Got my first drive in my new acquisition. A 2001 Rover Mini Cooper, 1275cc, 48,000 miles, red, white roof, 4 spots. (apologies but new to posting and picture uploading, so no pictures just yet).
Anyhow, Sunday afternoon, pick up the mini. First impression on the outside; Paint very good. No obvious or visible rust spots – except the steel trim around one of the headlights (replacement on the way). One spot light is broken (replacement on the way). Alloys; ok, need a clean. No racing strip on one side, and faded on the other (need to order two new one’s so).
Stuck out my paw and I it popped a set of keys. 4 in all. One for the door, one for the fuel cap, one driving key and an immobiliser fob. Fumbled around a bit before I got the door unlocked. Dropped my 6’1” frame inside. Surprising snug. Didn’t feel cramped at all. Seats very comfortable, with head room to spare.
Interior first impressions: love the red dash and round dials. A good interior valet will freshen it up no bother. Electrics: Need to get the radio code (?). Spot light switch not lighting the spots. Perhaps bulbs, perhaps a connection. Horn not working (fuse?).
Start it up with a shuddering rattle. Not a smooth as I expected. It was sitting around for a while so I suspect a good service is in order. Familiarise myself with the 4 gears and their play. Heavy clutch. Wasn’t expecting that. Engage first gear and holy crap!! Has the road turned to sand? I spent the last 7 years with power steering. This is going to be fun – heavy gear change, stiff steering (never have had my elbows up so high driving a car) in one of the roads smallest cars…quite amusing.
Onto the open roads. Today will be B road only. Nice and smooth and twisty. Had to take about 15mins to get to grips with the steering. A bit of play but once the turning points are identified, cornering wasn’t so scary. What a joy the car is, as grinning from ear to ear bombing along at 80kmh. Grip level was ok. Perhaps the tyres need to be familiarised with tarmac (or new tyres). There was under-steer however.
1st gear grand. 2nd gear grand, 3 rd gear…. Hmmm ..rattle from the steering column at 3000rpm +, 4th gear lovely and smooth. Exhaust note… mildly rough… as above, me thinks new plugs, filters and oil are needed definitely . Coolant change and if I’m adventurous; brake fluid.
Was well impressed with the overtaking abilities. In 4th there was plenty of go from 80kmh to ..err 100kmh.
Under the hood. Nicely packed in. See the oil filter is visible and reachable which is good news. Needs freshen up though. Boot… missing the boot lid cords/string to support the hinges (replacements on the way) and the spare tyre needs to be found.
So it needs:
Replacement spot light, replacement headlight rim, boot lid support cords, spare tyre,
Interior: good clean, radio code and the horn and spot lights to work
Engine: Service.
Was going to buy the Haynes manual on Mini’s.
Is this recommended, as I will need all the specifications for the plugs, filters etc.
Was hoping to have it ready for a trip to the Durrow show but this is not going to happen. 1st May is the target.
Happy new mini owner.
therein lies the problem..... 
