1980 Austin Mini Reviews, Pricing & Specs

In my 1983, not 1980 mini the performance is alright, not a proper little rocket but close enough. The all round drum brakes aren't as good as modern cars obviously but they do the job. Being a BL car build quality isn't its strong point!! Even so, I havent needed to replace many things. Being a Mini it looks lovely on the outside. The interior isn't bad either. This is the best car I have ever drove. Such a great carNov 06, 2010

It's a lot of fun to drive. Actually, it's probably one of the most enjoyable cars to drive. You don't really need to go very fast to enjoy it. And of course, it's really nippy. Looks wise, it's a real classic, an icon. Personally, I love mine's color scheme: silver with black roof. It has no alloy wheels, only hubcaps, the original ones. I think they compliment the color scheme quite well and I'm unlikely to ever get it alloy wheels, particularly because I like to keep a car as "tidy" as this one as original as please.   Things that have gone wrong with it: . Engine oil hose got loose on the move and spilled oil all over the engine compartment. Fortunately, there was an instant black cloud of smoke on the rear view mirror, which caught my attention. It was easily fixed by reattaching the hose on the spot, followed by replacing the tightening strip around it and refilling with oil. . Accelerator pedal got stuck in full throttle . Turned out the accelerator cable (made of several intertwined wires) had a couple of damaged wires. With the help of a friendly driver/mechanic the cable was removed, we took out the damaged wires, re-installed the cable, and voilà - problem solved! . Odometer got stuck and stopped moving forward. You might not believe this but all I had to do was get it in reverse and drive for a while in a deserted road. That got the odometer loose and it's never happened since! I'll write some more as soon as I can. Some specifications: . Engine: 998cc inline 4-cylinder 8v . Power: 44 bhp @ 5250 rpm . Torque: 70 Nm @ 3000 rpm . Engine location/alignment: Front/Transverse . Drive: Front wheel drive . Layout: FF . Transmission: 4 speed manual . Weight: 625 kg . Power-to-weight ratio: 14.2 kg/bhp . Wheels: 145 SR 10 ZX - currently fitted with Marshall tires.Jul 16, 2010

It's not JUST a Mini, It's a Shelby Mini Clubman Called Lily. She is a mechanically standard 1098cc Mini Clubman in pageant blue with white stripes. She currently needs two new wings, a respray and ideally an unleaded (staged) head to improve performance. Interior has custom front seats, the usual burr walnut effect dashboard and an Alpine head unit running 4 cheapy speakers.Sep 22, 2009

It doesnt matter what you drive youll not find anything more fun than a mini..runs on rails just like a go cart..in wet or dry weather. May only have a 1ltr engine but is still quite nippy one you do a bit of fiddling and put adjustable suspension on with some chunkyer wheels.. so easy to fix...Engines broken? jus replace it..a few hours later you could have it runnig again no problems...fantastic value for money..cheap parts..chep insurance..and will run off a thimble of petrol for a weekJul 29, 2008

No the biggest, Fastest or most powerful car in the world but it is probably the best for in and around town. After suffering a terrible accident that nearly cost it its life (Being rolled over), Dr. Will Came along and saved lil betsy. A lot of time and money went into her restoration, but my 27 year old baby came back to life and looks better than ever. Jul 18, 2008

Performance – Well, lets be honest, standard factory min's aren't the fastest things on the road, nor do they have the best brakes, but as for coreners, they handle as if they are on rails. You could throw a mini into a corner and speeds far greater that similar cars of its age and come out the other side un-scathed. Build Quality – What car doesn't haev a little tin worm in it?? Appearance – I don't think i need to say anything here, the name does the talking. Cost of Ownership – They are relativly cheap, however they are now on the increase and i can't imainge them getting any cheaper. Buy buy buy. Fun Factor –Again, i'll let the name do the talking.Jul 11, 2008

My friend Ken and I are of the firm belief that everyone should own a Mini at some stage [that’s a real Mini and not the new one]. Not because they are good cars but because they are so bad you appreciate REAL cars when you get one. Looks OK on the photograph doesn’t it? Leaked oil and when you broke hard it tried to turn you in the opposite direction [drum brakes all round!]. Also when you had three in the back seat, the clutch couldn’t cope and slipped more than Torvill and Dean. Me and my mate Clem serviced it once but I cross-threaded the sump bolt and it poured oil everywhere. This was not going to be the last time I ended up swearing under the bonnet of a car. The end for the Mini came only six month later when the sub frame needed welding and I sold it to my next door neighbour’s brother for Mini Cross racing rather than get it fixed. I liked the idea of this car ending its days being thrashed round a grass circuit; alas he repaired it and ran it on the road. May 30, 2008

This was my first ever car and I regret ever selling it (as one week later it was destroyed by the new owner!). My dad used to race mini cooper's and helped me 'do' this up as a cooper lookalike. This involved adding 4 Hella spotlights, the white decals, alloys, chrome exhaust and a roll cage just in case! It was great looking but not practical at all (crap heater, useless boot, no leg room, shoddy windowwipers). I would love to own one again though!Mar 13, 2008

This was my first ever car and I regret ever selling it (as one week later it was destroyed by the new owner!). My dad used to race mini cooper's and helped me 'do' this up as a cooper lookalike. This involved adding 4 Hella spotlights, the white decals, alloys, chrome exhaust and a roll cage just in case! It was great looking but not practical at all (crap heater, useless boot, no leg room, shoddy winderwipers). I would love to own one again though! Mar 05, 2008

What can i say I had three of these. Fom a 850 to my monster 1150. There is no statement that can come close to the experience of driving these. There cold, smell. break down loads, leak fluid all over the place and my 850 used to brake in a different direction every time you tried to stop. But the are full of character and none of the bad things matter. you can do so much with one it's ridiculous. and though ok my impreza would go round a corner faster i would have more confidence in the mini to try it at silly speed. Overall get one before all of them disapear and have a laughDec 30, 2007