I've been shifting gears so long with my right hand, it would get sore trying to reach through the door in a RHD car.

Have you ever sat in a Mini?

If you can't safely drive on the other side of the car in a Mini, you probably shouldn't be on the road at all.  I can touch both doors inside the car and I am not a big guy.  As Captain 61 said, one trip around the block is all that's needed.  ALL controls with the exception of the gear shifter are in the exact same location and work in the exact same manner, LHD vs. RHD.  Even the gear shifter is the same pattern as we're all used to , but you need to use your other hand.

Easy Peasy !

Nothing wrong...or difficult about learning to drive a RHD Mini!! A bit "quirky"? Maybe...but Quirky fun....not quirky impossible!! Shift pattern of a 4 speed is still the same, all that is needed is a drive around the block to get used to it. Relax. Its not rocket science!!

Agreed, and the best solution for the packed engine compartment is to remove the A/C. The car cools down before you can roll the windows down all the way! 

The best solution to the RHD to LHD conversion, is don't do it. Why does it need to be LHD? 

minor issue with Japanese minis is that due to the late style brake booster, it's not and easy rhd to lhd conversion. I think you'd want a yellow band m/c.   And if it's got A/C  good luck working on it. These cars engine compartments are packed solid.

I imported a Rover Mini 1000 that I won on eBay in 2015. I imported it from Yokohama Japan to Savannah, Georgia. I didn't go through a broker. The seller was an exporter, so he knew what to do on his end. It wasn't a bad experience. Dealing with US Customs was easy & the port stuff was easy (had to pay for someone to escort me on the port property). The only issues I had was the DMV in Central Florida. Mostly due to then not knowing their jobs...but I digress. I would do it again. Just do your research and know what paperwork & documentation you need for customs & your local DMV.

Check out Japanese Classics - they are starting to import Minis now as well since they are at the 25 year mark. They handle all the import costs.

Hi Lanky
I too have been tempted by this.  I've seen beautiful examples come over to the PNW for crazy low $.  (IIRC, one nice car was 6,800 landed. )

Many will say, and I can't dispute, that you'll need to see, touch, drive, and thoroughly inspect prior to owning.

I'd be interested to see what sort of inspection, and what level of commitment / guarantee that an auction house could offer.

Perhaps it would be an adventure, and a lot of fun.  As long as you'll remember that the car is for you alone, not to be thought of as an investment.

Finally, the obvious.  Many of the items that could trip you up such as transmission rebuilding, rusty body repairs and repaint, etc could best be realized as extremely expensive to farm out to a pro.  So, you, like many of us, will have to learn as you go and DIY.

I wish you the very best, and would like to hear of your adventure.  EM in profile.

Best regards,
MSH

I've been browsing minis in the Japanese market for a couple weeks now. I'm specifically looking at 1275cc spi and mpi minis in good condition that could become an in-town daily driver. I feel like I understand the process and regulations pretty well for importing the the US. I'm aware of some of the more reputable importers like Pacific Coast Auto and Japan Car Direct. Both regularly export minis to US and Canada, so I know the process is feasible.

If you have gone through the import process, I'd love to hear your experience! Would you do it again? Did the car meet your quality expectations? Did you run into roadblocks, sketchy dealers, hidden fees, or customs issues? I'm a few hours from the port of Tacoma, so getting the vehicle from port to my house shouldn't be too much of an issue. The biggest hesitation I have is the inability to verify engine/drivetrain issues (slipping transmissions, failing head gaskets, etc). Rust and body quality seem to be pretty well inspected on auction sheets.