I would not rush out and buy a Mini-14.  There are better first choices in that caliber.
However, if you already own one, or get one at a good price, the perfectunion BB linked above will show you that some easy, inexpensive mods will transform your Mini into a reasonably accurate, highly reliable rifle.
While good mags are a little pricey, they can be had.  And accessories, both good and bad, abound.
In sum, a mid-level modded Mini, with original barrel can be a 1.5-2.5 MOA rifle.
A great many Minis, like M1 Carbines, have had their muzzles ruined by improper cleaning technique.  Most often, a re-crowning of the barrel ($40) will make a huge difference in accuracy by itself.
IMHO, a well-set up Mini, with a supply of good mags really gives up nothing to an AR with the same length barrel. YMMV.

Quoted: What other rifles in that caliber do you suggest? I might be buying a rifle soon, and I am considering a Mini-14 (not for competition or anything, usually just plinking). Any suggestions?

I suggest you look into the Armalite AR180B rifle.

Get a spare (or two) ejector springs from Ruger or Numrich, and remove a coil or two.
The bolt takes down much like an M1/M1A bolt, and the GI takedown tool can be used.  You'll need a spacer to make up for the size difference; one of the sockets in a 1/4" drive  socket set should do.  Be a good opportunity to give the bolt a good cleaning as well.

Quoted: Will the rifle be worse the wear if left alone raf?  I don't reload or mind denting brass.  If Ruger were to ever produce a parkerized mini, with a chromed HBAR, and better iron sights, it could surpass AR sales.  JMHO C

If I understand your question correctly, one can clean the bolt adequately by flooding it periodically with carb cleaner, lightly lubing the firing pin, ejector, and extractor.  Lugs take grease.

All one needs do is obtain a stainless mini (Ruger now sells one in a synthetic stock), bead-blast it, and spray with Brownell's Dark Park color Aluma-Hyde II paint.  Or you could park a blued version.  There are lots of versions of good, improved sights for the Mini, from AO's ghost ring to Willian's adjustable target rear sight.
Just make sure the rifle fits tight in the synthetic stock (bed if you have to).
Attaching a John Masen (Mfr) Black Warrior muzzle brake (about $30) reportedly cuts groups almost in half.
To correct most of the problems of the thin barrel, such as stringing when hot, have the stripped barreled action cryo-treated for about $70.

One other thing.  A lot of Minis have poor accuracy because somebody, somewhere screwed up the muzzle, usually by using an uncoated cleaning rod, no rod guide, and poor cleaning technique.

If my Mini inexplicably tossed shots every which way, one of the first things I'd check would be the muzzle crown. Same goes for rifles that must be similarly cleaned, such as the Garand, M1A, and M1 Carbine, to name just a few.
A $40 recrowning by a gunsmith might just breathe new accuracy into your Mini.

As far as denting brass, well...
Maybe YOU don't reload, but you might in the future.  That wasted brass represents about 1/2 to 2/3 the cost of the round.  Shame to mash it when all's that's needed is trimming a little spring.
Besides if you never intend to reload (don't fathom that, but TEHO), one of your buddies who DOES reload would probably be delighted to recieve a gift of once-fired reloadable brass.
YMMV.