Advantages: Compact, cheap to run, easy to park, fun to drive Disadvantages: Noisy, can be rusty, tiring on long journeys
...& when they dispensed with Rover in the year 2000 they retained the rights to the Mini name & released its successor. By this time the old model which would never pass new emission & safety legislation finished production 5.3 million cars & over 40 years after it had been released.
DRIVING AN ORIGINAL MINI
Stepping into an old Mini for the first time comes as a shock after being in a modern car. The doors look so thin, no impact absorbing crash ... ...adequate, although later fuel injected Rover Minis were quiet good & fuel consumption was always a strong point with a Mini.
Steering isn't power assisted, but it doesn't need to be as the Mini is lightweight & the steering feels so accurate & responsive. That's more than can be said for the gear change, when cold it can be notchy & when hot, less notchy. The gearboxes are never quiet, you are always aware of a slight whining noise from them, nothing ...
ScottishWestie 08.12.2008 (11.12.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Rover Mini 1.0
Advantages: Cheap to run,Customisable, Cheap insurance, Cheap road tax, Small, fun Fun FUN to drive! Cute Disadvantages: RUST, Little Storage space, Heater not very good, No air conditioning, No cigarette Lighter as standard, Not everyone likes the look, Lacks power
THE MINI
The Mini has been around since 1957/1958 but they stopped production. However, it was resurrected in 1997 by BMW but the Classic Mini, may it be Austin, City, Cooper, etc. are still popular. Even more so than the new one, which are much bigger and shouldn't really be called a Mini. The Mini even has lots of clubs, websites, magazines devoted to them. These usually get you mini merchandise, magazines through the post and there would be a ... ...Mini Run'. I've been to that a few times where thousands of Mini's drive from Crystal Palace to Brighton for various events to watch and with lots of things to buy.
FEATURES
My Mini has an immobiliser to help prevent the car from being stolen. I immobilise the car by flicking a switch near the ignition and the car will not start up until I disable it again. I'm no expert but I'm assuming that the car would not start even if a thief hotwired it ...
Deru 07.06.2005
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Rover Mini 1.0
Advantages: small Disadvantages: cramped slow noisy
...became BLMC then BL then Rover and finally started selling cars made in India calling the City Rovers but tripling the actual cost of the car. The Mini City 1000 lasted in the 90's but if any one is thinking of buying an old Mini 1000 and doing it up do not do it. You will be bitterly disappointed. The Mini is all a real horror show even if it is far superior to some other cars of the 50's. Rose coloured spectacles can not hide its terrible compared ...
jonkelly 11.06.2006
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Rover Mini 1.0
Advantages: Great Fun and really CHEAP Disadvantages: Small, Rusty
Unless you have owned one of these little cars , then you won't fully appreciate what I am trying to put across to you.
For the 'little car' that I refer to is the 'Mini 1000'
We have very reluctantly parted with one of these little gems due to my increase in family as the one down side to my mini was that I had to share it!!
So what was so amazing about my little 'MONTY'??
Monty was advertised in the local paper and after short deliberation ... ...of £1350.
The 'G' reg car was a gleaming example, bright red (flame red) , with a sporty looking white roof and a set of spot lights on the chrome front bumper.
Previousley owned by an elderley couple, it was looked after for years and always parked in a garage.
Being insurance group one it was a pittance to insure, so this pleased me no end too.
Running costs were a minimum also, my partner serviced the car for me, even replacing the brakes ...
Martin.rowley 30.07.2002
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Rover Mini 1.0
Advantages: great handling, fun to drive, economical, cheap insurance Disadvantages: bad subframes, ridiculous boot, too cramped
I have to admit that I am a little bit undecided when it comes to Mini's. Nobody can argue their cult status and popularity. If it wasn't a popular car then it wouldn't have sold as many as it has over the last 40 odd years and it wouldn't have been made for so long if it was poor. However I have my slight reservations about the Mini. To start with the negatives there are a few things that would put me off buying a Mini. Firstly for me they are too ... ...the cramped layout would get on my nerves a bit. It isn't just how cramped it is inside that counts against it though, it is how cramped the engine compartment is. Although it uses the very good A series Austin engine, which is renowned for being reliable and easy to service yourself, unfortuanately the positives here are offest by the fact that they are so cramped that they are actually very difficult to work on. Mini's also have a bit of an achilles ...
GraWar 02.04.2001
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Rover Mini 1.0
Advantages: Very cheap to run. Disadvantages: Lack of space.
I bought a mini because I wanted an economical car, i.e. cheap repairs, cheap road tax, cheap insurance and cheap for fuel, the mini has all this and more. Just now I am only 16 so my dad is using the mini that we built together when I was 14 and next year I will be using it to get to college and back daily, this is from a car that is over 13 years old. This is the perfect car for city use, ok it isnt very powerful but it makes up for that in it's ... ...for a large family, the back seats in this compact car are only ever rarely used in my home, so its basically a two seater. The rear seats are mostly used for storage as any mini owner will know the petrol tank is situated in the boot, this only leaves half the boot space for storage. ...
colin16 12.08.2000
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Rover Mini 1.0
Advantages: The most unique car,Go-kart like Disadvantages: Rust, new BMW mini
...6th October 2000. The rover mini 1.0 the one that i own is a car so unbelievebally perfect.
The detail on the car is exact and i will keep it that way, the car handles so much like a go-kart the noise of the car when the beast roars.
Ok so i might be going a little OTT but if you felt as strongly as me about the old mini in comparison to the new one, sure the new one is nice and probably wads better than my 1991 Mini.
It does not have that Zing ... ...and well worth a chance the parts are cheap and the price of the car will get higher as they become more rare.
The only thing to look out for on a mini if you buy one is the rust under the car and on the floor panels.
Good luck if you chose to buy this car you will not regret it. ...
tom112 06.03.2003
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Rover Mini 1.0
Advantages: Cheap and cheerful Disadvantages: No more in production from September
The Mini. A piece of English History.
For over 40 years the Mini has been a favourite amongst all kinds of people, yet in September 2000 production will cease of the Mini as we know it. A new, rounded, same as all the other small cars type of Mini will emerge. It's tragic. However, the original will live on in the hearts and garages of the enthusiast.
There will still be the annual London to Brighton run, there will still be countless owners clubs ... ...driving around the roads of the world. And of course we can still watch them in action in the Italian Job!
The Mini is a gorgeous little car, low in fuel consumption, low in running costs. They are the one car that has kept it's personality in this world of all cars evolving to look the same. They are the best cars for customising - I mean, your Sierra hardly looks good when it's done up with a chequered roof, chrome all over and big headlamps does ...
mab 27.07.2000
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Rover Mini 1.0
Advantages: A Very Cool car, brilliant handling, guaranteed to make you smile. Disadvantages: Rust, not as cheap as you might think.
My love affair with the mini began about 3 years ago when I purchsed a Nautilus Blue1982 Mini which had been kept in a garage for the past 10 years. Since then- with the help of my mechanically minded brother- most parts have been changed. First the leaded engine had to be replaced for an unleaded engine (out of a metro), then followed a new rear subframe, radius arms, suspension, 4pot brakes (found on a metro- highly recommended), welding everywhere ... ...to say this has not been a cheap endeavour (perusal of the mountain of receipts makes startling reading). However, although the journey has been a hard slog it was well worth it.
Firstly it brought my brother and I closer together as each Saturday I would 'cycle' to his house and we'd tinker and fiddle with the mini (theres nothing like a joint project in cementing a good friendship). Secondly, I am now the proud owner of one very COOL mini. Due ...
groovyboothy 05.03.2005
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Rover Mini 1.0
Advantages: its small, easy to use, usfull, nice looking,easy to find a parking space,doesnt take up alot of room, Disadvantages: heavy steeing, can get alot of rust,old car so some may not be very reaible.
well were do you start! MINIs lets atart at the begining. The '''Mini''' (from Latin "small") is the name of a small car produced from 1959 to 2000, and the name of its replacement (known as the New MINI) launched in 2001. The original '''Mini''' was a revolutionary and distinctive small car designed for the British Motor Corporation (BMC) by Sir Alec Issigonis (1906-1988). It was manufactured in the United Kingdom (Longbridge and Cowley), Australia, ... ...Mk I Mini - 1959 to 1967 Designed as project ADO15 (Austin Design Office), the first models were marketed with the names Austin Seven (often written as SE7EN) and Morris Mini-Minor (Latin "Small-Smaller") in England. Until 1962, they appeared as the Austin 850 and Morris 850 in North America and France. The production model differed from the original prototype (affectionately named "The Orange Box") due to the addition of a front subframe, on which ...
hannahMINI 12.10.2006
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Rover Mini 1.0
Advantages: Fun to drive, practical & economical, holds value well Disadvantages: Not a family car, bumpy ride, not recommended for m-way driving
Despite its flaws, of which there are several, the Mini remains a car that is loved by all who drive it - just take a look at the other reviews here!
There is not much I can add that has not already been said by several other reviewers, but I can reinforce there recommendations.
The Mini will not give you the most comfortable ride available in a small car, it will not give you a great feeling of crash safety, it will not give you loads of luggage ... ...as a family people carrier - but then it does not aim to be. So why is the Mini the car I would most like to have as a second car to our "family" car? The answer is simple; the Mini is a great fun car to drive and highly practical for around town. It amazing the pleasure that can be gained by parking in a spot that most other cars have just had to drive past because they could not fit! Take it on a trip to country and the low driving position and ...
ericstannard 31.08.2000
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Rover Mini 1.0
Advantages: Economical, Fun, Easy/Cheap Repairs, Iconic Disadvantages: Rust, Small Size, Not V. Powerful, Lack of Safety Feats.
...1988, 998CC, Limited Edition Rover Mini "Designer". (Rarity - One of a run of 2000, there's less than half left)
Mods: Unleaded conversion & alarm immobiliser.
~*~
The only things I can nit pick EARLY Minis on are the lack of safety features - airbag/SIPS/Anti Lock brakes etc -, lack of power steering and security issues 'cos mine had no alarm when I got him. The only other major problem is that Minis rust...easily! So beware and be prepared to ... ...1992 - 2000 vintage, because Rover gave the late Cooper class the works.
Anyway, if you want a small, nippy, fun ride with bags of charisma then you won't go wrong with an original Rover/Austin Rover Mini because that's their line of attack. You can park them practically anywhere too and they run at a ridiculously low price - Mine costs me a mere £55/mth - that's £40 F/C insurance and £15 petrol combined! And most under-bonnet repairs can be done ...
GottaDesigner 10.05.2006
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Rover Mini 1.0
Advantages: small, cheap to run, fun Disadvantages: small, small and small
I've always wanted a Mini, and when circumstances forced my hand I ended up with a 1991 1.0 Mini Mayfair Auto. I didn't know what driving was until I had this car! Yes, it has rust, yes it needs regular TLC, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
Insurance is cheap. Petrol consumption is low. Parts are cheap. I can work on it myself. It's FUN to drive. People in other Minis wave at you, it's like being in a big family.
My large teenage sons ... ...I don't find it a problem. The biggest drawback I find is lack of respect from other car drivers, who constantly try to bully me out of the way because I'm only little.
I know all about the horror stories about sub-frames, wet electrics, etc., but with careful, regular inspections, most potential disasters can be nipped in the bud. Mine has been fully sorted in that department, so I'm lucky, but I still have to do regular maintenance to keep it ...
Alison2560 18.10.2002
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Rover Mini 1.0
Advantages: cheap to fix/run/insure/make faster nad individual! Disadvantages: must have patience and the willingness to learn basic mechanics!!!
What is it about a mini that you love so much that you only ever have fond memories of them? Nearly everyone has owned or driven a mini in their driving lifetime alot of people like me had them as a first car (and a second), I was given my mums when i passed my driving test..I drove it 2 days later to birmingham from my home town of wraysbury (near heathrow), I was really pleased with myself I drove all that way without a single problem, (I was naive ... ...after my succesful 240ish mile round trip I went to my local amateur dramatics meeting (less than 1 mile from my house), thinking great people will see me in my mini - driving - and thinking how cool i looked (did I mention it was primrose yellow?), when, I found out one very good reason to own a mini....yep i was so busy looking to see if anyone was watching me driving, I smashed my gorgeous little car straight into a concrete filled metal post ...
deehambley25 17.10.2005 (18.10.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Rover Mini 1.0
Advantages: Fun, cheap to insure, tax, economical, cheap parts Disadvantages: Rust problems, dislikes hills and high speeds.
Brilliant little car - A British icon.
Very good first car for young drivers, but equally as good for anyone.
Good Points:
Very reliable engine
Not oil thirsty.
Very cheap parts
Lots of support out there, i.e mini clubs to help you with your car.
Good fuel economy, providing you drive properly. (Although it should be said at this point the mini 1000 is not as economical as a 1.3)
Great car to handle.
Suprisingly roomy inside.
Very cheap ... ...due to the cheap metal used by BMC when making the mini. Poor top-end speed.
Features, very minimal.
Would not survive in a big impact.
1976 - onwards minis seem to have a problem with fuel tank seal corrosion, which means that if you fill the tank up, you'll lose some petrol when negotiating roundabouts.
Overall, this car is arguably the most fun car on the road and is becoming very sought after since it went of production in 2001. If you are ...
Albert_Beer 08.07.2008
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Rover Mini 1.0
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