Hi guys, looking for some advice.

I'm currently over in the UK and planning on getting a mini cooper on my return. I'm thinking of getting a late sixties one that is straight and not needing work as I'll need it as a daily driver. I'm just wondering if I'm better to purchase a good one here and ship it home. The other alternative woukd be to get later (1999/2000) uk or japanese import. Just wanted some thoughts. I'm not sure exactly what a good Aussie cooper will cost me....would prefer to buy via a recommendation than from Carsales. If people could provide me with likely prices, it'd give me an idea on what would be more cost effective. Thanks

Because of the age of a 60's mini you would want one that has had a rebuild to be reliable. It is hard to quote prices as they vary greatly between models and condition.
The 997 or 998 Cooper is hard to find and could set you back $15000 - $20000 for a rebuilt one. The 1275 Cooper S is more desirable but there are more of these around. A rebuilt MK1 Cooper S could cost $25000 to $30000 and a rebuilt MK2 Cooper S could fetch a little more.
There are many replica/ fake Cooper S's out there and you would want to know what you are buying is correct if you plan on selling it at a later date as a genuine car.
Another option is the Mini K or Deluxe which have the same round nose body as the Cooper but you get better value for your money. A lot of these have had 1275cc engines transplanted, disc brakes and Cooper S badges - $10000 to $20000 would get you a good to very good example.
I am not sure on the import side of things but that could blow out with transport, import fees, rego issues.

I believe a 1990's rover mini would be the better option as a daily driver. More comfort, reliability and safer. They go for around $15000 - $20000.

Thanks. That's good to know. I'd be happy with a rebuilt 997/998 cooper or the later later rover one, more creature comforts etc. Do you know of any that might be likely to hit the market in the next 6 months. The classic one is more preferable as I prefer the external hinges and the smaller wheels. Having said that if the right later model one came along I'd certainly take a look.

The Morris cooper 997 or 998cc was early 60's and you may only see a few come up for sale each year. There are heaps of rover minis for sale all the time.

The BMW cooper is the cheapest. You could get a 2005 - 2008 model for $10000 - $15000. But you don't get the cool factor.

Oh I have no interest in a bmw cooper. I want the original version.

UK cars tend to be more expensive. A Cooper S here that costs $25,000 would be £25,000 in the UK. You also need to own it in the UK for a certain amount of time (6 months I think) to be able to bring it back as a personal import.

There is also the mine field with UK cars that have rusted away and have been re-shelled or recreated from an ID/licence plate..

If you were to bring something back, a ute (pickup) or a woody wagon might be a good choice as they were never sold here, although with the lower value of cars here it doesn't necessarily make financial sense

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Hmmmm I thought to personally export you needed to first own the car for 12 months...but maybe the rules have changed?

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"Show me the Mini!"

Hence why I said (I think), nothing legally binding or guaranteed about my statement

The page here confirms with your 12 months
https://infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/ ... s/pis.aspx

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Wow that's a pretty big price difference and good to know. Now I just need to find a decent late sixties cooper S. FYI, looking at importation, if the car was built before 1993, there is no required ownership period.

I won't be back from the UK until August and will probably put out a WTB ad then, but if anyone knows of a good cooper S with matching numbers going in the meantime, would be good to know.

Here are a couple advertised on a UK site..

Mk2 Cooper S - £25500
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C696474
970 Cooper S - £29500
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C718529
Mk2 Cooper S - £26000
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C718518
Mk1 Cooper S - £39500
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C714228

And in Australia
Mk1 Cooper S - $25500
http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/pri ... 5392&Cr=22
Mk2 Cooper S - $25000
http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/pri ... 4240&Cr=19

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Wow, a reshelled 970 cooper s is worth £29,500 approx 60,000aud and a 65 1275 cooper s is worth £39,500 approx 80,000aud.
I wonder how much a 1071 cooper s that has never been modified or messed with would be worth?

It's a no brainer. Buy it in Aus.

Maybe start an export business back to GB.

don't buy a Cooper or Cooper S, save the extra money and just buy a Mini K or a Deluxe - same look, same enjoyment, less money, especially when you're talking about a daily driver

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Thanks for all the advice. Duly noted. I'm thinking a a deluxe or a K might be my best option.

Probably better off bringing back something like http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C722821 way better price comparison once here.