I've really really really been toying with the idea of trading the porscharu for one. it might just be time to move on to something else. (see the sig)

sjd

As a preface, I love original minis. And have an 05 MCS as well.

But for a daily driver? Aside from the tough ride, no A/C, reliability associated with an old English car - consider how small it is next to your typical Honda Accord. At least your Mini has bags and ABS, real considerations in rainy Oregon. Someone's inattention can make for a very bad day.

But again, wonderful cars.

All:

Some great advice & info- I really appreciate it. Like I said, we plan on test driving this car http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/car/764377783.html in a couple of weeks- that will give us an idea of what we'd be getting into. The car will be garaged, and if the weather gets really nasty we'd use the FJ anyway. Plus I plan to upgrade to a 993 Carrera 4 eventually, so it could be used in bad weather. It rarely rains here, so crappy brakes/wipers wouldn't be a huge issue. The commute is all <35mph. I am going to call one of the outfits in Canada tomorrow to find out about imports- I like the idea of a newer car with an older vin, but I seem to remember them being pretty different by '83? Anyhow, thanks again- and Jim- you don't owe me anything. Glad to help. I'll email your friend- is he located in Florida also?

Cheers,

Paul.

+1, I've owned a number of old British sports cars over the years and only had two that I would not use for a daily driver: my Bugeye Sprite and the Mini. Both were just to small and too crude when dealing with traffic on the road.

Friend is a Pilot based out of Tuscon Arizona, and actually has one for sale as well. He knows a lot about them and is more than happy to let you pick his brain.

I sent you an e-mail.

Yup, If you get hit in the mini they will just bury you in it. It's like a paint can with wheels. We used to call mine the garbage can.

Jim:

I'll email your friend, and maybe direct him to this thread. Any details on what he has for sale?

Thanks,

Paul.

I already pointed him to the thread.

Send him an e-mail and he can fill you in, I am not sure what he has now.

I already pointed him to the thread.

Send him an e-mail and he can fill you in, I am not sure what he has now.

Make sure she doesn't hit anything in it, they do not take a hit that well. Respect to those who reckon they are fun to drive, but they bore the knickers off me. I wouldn't let my wife drive one daily.

Suzuki Swift GTi is a good small car for driving fun if you get those over there, they use them for Top Gear football here. Stock BMW Mini is to heavy to be fun IMO, my sister has a Cooper and my '84 Rabbit GTi would run rings around it.