I would do it. The road trips will just be more epic. If it doesn't work out you shouldn't have a problem finding a buyer if it's in nice shape. Tons of people DD them outside of the US, they were built until 1999 so there are lots of possibilities for improving reliability, no issues with parts availability, and most importantly, they are berkeleying cool!
In reply to mr2peak:
What think you of this?
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/3708136407.html
I love that! Definitely prefer the Mini to the E36M3, for no logical reason, and perhaps every illogical reason.
It looks beautiful!
But be aware that the 1.3L engine was never offered in a US legal car, so it's either been swapped or had the vin changed and "re-shelled". The add seems to suggest it's an early shell with '97 mechanicals which would be perfect for a nice DD, but be sure to talk to the owner extensively. Registration probably will be fine but if an accident were to occur the insurance company might look at it differently.. Any hesitation in answering questions and I'd walk away. Lots of Minis out there.
Also, a RHD car will make right turns a bit of a guessing game. Passing is a concern. Most importantly, you won't be able to see nearly as far down the road when turning right. I share the road with bikers who hug the inside of corners to stay out of the way of cars... which also seriously cuts down my angle of vision. It's the car version of making a left on a motorcycle and leaning your head over the yellow line. Technically legal, but dangerous and not thoroughly thought through.
For a '60's toy mini RHD is great. For a DD it's a liability in my mind.
I would follow up on it. You can always trade the RHD bits for LHD parts and pocket some money.
This is my lust. 10's and small fenders (or better yet none at all).
There's a girl in SF who drives an all white mini with 40 years worth of small paint dings and dents that simply add to the character of the car in a great way. It's a driver and that makes it just that much better. Anyone can re-paint.
If a classic mini is in play... a nice clean TR-6 should be too, no? What sounds or looks better than that? Top drops for sunny days jut like a Miata. Just keep your AAA and Verizon bills paid up and all is well. (get a HF trailer for hauling kegs).
Really this is just me projecting my own dreams on you but... seriously... who wouldn't rock this?
Will a Mini satisfy the space requirements, though?
Swank Force One wrote: Will a Mini satisfy the space requirements, though?
There is a surprising amount of room in a Mini.
I tend to agree about the rhd issue. While I'd definitely want RHD for an occasional toy, using one as a DD in the US could get annoying after awhile. Converting an early car is apparently pretty straight forward. A later car will have more side-specific parts so while I'm sure it can be done it'll be more involved.
That definitely looks like a nice car for a good price. Being already titled in CA would be a boon to you as well.
A while ago one of the specialty car stores in SF sold a bunch of old mini's with the new fuel injected engines. Someone restored or rebodied the 1969 mini's then put in the new drivetrains. They were registered at 60's cars. They even had driver airbags. I still see one driving around once in a while. That would be the super rare mini to find. They were LHD too.
In reply to Beer Baron:
If you only go to Oregon once a year, take the wife's 8. The difference in fuel will be pretty small for the comfort. The mini going to Sacramento 6 times a year might be a little rough though.
singleslammer wrote: If you only go to Oregon once a year, take the wife's 8. The difference in fuel will be pretty small for the comfort. The mini going to Sacramento 6 times a year might be a little rough though.
Usually, it's just me going to Oregon. My best friends since high school live there. So I will generally just be taking my own car.
Will a Mini suck that hard on a freeway?
Yeah, I keep coming back to an E36 M3. I suppose if I want it to be more special and unique, I can just hold out for one in Estoril Blue instead of the usual black or silver I generally find them in.
If you find a Mini in the Bay Area that you're interested in I'd be happy to go check it out for you.
Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: (get a HF trailer for hauling kegs).
Actually, this should be a requirement for all of your choices! Set it up such that it is a kegerator/portable bar. How cool would that be?
mtn wrote:Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: (get a HF trailer for hauling kegs).Actually, this should be a requirement for all of your choices! Set it up such that it is a kegerator/portable bar. How cool would that be?
That is an awesome idea. I just need a good enough trailer that it won't agitate the beer too much on the trip.
Hopefully it would be about 40*. 
mtn wrote:Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: (get a HF trailer for hauling kegs).Actually, this should be a requirement for all of your choices! Set it up such that it is a kegerator/portable bar. How cool would that be?
Actually, I have this fantasy of buying a hearse and customizing it with different use-specific "coffins" that can be swapped out as needed. One would be a toolbox and work bench, another a DJ table and PA system, the third a bar with several taps.
Am I doing it wrong? For the first time ever, I am making color a strong factor in buying a car.
I want an E36 M3... but I want it in Estoril Blue. Any other color I feel "meh" about, and down right don't want black. I figure it is a common enough car that I can forgive myself for being a bit picky and vain. And... Estoril Blue is gorgeous and I think goes a long way toward making the car feel more "special".
Here ya go: 
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/mini/cooper_s/1545248.html?refer=blog
...blows the budget out of the water... 
Beer Baron wrote: Am I doing it wrong? For the first time ever, I am making color a strong factor in buying a car. I want an E36 M3... but I want it in Estoril Blue. Any other color I feel "meh" about, and down right don't want black. I figure it is a common enough car that I can forgive myself for being a bit picky and vain. And... Estoril Blue is gorgeous and I think goes a long way toward making the car feel more "special".
Avusblau is also a beautiful color on these cars.
Avus is a gorgeous color. Probably my choice followed by Boston Green (g/f's 2nd M3) or Daytona Violet (her first one).
New wrench in the plans:
Bringing up my thoughts to friends, turns out a guy I know has a 944 S2 he wants to sell. Car is fairly high mileage (~175k), body has a few imperfections, but it has been owned and cared for by one of my fellow 944Spec racers. I know he's taken good care of it. The clutch got replaced about 5 years ago, so still has plenty of life. It has a few modifications, but all nice things that make the car better for me to handle Auto-X duty. Price is good. He's asking $5.5k, and willing to negotiate down a bit.
It isn't as nice, new, and fancy as what I've been looking for, but the price is great, I trust the seller, already have wheels and tires that will work for it, and it succeeds at being cool.
I'm a little late to the game here, but I'll play anyway.
I'm a huge 944 fan and love S2's, so I see nothing wrong with that idea. You already have a 944 so you're aware of the drawbacks already and what you have to deal with.
If that doesn't pan out, what about a newer MINI. I have an '06 R53 as a daily driver, and I really like it. While they have their issues, they are less than the 944 will give you, and the same or better than the M Coupe. The pluses are decent room inside, good MPG, fun, fun, fun to drive, and the first gen cars are suprisingly inexpensive.
I've also been searching similar cars to you, but for a different reason. I've been searching for a new toy. I've capped it at 15k though. Here are my observations:
S2000s. These are near the top of the list, but everyone I find sells incredibly fast. I've found two decent examples recently only to have both sell within hours of the ad coming out. Still looking for a good one.
E36 M3s. Cannot find one that's not beat to hell. Good ones are rare. Most have been "riced" out, have 300k miles, or just so ratty I wouldn't sit in them. Built with quality materials they were not.
FD RX7. Always wanted one. Raced one once, need to find a decent example to look at. Somewhat rare locally. How delicate are these? Anyone here own one?
944 Turbo: See M3 above. I really, really miss my old one.
Miata: For some reason I want an MSM. Missed one for sale locally. It wasn't on my radar until I came across one accidently. With a few mods, it was as fast as the S2000 I drove, and a lot more torque.
'80's 911. want a good one, but they are rapidly rising out of my price range.
racerdave600 wrote: If that doesn't pan out, what about a newer MINI. I have an '06 R53 as a daily driver, and I really like it. While they have their issues, they are less than the 944 will give you, and the same or better than the M Coupe. The pluses are decent room inside, good MPG, fun, fun, fun to drive, and the first gen cars are suprisingly inexpensive.
I'm going to have to look at the new Mini. I've heard some bad things on here about major electrical issues that are just not worth the headache once the car is out of warranty. Otherwise, it's one of the few FWD cars I actually desire. Nervous about the ones with Chrysler engines.
I've also been searching similar cars to you, but for a different reason. I've been searching for a new toy. I've capped it at 15k though. Here are my observations: 1. S2000s. These are near the top of the list, but everyone I find sells incredibly fast. I've found two decent examples recently only to have both sell within hours of the ad coming out. Still looking for a good one. 2. E36 M3s. Cannot find one that's not beat to hell. Good ones are rare. Most have been "riced" out, have 300k miles, or just so ratty I wouldn't sit in them. Built with quality materials they were not.
$15k is my price cap too. I've not had too many of the issues you seem to be naming. The S2000s stick around a decent amount, or at least are quickly replaced by something else. It's tough to find them low mileage (under <100k) around here in my budget range. For an S2000, I'm seeing low teens for ones around 125k miles. Usually minimal or no mods, some maintenance records, interior solid, and top generally in one piece with one or two holes. E36 M3 seems to be about $9k for a car around 150k miles, similar story on condition to the S2000.
I've seen to M Coupes in the Bay Area. on is $13k for 150k miles and lightly, but not garishly modified. Another is $17k through a used car dealer, bone stock, only 77k miles on it.
Beer Baron wrote: I'm going to have to look at the new Mini. I've heard some bad things on here about major electrical issues that are just not worth the headache once the car is out of warranty. Otherwise, it's one of the few FWD cars I actually desire. Nervous about the ones with Chrysler engines.
I've had a few BMW's (and been around them my entire life as my Dad is a big BMW guy), and they are the same really. If you can deal with any other BMW, you can deal with a MINI. In the year I've had mine, it has cost me only 2 oil changes. It is going to need a clutch soon, and only because I hate the dual mass flywheel, but that's about it. And compared to an E36 M3, it's the poster child of reliability. My E36 was far, far more troublesome. I think people give BMW's a pass for whatever reason, but expect the MINI to be Honda-like.
I live in Huntsville, AL and unfortunately around here, we get a limited supply of cars like S2000's, M Coupes, etc. For example, a Z3 M Coupe would be $20k plus no matter what the mileage. I'd love to have one, but I'd have to drive to do it, and I've yet to see one within a few hundred miles in my price range.
I can usually find '05 and '06 S2000s for $15k and under, when one comes up for sale. If I go to Atlanta, they usually have a number of them for sale at any one time.
Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote:Beer Baron wrote: Am I doing it wrong? For the first time ever, I am making color a strong factor in buying a car. I want an E36 M3... but I want it in Estoril Blue. Any other color I feel "meh" about, and down right don't want black. I figure it is a common enough car that I can forgive myself for being a bit picky and vain. And... Estoril Blue is gorgeous and I think goes a long way toward making the car feel more "special".Avusblau is also a beautiful color on these cars.
It sure as E36 M3 is:
In reply to Beer Baron:
The early R50/53 cars had the "Chrysler" engine which really had little to do with them and they never really lived up to their end of the deal. Meant for Euro market cars and none were ever used here. Regardless, mechanically the Tritec engine is a tank and can put up with quite a bit of abuse. If they have one negative its somewhat marginal fuel mileage for such a small engine.
The current cars use engines developed with Peugeot.
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