all the panels done, inner/outer sills, wings, front panel, scuttle, inner/outer A panels, rear valance, spent £2000 on all that and left it, i recon he bit off more than he could chew. I bought it for £2500, going to paint it and put it back together, it's already been converted to Cooper S discs and 10" wheels, needs lowered though and nice arches fitted. My last Mini was a 72 with a 1380 Swiftune motor, back in 2008 i think ?, should never have sold it.

Awesome video! I was wondering if you had any trusted reputable dealers that sell Minis here in the US, or even outside the US?

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!

I've watched this video about 20 times ..... is there something wrong with me?

Great advice.I'm looking for a Mini from 1967-1978

Mini the Legend... until germans destroyed it with modern abomination... that was probably revenge for WW2

After watch Rowan Atkinson drive this, i really really really really really want to own one, regardless of whether it'll breakdown or not. It's one thing i always wanted to own.

Not quite correct on the auto to manual different blocks and not able to swap gearboxes. It is easily possible to convert an auto engine to a manual. You just need to know what you are doing and how to do it.

Brilliant stuff. I like your style. 👍🇦🇺

the videos are wonderful tutorials, however the background music is really annoying. it feels like being in a shopping mall ...

Do you daily your mini or do you use it only for weekends?

Like the video but this guy is inspecting the car like he’s buying a show car. Prob most of these mini are gonna need some work. Unless your paying top dollar for one

I don't want to buy a mini because I want to go to Italy to get some gold 😂 Brilliant video really enjoyed watching.

couldn't you mention where to find chassis numbers xD thanks for the video

Hello I have a 2005 mini automatic change transmission but start to drive stay in drive trasmicion no change gear

What is the colour code for the orange mini with the white roof? My wants to respray hers and loves the colour. Cheers.

Hi Steve , can I get some help in converting my mini 1998 to power steering, thanks

You need to drive a Mini in uk around county roads at 70 mph taking off over bridges lol

Very solid video

Just bought myself a 1975 Leyland Mini 1000 for my first car!

You can swap only the automatic gearbox to the manuel . BUT you need to change the front subframe or find the right spacer and modified the engine a bit

I wish the Mini's were still British, when BMW bought Mini its lost all of its character

i own one

love this video can you help me purchase a mini?

I want small mini cooper if anybody has plzzzzzzz contact me

I want small mini cooper if anybody has plzzzzzzz contact me

I want small mini cooper if anybody has plzzzzzzz contact me

11:02 : "seats four comfortably"...🤔🤔🤔

I live in Jamaica

Nice video! Should I follow for all type of mini? it's because I'm interested in buying a 1275 GT or a Clubman 1100. Help ahah

Classic Mini's are effortlessly cool.

I dont understand engin, can i buy a mini? I live in japan.

my first car was a Mini in 1971, very unreliable from new, my second car was a secondhand Mini just the opposite, very reliable, both automatics. The first Mini didn't like the rain, always difficult to start in the wet or cold weather, did find out one manufacturers fault which I fixed myself, just replaced a part, I was glad to see the back of it, but the second Mini was a lot different.

Very helpful tips, thank you for putting this together!

Thank you for your information. Where is your workshop?

I am a boy and my brother has one and my dad has one

Great video lots of good points covered. Only thing ill disagree with is you can convert a Auto block to take a manual transmission there a few guides out there on how to do it. involves a small amount of machining but its not to bad over all. also a note if the Auto box is slipping its norm due to lack of oil changes or the car has been stood for ages, it is hard to find many people left who can rebuild them as they are different to a normal auto.

which year model is he driving does anyone know?

Mini finished in 2002. In the uk anyways

8:08

How i can purchase???

Nice relaxed detailed vid. Thanks amigo 👍

If you don't have a life, get a mini.

Hi Guys, R53 owner myself, looking for a RHD classic. I love the video but i have to say, you'll refer to "you'll want this model if thats the case"..........what model? never in the video did you ever say if you like "X" package, you'll want a 1966 to 1971 etc...... so i'm left with still wondering what years offer what packages etc. :-( Bummer because the video was very good! Wondering what year the model you kept showing that was larger engine, power brakes, AC etc.

😮wooooowwwwwww! Love your work bro. Beautiful video. Very informative. Thumb's up for your hardwork. Keep making these kind of videos. Stay blessed.🙂👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Thanks for these tips. Will look into them as I’m planning to buy one. How much they should cost? I see prices vary from expensive to very expensive 20k to 45k in AUD even when i looked up to bring over from Japan no much difference. Looking for basic standards 1995-1999 Austin mini how much should they cost with odo lets say 120k km?

Thanks for this video. Most of these cars are older than me and I wouldn’t know what to look for.

Dang it, I need a garage!

Please note for California buyers, you CANNOT legally bring in a Mini after the 1967 model year. DMV WILL NOT register it. It would take a lot of illegal paperwork to convince DMV.

Pero en La Argentina es re caro.tooodooo !!

If you find one without rust - buy it.

Thank you for your elaborate & informative demonstration. Can you please direct/refer me to any manufacturer, who builds replica mini mk IV (right hand drive automatic)? Thank you.

Go for a 1275cc with dual-circuit disc brakes & manual NOT auto trans.....fuel injection is not classic car spec IMO

I don't care if it's old, Ive always wanted one.

A series motors shed metal shavings like crazy. Thats why they have a big magnet in the drain plug. Thus sharing the oil with an automatic it isn't if its going bad but when... Must change oil & filter every 3,000 miles.

If there's a 'clunk' on the transmission it could be the idler gear shims have not been measured correctly. This limits the side play on the helical gears. I had one with this fault and eventually the bearing itself failed requiring a complete gearbox replacement. In 1971 this cost me £98.70 and I haven't forgotten it. The aluminium ground out of the bearing housing got pumped round the engine big end bearings and resulted in an engine rebuild. This was no fault of the Mini only cowboy engineers.

Good vid but do you know who designed the Austin 7 ( mini) you never mentioned the the rear sub frame that gave lots of problems!1 I was a BL mech 70's 80.s in uk and minis were our bread and butter.best regards

Don't forget check the boot for rust.

I love the classic Mini's, there's one for sale near me that I want but unfortunately I don't have a spare £8k 🤦‍♂️😪

I replaced a million ball joints, engine stabilizer bushings and track rod ends. Such fun! usually you don't have to ream the rear arms when you replace the bushings.

It's amazing how you look back and you see there was a time when European actually built solid simple reliable fun cars on par with or even better than Japanese cars. Now most known European brands are making overcomplicated unreliable throwaway cars

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