I've seen lots of Japanese import classic Mini - does buying one make financial sense? | Ask Honest John

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I've seen lots of Japanese import classic Mini - does buying one make financial sense?

I'm looking at buying a classic Mini. I have seen lots of Japanese imports advertised. Do these cars make financial sense to buy? What are the pros and cons of buying one of these cars? Unsure what to look for with this. I'm an AA member and would have them inspect the car, but just unsure as to whether buying one is the sensible option.

Asked on 4 December 2017 by stuart mckenzie

Answered by Honest John

Generally, the upkeep of a classic Mini is likely to be better in Japan because the Shaken test regime is much tougher than the UK MoT test regime. The car was originally made in the UK, exported to RHD Japan, then brought back to the UK. No reason not to consider one. Though if you are looking at Mini in the £30,000 + bracket, probably better to go for a numbers matching UK car with a traceable past. There are signs that classic Mini prices have peaked.

Tags: japanese imports imports classic cars