As long as you don't look like Quasimodo, then a Classic Mini is a Babe Magnet. A young guy borrowed my Convertible for a day and he couldn't believe the reaction he got from young women. I'm no oil painting and when I was driving the Cabrio and stopped at lights it got lots of comments from females, mainly nice car, shame about the old guy driving. Another advantage if it's RHD, you are right alongside a LHD car. Easy to chat.

It does get boring after a bit when you are waylaid every time you stop by somebody who wants to tell you they had one, or their Granny had one that she raced at Laguna.

As Mike advises....buy one already in the USA, that you can physically touch, examine, and drive.  BODYWORK is the biggest Money Pit, so check it out well.  EVERY kid in the UK grew up with minis and learned ALL the dodges of how to fake them to look good. I have even been caught out myself from time to time.  Have fun when you do get round to buying one as they are a smile a mile.  Jim

I am in Upstate South Carolina! But I wont have $7000 Till early next year.  I have only been putting money back for the past two weeks and I am up to $1000.

  But I didnt know that about the owner of MonteCarloMinis! Will Stay away from him then. Thanks!  

Don't know where you are located. I have a mid 80s 998 with disc brakes and LHD that may fit your requirements.

Steve (CTR)

Edit: I didn't see that last post before I posted. Take a look at the I have a new Chinese Moke in my shop thread. The poster sprimp and grits is your owner of monty carlo minis. A real piece of work he is. He knows as well as the rest of us the OZ and NZ mini supply is long since picked over. That will not stop him from taking your money. Do you think there is a reason he is banned from this forum for life?

Loving all the feedback! 

The Only Reason I was wondering about the importing idea is because the owner at www.montecarlomini.com said he might be able to help me get one that is from NZ and import it for me. He told me almost every British one I get would have some Rust but he has seen SOMME come out of NZ with Nothing! 

But yeah I complety understand going and looking at one. I dont think I could spend $7000 on what I see in a picture. 

So I am deffintly going to go with trying to find one that has already been imported from NZ or just one that has the least amount of rust for what I am willing to pay. 

About the GIRL part. I was just curious to wether they fancy them lol. I mean I am okay with Girls not liking my Car. I drive a Toyota Echo as my Everyday and I get laughs all the time so it okay with me. I just wanted to see what you guys had expeirenced with the LAdies and your Minis. But I am not going to let any of it get in the way of owning one. I want one nomatter what the ladies think. 

Oh and Dan Moffet. How do I search for the Post? I went up to the Search and Typed "ve9aa" and "Barney" and have turned up with nothing. 

Again Thanks So much For the Feedback! Cant wait to Upload Photos and Videos of it Next year! 

True Mike, but park a nice Mini beside a Vette or Ferrari and watch the ladies fuss over the cute little car.

Greg, see Mke (ve9aa)'s post about 10 years, and see his first Mini "Barney".

Welcome Greggggggggg ;-)

Pretty much everything you said has an element of truth to it.

Even though I have imported my Mini some years back, if I was looking for another one today, I would definately buy one in North America.  My situation might have been a bit different than yours, as I am 9 -10 hours to anywhere.  I am in NB, Canada and there are almost no Minis in any direction except the few that folks are hanging onto, whereas in the USA, you can drive 30 minutes pretty much in any direction and find Minis....some of which are for sale.  But I digress.  There are lots of Minis for sale in the US and Canada and I can tell you first hand, it's much better to see one in person.

I am geting off topic I guess.

They do command a certain small amount of attention, but it's not "all that". IE: Everytime you go out you won't get mobbed or anything.  There are times I drive mine 30 miles to work and 30 miles back and never get 1 look, 1 smile or any comments.

NOwadays I almost consider that to be a blessing, as there are other times I get  5 looky-loo's,4 waves, 3 smiles, 2 questions and a photo or two taken of me.

I do enjoy the smiles and waves from the kids.  Warms my heart.

I haven't found the girls to be falling over me.  Much to the delight of my wife I am sure. ha ha

So yes, buy as rust free of a car you can look at first, that's running, that you can take for a drive and prepare for smiles, looks, stupid questions and pictures taken of you, but I wouldn't want to give you the impression it's constant or that women are tossing undergarments and phone numbers at you.

Think of it as a "Fun Car" (and not a chick magnet as you seem to hope).

You want that; buy a Vette or a Ferrari !

Good luck in your quest

Welcome, Greggg

1. I think it would be better to buy a Mini Stateside, because of the issues around re-vins, restrictive import laws and less than scrupulous vendors. If you go back far enough on this board you will find discussions from years ago which included comments from Pmustang and Alex (if my memory serves) who had a business importing from the UK, but closed their business because they could no longer obtain Minis in condition worthy of importing for prices that could be sold for reasonable prices. In other words, the Minis were getting too bad for the money, or the money was too much to be viable or both.

You want to be able to verify its true age and true condition and that it actually runs. (See the other thread about the new Mini owner wiht the white Mini.) With north american Minis, if its for sale, chances are someone here either knows the car, is near enough to check it out, or maybe even knows the seller or their reputation.

2. Probably a reasonable amount for a work-able car, but bear in mind, if it doesn't run properly from day one, you'll get more frustration than enjoyment, maybe end up disillusioned and not be a happy camper.

3. Yes, yes and yes. What your Mini friend says is right. And if you have a girl friend, she may not be so enamored with a Mini as you are. She won't like exhaust smells (the Mini, as well as yours!), grease and oil stains, sitting by the side of the road in the dark while you try to figure out some electrical gremlin, you spending hours with your new love instead of her..... I could go on. As any of the married or... formerly married guys on here. (There are some exceptions, right DEB?)

SSUPPPPP!

My name =Greggg 

I have been in love with minis since I was about 15! Now that I am 23 and have full time work, I have decided that I am going to finally put my money back from work and get a mini in the Spring. 

I have done a good bit of research in the years and know mainly what I am getting into

Rust,Maintenance,Rust,Rust, and some Rust and I know NOT to ask you guys about wether or not to USE IT AS AN EVERYDAY CAR! lol ( I saw all the other people asking this) This will be a weekend/ FUN CAR!

Well Anyways. Here is My questions

1.  Minis seem so much cheaper over in England and New Zealand. Do you think it would be better to just buy one and import it?  ( I know that NZ ones have less rust and also am aware that it has to be 25+ years old to import) Oh and I would expect the big shipping cost ($1000-$2500)

Or do you think I should shop here and really go and look at them and not just take someones word. 

2. Do you think that $7000 is a decent amount for one that has a solid body?

( I am not so much worried about engine and interior stuff but I want one with the least amount of Rust) 

3. Do you get peoples attention in your mini? Like do girls like it? Does it attract people and get them asking you questions? 

I know I love the look of them and I am crazy about them but I want to know if other people think the same or is it just enthusiasts. There is a guy that has one in my town and we have become friends. He is in his early 30's and told me " if your not Social then don't get a mini".  He also once said " If you dont have a GF now then you will soon enough" I thought this was defiantly a pro even though I have a gf. Cause I love being an ATTENTION WHHHOREEE .... Is this all true? I would love honest opinions please. 

Thanks in Advance!