What is the best classic Mini to buy?

With a production run spanning 1959-2000 across seven generations, it’s fair to say that there’s a classic Mini out there to suit just about everyone. But if you’re in the market for buying one, how on earth do you go about deciding which MK classic mini is best for you? After all, while they’re all conceptually and spiritually alike, there’s actually very little shared between - say - an early 848cc Mk1 and a fuel-injected Sportspack Mk7. So let’s take a dive into a few key considerations to help you narrow down that decision-making process a little…

Follow the herd, or go your own way? 

There are certain models and trim levels that will always be highly popular. For example, the purists will see the external hinges and sliding windows of an early Mk1 being the only way to go, although the refreshed Mk2 is rapidly catching up in terms of desirability. The Mk4, launched in 1976, featured a few more creature comforts including rubber-mounted subframes, while the Mk5 that followed had markedly bigger brakes and natty arch extensions, so they each have their fervent followers. And there are some enthusiasts who see the refined 1996> multi-point injection Mk7 as the most evolved and advanced interpretation of the classic formula. There’s a reason why the Mk7-option Sportspack arches have been retro-fitted to so many older Minis - the late-model Coopers just looked so good!

So there’s an argument to say that buying one of those popular models makes sound financial sense, as your car will be right in the core of Mini desirability and thus will enjoy stronger residuals as well as getting all manner of admiring glances on the high street.

Conversely, you may be keener to carve your own path, in which case there’s a plethora of obscure options to help you stand out - such as the lesser-spotted convertibles, and the estates in woody and non-woody forms. The commercials have a quirky appeal, with vans and pickups offering all of the Mini charm with a more eye-catching body style. It’s also interesting to note the growing popularity (and values) of the Clubman models; perceived for years by a lot of enthusiasts as the ugly duckling of the Mini legacy, these stylish square-fronts cars are really starting to come into their own.

Modified or stock classic Mini?

It’s a simple question, but a big one. Would you prefer your Mini to be just as it was from the factory, or are you keener on an altered and enhanced example? There are persuasive arguments either way. For some enthusiasts, preservation is vital, purity is key; the car was designed to be a certain way, and the only proper thing to do is to maintain and cherish those standard specifications as the original developers and engineers intended. It’s a valid standpoint, and one which many fans keenly live by.

However, quite a lot of water has passed under the bridge since 1959, and modifying and improving has been a core element of Mini culture from day one. Improvements to brakes and suspension are attractive as much for safety as for spirited performance, while there’s a vibrant and bustling aftermarket dedicated to extracting ever-more power from the trusty A-series (or, indeed, swapping in entirely different engines). You name it, it can be upgraded, from exhausts and wheel arches to seats and steering wheels.

The main thing to consider is this: if it’s been modified, who did the modifying? There’s a world of difference between a Mini that’s been perfected and optimised by a respected tuning company, and one that’s been knocked together by an amateur in his garage who just fancied having a go…

How will you use your classic Mini?

Are you going to be pottering around town, or embarking upon lengthy road trips with lots of motorway miles? For grand touring adventures, it’s worth noting that the later MPi models have taller gearing so they’re better suited to motorway cruising.
If you find yourself viewing a racy Mini with some hot engine mods, have a good think about how you’ll drive it: if that lumpy cam sees all the power coming in at the top end, you’ll have oodles of fun on track and haring down country lanes… but it’ll irritate the heck out of you if you’re largely using it for ambling to the shops.

If you’re aiming to daily-drive a Mk1 or a Mk2, it can be an advantage to be a bit handy with the spanners and have a little know-how to prevent stress if you happen to find yourself at the side of the road fiddling with points and condensers – although it’s important to remember that when these cars were built, they weren’t conceived as things that would become revered museum pieces; they were just everyday cars, and they still can be.

Something else that’s worth bearing in mind for everyday comfort is that there are a fair few Japanese-market Minis on sale in the UK, and these cars all came with air-conditioning fitted as standard; they tend to be automatics too, for extra carefree vibes. Although JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) Minis are typically in better condition thanks to a lifetime in superior climate, they do not have the same appeal to collectors and enthusiasts.

As an all-rounder, there are a lot of positives to be gleaned from getting into a late-model Mk7. This isn’t the cheapest way into a Mini, but you get what you pay for, and for the keen hobbyist who’ll be driving the car regularly in a mixture of environments, you’ll find extra reliability and refinement baked into the recipe of these cars.

Where do you live?

Your location has a bearing on what type of Mini you might be after, and so does where you’re planning to keep it. Do you have a garage to park it in, or will it be living outside? And do you live in a climate that’s warm and dry, or one that’s damp and suffers gritting lorries through the winter? If it’s the latter, you’ll want to make extra sure that the Mini you’re looking at is as solid as a rock, and undertake all the preventative measures you can to keep it that way.

How about the roads in your neck of the woods? If you live in the ULEZ then you’ll most likely be after a Mini that’s over 40 years old, as it will hold historic status and be exempt from the ULEZ charge (and road tax too). And another geographical consideration: are there any Mini-friendly garages or specialists near you? It makes life a lot easier if you can strike up a relationship with a sympathetic garage who really knows how these cars work, and if you’re able to source quality parts for servicing and maintenance without too much faff. Although don’t let that last point be a deal-breaker – there are plenty of specialists (such as Mini Spares, Mini Sport and Somerford Mini) who can get you everything you need via mail order.

From a purely conceptual point of view, consider how the aesthetic of a classic Mini fits into your lifestyle too. Residents of the centre of any metropolis will cut a dash around town in a crisp white Mk1 Cooper, while the fabulous all-rounder charms of a bright red early-’90s Mk6 Cooper SPi will blend in equally beautifully with a rural village backdrop or pluckily rasping around suburbia. Oh, and if you’re hanging out on a yacht on the riviera, you’ll probably be wanting a Moke.

How old are you?

Sorry, we don’t mean to sound rude. It’s just that it’s a fair assumption among the Mini community that older enthusiasts are more likely to desire a carburettor model, as they’re more hands-on and will find the engine easier to fettle and tinker with, whereas younger owners might want a Mk6 or Mk7 with fuel injection, for easier day-to-day living. Of course, such sweeping generalisations don’t tell the full story, and we’re always keen to see people breaking the mould. We know of a young couple in their early twenties who daily-drive a factory-standard Mk1 850, and a retired chap in his seventies with a stripped-out and supercharged track Mini. Takes all sorts to make a world, doesn’t it? Perhaps age is just a number, and the right Mini for you is simply the one you like the idea of.

What's the budget?

Ah, now we’re really getting to the crux of the matter. It’s fairly obvious to say that the days of picking up a cheapo project for a hundred quid are a long way behind us. So what’s a reasonable budget, and what will it buy you?

Well, your entry level point is around £5000. That can - if you’re good at hunting and fastidious about checking - net you a usable example of a 1980s or early ’90s Mini. Top the budget up to somewhere between £8-9000 and you can have yourself a really nice one.

Moving up to the £10k bracket will set your search on late-model Rover Coopers and perhaps special editions like the Italian Job. The next rung up the ladder will start yielding good examples of later Mk1 Minis around the £15,000 mark, along with great Mk2s and Mk3s and the best Mk7 Cooper Sportspacks. £20,000 is where some really interesting models appear, including early Coopers, the Clubman 1275 GT, and the runout special Cooper Sport 500. And if you want to go all-out and find a pukka Mk1 Cooper S? Aim to budget between £40-50,000 for the real deal.

So, what is the best classic Mini to buy?

It’s a chewy question, as there is no correct answer – at least, beyond this: the right classic Mini is the one that feels right for you. If money is no object and you want the very best, by all means invest in a Mk1 Cooper S and be the envy of everyone on the village green at your local car meet. You could surf that turning tide and opt for a Clubman, as their renaissance in the hearts of the faithful has really been quite something recently. But perhaps the best advice to offer is that, for everyday usability and overall refinement, the optimal choice for most prospective buyers would be to seek out a Mk6 SPi or a Mk7 MPi - these later cars package up all the classic charm with improved braking and safety features, plus inherently more dependable running gear, so they act as excellent usable Minis.

The real answer, though, is to follow your heart. There’s a whole world of Minis out there - try a few and see which one really sets off the fluttering of those butterflies in your tummy.

Our services

At Phil Mires Classic Cars, we specialise in the purchase, sale, and sourcing of high-quality classic Minis. 

If you are looking to buy a Mini, browse our current selection of Classic Minis for sale. If you cannot find one that meets your preferences, simply email us with your desired specifications (model, colour, mileage, etc.) and budget, and we will notify you when a suitable option becomes available.

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