Faults:

Very little.

Exhaust bracket broke on extremely rough roads on trip to Namibia from South Africa.

Other than above normal wear and tear CV joint boots, replaced cross ply tires with Yokohama radials.

General Comments:

First car, did a road trip in this car from South Africa to Namibia in late seventies about 500 miles of bad dirt and heavy sand total distance over 1000miles.

Mini did not miss a beat 22 hours non stop.

Faults:

Speedometer cable broken and repaired but jumps around a bit.

Both outer door handles broken, so open door from inside through small 1/4 window which haven't got locking clips any more.

Petrol gauge doesn't work.

Windows leaks.

Little power going up hills.

Driver's seat springs broken.

Doesn't like to start in cold weather.

Interior roof light melted when door left opened.

Leaks oil.

General mechanical problems throughout 22 years of ownership.

General Comments:

Who cares about all the faults I have listed. I've had this car over 22 years, and its just a ball of fun to drive. I've named it ABBA. It gets me from A to B, and hopefully back from B to A!

I never drive over 80km/h, though one day I got it to 100km/h going down hill in neutral.

Its great for parking. When I had to go to hospital for 6 weeks of daily treatment, I parked in the Motor Cycle parking area.

I've had this car over 22 years, as a second car. I've had 8 other first cars. My wife hates it - I love it.

Other drivers seem more courteous to Mini drivers, often waving to you to let let you change lanes or enter onto an intersection.

Little kids are always yelling to you "Mr Bean"!

Due to fading, and re-touching, the one colour paint work is about 3 shades - shiny, dull, and very dull.

Faults:

Blown head gasket.

Broken engine mount.

Need new clutch master cylinder.

Speedo needed recalibrating.

Passenger door window regulator broken.

General Comments:

All the problems listed above were present in Mini when I bought it. I am slowly fixing it up at the moment. Usual rattles exist as with all older cars.

It unfortunately has no radio but soon to be rectified.

Absolutely awesome car to drive, and surprisingly has some grunt. Great for parking, as it can fit into pretty much any tight space.

We get a lot of positive comments from people while out and about, and it is much admired by friends and family.

Unbeatable on running cost value. $20 fills the fuel tank and lasts me ages!

I would definitely recommend this car to others.

Faults:

Front suspension needed full overhaul.

Interior wiring had to be rewired.

Windows are badly scratched.

General Comments:

The car has very good handling, 80kms through tight round abouts.

However when on a long straight stretch of road the little engine has a pretty hard time.

With the 1-3/4" exhaust system it has a really nice note.

And with 12" super-lite wheels it looks great.

Faults:

Clutch slips in 3rd gear going up any reasonable incline.

Front wheel bearings have made noise since purchase - still to be fixed!

New noise at front, sounds like brakes worn, only when wheel is turned. Not clicking, so I don't think it's the universal joints.

Door hinges have dropped slightly.

Rust can be a problem, this one has some in the A panel (behind front wheels) but the rest is reasonable, apart from some older previous repairs which are coming "unstuck".

General Comments:

I've always wanted a Mini - small, cute, top fun to drive! When the wife said I should get a small second car, I didn't hesitate. The kids love it too!

Although quite punchy with no passengers, it knows when someone else climbs aboard, especially when faced with a hill. Have given though to "improving" the power, but it would cost me more to run.

It actually has more legroom than the Datsun 1500 flat tray I had previously - although not quite as versatile. We got a trailer for the family wagon instead!

Low slung standard web seats are quite comfortable, the only negative though minor, is getting out of the thing because it is so low (and I have long legs).