1980 Austin Mini User Reviews

Mini — Very stable on curves, low consumption, parks practically anywhere, fits comfortably 4 persons, excellent price-quality ratio, noisy interior due to low isolation between the engine and the interior, no air conditionning, energetic on hills, very low compared to other cars, like a crate on ball bearing wheels, flashy and cute

1984 - Austin Mini Mayfair. — 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.

It Was Cheap...... — 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.

Cute Like A Toy Car! — Unfortunatly mine (not in photo) was another forced sell as we moved so had no storage. Cool little motor though, not entirely practical, but who really worries about that?!

Go-kart On The Road — mini 1000 with 10' wheels like a go-kart. NOT very fast but fun at every turn