Which Classic Mini should I buy?

[M500C]

Hi all.

I am thinking of buying a '99 Mini John Cooper Sport 500 (500 made, silver roof and dash), but would be greatful to know anyone's experience with it. As far as I know it has 87hp and from what I can tell seems to be the quickest factory standard classic mini made.. ?

I will spend up to 8k.. Is this about right?

Thanks

Marco

[Daniel Green]

There was the ERA turbo mini at 94BHP. As with all mini check for rust and if you have not driven one befor drive try it out first. I still love driving minis after more than 15 years (And I bet there are many people on this forum how have been driving minis for much longer). But I have frends how hate them. Look at some off the older postings on this forum. There are a lot of postings about getting a mini. As for price it is a bit hard becuse all classic minis are now getting on so it is down to condition. Look at mini world mag and see what thay are going for may be a good start. I hope you find what you want.

Dan

Edited by Daniel Green on Wednesday 9th January 16:21

[rougeleo]

Late shells are prone to rust , go for a recommended restored car like an Innocenti or an RSP both 1275s and likely to go up in value . The RSP Cooper S gives around 85bhp.. ours has covered 20k miles hard european driving totally trouble free.

Could go for a good 1275GT or spend a little bit more and get a Mk3 Cooper S ...money well spent and great fun .

been driving minis for 35 years and still love em ..faults and all

rog

[Paul V]

If you are buying because it's the quickest don;t bother, get yourself a earlier car and spend a few £££'s getting a decent head, high lift rockers and maybe a cam. I would imagine the sport 500 will lose money, earlier cars are stable and some are going up and up.

What are you hoping to use the car for? everyday? weekend toy?

[Cooper1999]

rougeleo, fancy seeing you on this website! Didn't know you had an RSP too (it wasn't on the garage picture!). I'm surprised you didn't suggest M500C goes onto the Mini Cooper Register website (which also has a mini buying guide available). I'm sure there's a dedicated website for the 500's as well.

I agree that the last minis do tend to rust (as they all do to some extent) especially it would seem around the scuttle panel/windscreen surround, as I well know! But if I was going to go for a late one, you couldn't do better than a 500 M500C! Even more so if its a daily/regular use car - they're almost comfortable!

Edited by Cooper1999 on Thursday 10th January 08:13

[rougeleo]

Cooper1999 I don't travel round many forums , but I do pop in here now and again ...if only to see what Cooperman is up to

Be a good idea to look at the buyer's on MCR .

At the end of the day if you love minis then buying any classic mini thats in good condition is the right move , you just have to spend time and money keeping it that way .


RSPs ....not one but two .

[big welly]

Get a nicely done Mk1. Free tax, up in value, looks pure, is lighter.

Pre 64 dry suspension.

Hydro is a headache.

Leave the later cars, they are a much of a muchness.

[PJR]

I had an RSP Cooper from new.. Was probably the best Mini I ever had. It didnt have the John Cooper 'S' treatment (Although I did get him to autograph the handbook!), but still, it went very well for its claimed 61 or so bhp. And is now quite collectable. One to look out for, for sure.

ERA's were great Mini's too (I also had one of those). But they are pretty radical things in most respects as classic Mini's go, so its not a Mini at the top of most peoples "Wanted" lists, although I loved mine. And even if you did want one, you'll find it almost impossible to find one, as at best, there is only 80 or less left in this country now.

Dont get too hung up on finding the best power output factory mini, as they are easy and inexpensive to upgrade. Plus being older cars now, not many get left alone as standard anyway.

P,