Mini Reviews
The first BMC Minis were badged as Austins and Morrises, but, from the MkIII variant in 1969, Mini was launched as a marque in its own right, albeit solely responsible for the cars after which it was named; the original Alec Issigonis invention as well as the Clubman and Cooper variants. Largely unappreciated during the 1970s, this once most-basic of machines moved upmarket in the 1980s when it became cemented in the British national psyche.
The last classic Mini was built in 2000 – after 41 years of continuous manufacture – and BMW now uses MINI as a badge for its British-built entry-level cars. The popularity of these should ensure the name continues well into the future.
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Good:
It's a Mini, and all that encompasses
Bad:
Slow, rusty, noisy and uncomfortable
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Good:
Good to drive, rally-winning kudos
Bad:
Getting too valuable to have genuine fun in
Good:
Low-key looks, higher performance than the standard Mini-Cooper
Bad:
First Mini-Cooper S is not as fast as you might expect
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Good:
Revvier and more fun than the 1071S
Bad:
Even rarer...
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Good:
The definitive fast classic Mini - and just as just as the rest of them
Bad:
The usual - bumpy, noisy and uncomfortable. And a few rust issues. Mainly watch for fakes, though.
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Good:
Basic fun
Bad:
...For the beach - in warm climes
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Good:
A great city car, brilliant classic, and huge fun despite limited performance
Bad:
Rust, and young cars being passed off as older ones - and badly customised, repaired or repainted examples.
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Good:
Fun, easy to work on and great to drive
Bad:
Not as pretty as a 'classic' Mini
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Good:
Looks more grown up than the original Mini
Bad:
Drives and feel just the same
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Good:
More grown-up version of an enduring classic
Bad:
Late Minis with 13-inch Sports pack wheels and suspension are even more uncomfortable!
