I agree wth Masraum.
I have some experience with
classic MINI and first and foremost let me say they are VERY fun to drive. However, I will tell you it can be very frustrating as a daily driver...especially if you are tall or even slightly of large dimensions.
1. There is very little shoulder-room...you are best off with your arm out the window. The seat does not adjust much...so forget about sliding it back or forward. I think it probably moves a total of 2 inches on a vertical diagonal.
2. There is no AC. In Texas, that is a recipe for disaster.
3. They handle great, but there is basically no travel on the suspension so if you have to deal with even a moderate amount of potholes, you'll know it.
4. Good low down torque but no top end.
5. No trunk to speak of.
6. Even among brit-cars, the front wheel drive makes it kind of a stand-out so you may have trouble getting it fixed. If you do your own work, of course that is not problem.
7. No range. Most classic MINIs have a six gallon tank. Gas mileage isn't as good as you might think because it has the aerodynamics of a brick.
8. Cheapo components.
9. Oh yeah...no safety. Even the latest pre-bmw MINIs were not what you would call "safe". They had a driver side airbag, but when that A-Series engine winds up in your lap, that won't mean much.
The
BMW built MINI on the other hand, kept most of what was good about the old MINI (handling and small size) and threw in a heap of technology, quality materials, and room where it needed it. They are also seriously safe with 6 airbags, crush zones, abs, the works. I would go with that. Much better as a daily driver.
If you are still game for a classic go to
http://www.turkys.com He imports lots of classic minis from NZ and OZ. Less rust down there.
JTKKZ- Your friends car looks like a late model Knightsbridge with KAD aftermarket brakes...nice. How did he come by it?