Why buy a Mini?
Decide what you want out of a Mini before deciding on which to go for. If it’s down to their cheeky, iconic styling, handling ability and just the sheer fun of driving such a cool car then the selection is vast but we frequently talk to owners who have to re-adjust their expectations. Many have become comfortable in their daily modern motors and expect the Mini to work in ways it simply wasn’t designed to, such as undertaking long motorway trips. With a bit of knowledge and care they can be great fun, even on long trips. See the Improve section (page 84) for some handy tips on that front.
For some, buying a Mini is about rekindling an interest in their first car. This has seen a resurgence in even the most basic Mini models, such as the Mini City 850. It was an affordable first car back in the day but many of these cheaper Minis have been modified, making an unmolested example a rare find and, arguably, more desirable.
Some people buy Minis as a financial investment. Many classic car collectors are adding Minis to their collections and this is driving prices upwards. You could play the long game or buy a do-er upper and sell it on straight away.
What’s hot and what’s not?
Mini prices have skyrocketed in recent years as investors look beyond the banks and the housing market to invest their cash. This has undoubtedly rendered the rarer Minis out of reach for most of us. If, however, you are looking for an investment, it is important to select the right model. A Mini Cooper is the most obvious choice; a name synonymous with speed and Mini heritage. The name opens up a whole range of Minis if you look at the
