[Overpaid Slacker]

The can be very reliable, with the proper attention. They are very simple, straightforward cars (the older ones) but you know you're driving an older car.

There's not a whole lot you can do with a stock or off-the-shelf aftermarket braking system. And the brakes on most of the Minis through the 70's are ... anxiety inducing at times. So, if you were going to VTEC one of these babies, you should probably get a very modern (read: $$$) braking system to handle the power.

Parts availability is staggering -- between Mini Mania in California, Seven in Baltimore, Craig's in Canada and dozens of suppliers in UK, you can get ANYthing, and usally pretty cheap. A tweaked-up motor costs money, but most the rest of it isn't too bad.

JP