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+--- Thread: Does it make sense to use a mini as a daily driver (/showthread.php?tid=258)
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Does it make sense to use a mini as a daily driver - Vinay-RS - 01-19-2016
So this forum has been relatively quiet so I decided to create a thread on a topic that I've heard conflicting views about:
Does it make sense to use a mini everyday to get you to and from work in traffic (or motorway driving) and do you use your mini(s) daily. Does it make the commute to work more interesting and fun, or more stressful and tiring?
I'll start: I typically don't drive everyday so I don't know much about how a mini is to drive everyday in traffic, although I've started using the mini more regularly.
RE: Does it make sense to use a mini as a daily driver - DomMINIque - 01-19-2016
I've actually never driven a mini but these would be my concerns
My office is just over 40km from home (one way) and I spend a lot of time going to see clients all over jhb, which means a lot of highway driving yet at the same time sitting in traffic.
Can the mini reasonably handle highway speeds and does it have the braking power to slow down fast enough when the highway comes to a standstill. (Especially in wet weather)
My other biggest concern is then the temperature in stand still traffic.
I'd be interested to see what the other guys have to say and what conditions they drive through.
RE: Does it make sense to use a mini as a daily driver - Boyscout - 01-19-2016
My Wife uses the Mini everyday, to work and back. Not too much traffic. She receives offers to purchase almost daily! Loves using the Mini.
RE: Does it make sense to use a mini as a daily driver - Sean1380 - 01-19-2016
About 8 years ago i used my 1293 Mini with a 3.76 final drive for my daily 140k round trip from Pinetown to Pietermaritzburg daily.
No traffic and all freeway use.
The prolonged high engine speed and kak LRP and a modified head made sure that the valves recessed themselves into the head in about 6 months !
RE: Does it make sense to use a mini as a daily driver - Vinay-RS - 01-19-2016
That's good to know. It's about 8 km to work now and I quite enjoy the drive in everyday. I'm keen to start using a mini more regularly as a car is surely meant to be driven. That said, I'm leaving the house earlier to avoid any traffic.
Geez Sean... so that means you wouldn't recommend using a mini as a daily driver?
RE: Does it make sense to use a mini as a daily driver - Jared Mk3 - 01-19-2016
I think it depends on where and how it is used. In a small town, like where I am, there's no reason not to use it. In fact, my mom used a 1275E daily to work and back for many years. Highway use might ask for a change in diff ratio - say 3.44:1 or 3.1:1 (if you can get your hands on it). Sitting in traffic will dictate an upgrade for the cooling system. Yes, the design is almost 60 years old, but that doesn't mean it can't be improved upon to allow everyday use.
RE: Does it make sense to use a mini as a daily driver - Vinay-RS - 01-19-2016
Yeah I have to admit that on the highway my mini is comfortable up to 100-110 km/h and then it gets too noisy. I'm assuming that's because of the diff. That said most of the speed limits in Cape Town are between 60-80 km/h and the higher final drive ratio helps the car pull nicely.
RE: Does it make sense to use a mini as a daily driver - Boyscout - 01-19-2016
In town it is perfect. Limited highway use though. At 120 you are doing over 4600 RPM with 3.44 Diff.
RE: Does it make sense to use a mini as a daily driver - Miniac - 01-19-2016
I used to use my 998 Stationwagon as a daily come rain or storm, round trip was in the region of 75km and it was mostly freeway use with some standstill traffic, my mini never skipped a beat. I'm currently building up my GTS to be used as a daily for the work run which is around the 54km mark depending on route taken, not much traffic due to my shift work but when there's a build up on the way into work it's generally standstill for around 30-45mins at a time and there's a huge amount of stop and go due to all the traffic lights between my house and the office, I'm currently running a 3.444 diff but I do have a 3.105 in my box of tricks in case I find the need for longer legs.
RE: Does it make sense to use a mini as a daily driver - Sean1380 - 01-20-2016
A 3.1 final drive ratio is fantastic for a daily driver PROVIDED you don't go to wild on the camshaft, if you hit traffic.
If there is a lot of traffic on your route, stick to a 3.44 or limit your duration of camshaft to maximum 266.
I run my 1380 with 13" wheels and a 3.1 CWP but with a 264/268 camshaft which has a very docile idle - its perfect in traffic.