I would look for an early fresh import Jap spec Mini over there, one that will be 25 years old by the time you return to the States (presuming you are returning). They have little to zero rust and starting around 1991 they all came equpped with a 1275cc, stick with a manual and a bonus is most of them have a/c. There is nothing wrong with the earlier 998's either. Jimatalba may be able to source one for you.

Hmmm... that's a bummer and a lot to consider.  I'm really excited about the process and experience of acquiring one... not so much about how much I'll pay out the door, but it is, of course, a huge factor.  But if you're saying nothing out there is worth, I'll just have to weigh that when I get there.  

I remember the Fiat 500s in Italy were very overpriced as well, at least the ones in good condition.

I also was a classic mini dealer for a while

Personally and I am being serious. I would buy a mini in the states. They are cheaper there and in better condition. A very nice mini here is £10k plus

I know of an insanely nice fast road mini in DC as well as a MK1 mini

I am always on the lookout for classic cars to buy and in about eight years I've been out of the dealer scene I've only seen two mins I would have bought and both were wildly over priced

You used to see classic minis for sale all over the place and now you never see one for sale

As far as a cheap mini. Good luck. The £500 mini of eight years at s now £2500 plus.

Cheers. Peter

Randy McConnell used to be in that area.  Not sure if he is still there, but he's a Mini guy that goes way back.  Knows Minis inside and out, and is a good guy.  Might try Googling his name and see if you can make contact.

Dr Mini,

I'm in Colorado Springs.  I haven't seen any mini classics driving around, not sure how big of a club there is here if any.  Denver/Boulder probably has one.  

Thanks for offering to help, I'm definitely going to need it.  I will rely heavily on the expertise of people here and out there in the clubs when I get there this summer.

PJ

Where are you stationed now?  Perhaps someone in the area is a Mini owner and can invite you around for introduction to Minis 101.  Maybe I can pop over to England sometime after you get settled in and offer my advice/help.  I've been playing with Minis since 1976 and like to fly Space A to England as often as I can. 

I spent a chunk of my evening (what little bit I have of an evening) last night researching, mostly in the Mini Identification articles of this site.  Still getting my head wrapped around all the different marks, body styles and companies.  I still haven't figured out the naming convention for all the different type... confused why a saloon/sedan only has two doors... I'm not even sure what to call these cars anymore, LOL!  To a noob such as myself, I was content just calling them "Mini Coopers", but I guess that's not right either.  

It's a lot to absorb at once coming from knowing practically nothing at all about these cars.  Hopefully the mud will clear up soon!

Isn't Peter Mustang down in that area of England?   Regarding former U.S. Bases In UK.                       Upper Heyford?   A small town in its own right.    

                                                           I've found that Minis are cheaper the farther North you go.          Up around Newcastle, Sunderland seem to be realistic prices.  But always remember....we've had decades over here to perfect the Bodges on Minis we want to sell.

Thanks all for the welcome and tips.  Going to Lakenheath, and very pumped about it.  I've been in Italy before and was close to buying an old Fiat 500, but that fell through.

I have a lot of research ahead of me, as I don't know much about the Mini.  I've heard about the clubs and they were recommended by a buddy of mine who is an owner, so I'm eager to start talking to people in them and other owners in the area.  I have a lot of research ahead of me before I shop around... I definitely want to do this right, because I want to bring this back with me and own it for a long time.

On the other hand, would it be better to just get a cheap one right off the bat to get a feel for the Mini and learn more about it... and then plan on buying a better one down the road to keep for the long haul?  Or just hold off, take my time, research, and find the right one?

Congratulations on your move. I was stationed in Lakenheath in the early 2000's, and we still fly through Mildenhall on our way to places unknown. 

As for the Mini's, there are plenty of them there, when I was there I went through 7 or 8 different ones, and was lucky enough to bring one back to the States with me. When I was stationed there, I was part of a Mini club AME(American Mini Enthusiasts) not sure if they are still around, but my advise is to get into one of these clubs and get as much information and assistance to better your decision making process. Also look into PCS'ers, they are always getting rid of cars they cant/dont want to take with them and you might get lucky. Just remember that for the most part these will be botched as most Americans dont want to spend to much on a car they wont be keeping.

Where are you going to be stationed?  The Air Force presence is not what it used to be in the UK, and very few bases left.  I was stationed at Mildenhall for 2 years back in the late 70's and at Alconbury (which is now considered part of Molesworth) for 4 1/2 yrs back in the 90's.  Lots of good Mini clubs and folks that you can join over there.  Good luck in your hunt, but try and do your homework as to what you are buying before you part with your $$$.  There are some good Minis over there and there are plenty of Minis over there that are bodged together and are crap.

welcome, our host did an article about rust and where to look. Stay Away from rust buckets thinking that you can save them. good luck in your search.

Hi all, new to the forum.  I'm moving to the UK this summer (getting stationed overseas), and got the green light from my spousal unit to get a classic Mini.  I'm just starting my research and hope to learn some good information here!

PJ