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I've finally done, saved a bit by to buy a my first old school mini!
However I have one small issue, other than how they look, I don't know too much about what's under the hood or common issues, such as rust, that need to be spotted before any purchase is made.
Does anyone have any advice around the various models, engines sizes, engine types, common issues to watch out for?
Apologies, this is quite a broad question but any help would be greatly appreciated!
If possible try get one that is pre 1980, only reason I say this is to save yourself having to nct your car every year. Great selection of cars on the market. Just only you can say which one suits you after driving it. I went threw 5 in a year to find the one I like, be ready to spend plenty of money. Always something seems to go wrong
One of the first things you need to concider is can you insure the car. If your under 25 and its your only car you may need to look at Minis less than 15 years old for some insurance companies. If your over 25 and its a second car you can concider a classic policy.
Whats your budget?
As Woody said, first things first.. Check out insurance, I'm 20 and my insurance company won't touch me on anything over the age of 20 years old.
Heres a rough guide around rust issues, there are better ones but can't find them now that I'm looking for them! As it says, the wings, a panels, sills and the likes... And from previous experience, I won't be buying another Mini thats had any rust prevention remedy caked on the underside. I know its there to protect the body but ya never know whether it was put there in good faith or put there in an attemp to hide something. You'd be better of finding a good clean shell and doing that kind of stuff yourself.
I'm over 25 and the mini would be my daily driver. Budget is around €4k. Living in Dublin city centre, and while mechanically minded, I do not have a garage or an area where I can install / swap out parts regularly, if needed. So I'm slightly apprehensive about getting too old a mini.
As your not technicly minded I'll just point out the major difference between the two cars. The '96 Mini is single point injection and the '97 is multipoint injection.The '97 is fitted with an airbag and pretension seatbelts and side impact bars.The 13" wheels and arches on the '97 can be fitted to the '96 with a bit of work. I would thimk both cars are priced well if they are as good as described but ultimitly it depends on rust as '90s minis are prone to major rust in the wings ,A panels and most expenseivly the scuttle panel. Rust is a bigger problem on UK imports.
Cars with 13" wheels fitted as standard will also have a reduced travel steering rack to avoid the wheels rubbing on full lock.
The wider wheels do make steering at low speeds heavier but not overly so. Aftermarket Power Steering can be fitted to Minis but it isn't cheap
A fully carbon fiber Mini Marcos shell weighs just 7.25kg.
Cheer Marcos. From experience is there a massive difference in the handling between 12" and 13"?
Also, is there anyone on the forums here from Galway? I would really like to check out the 97 mini and it would be a massive help if there was someone with me who knows exactly what to look for. Of course I'll sort you for your time as well.
I have a 1380cc 90reg mini and I can tell you they are quick and a ball to drive. I am, like you, over 25, well over if i'm honest, and my insurance is €225pa there is restricted mileage of 6K km's but that's not a problem if its nit your main car.
If you intend to upgrade your mini in the future I suggest you take a look at this mini. It's not mine by the way but it looks sorted to me. If you catch the mini bug you will want to upgrade in the future, and you will certainly spend way more than the price this guy is looking for.
What Minis have you?: 1996 BRG mayfair 1275 auto-lyin up now 1990 1l city-daily driver 1993 cooper spi-completly stripped and upside down! the long term project(advantage) courtesy of mr skelly!! rotten shell-found a floor repair panel in the boot tho!
Gave the chap a ring, it's actually a UK import, the engine was modified over in the UK. There is very little service history with the vehicle. There were 2 rust issues previously (scuttle pan and back left rear). Has been recently resprayed. Brakes are originals so will probably need replacing.
AA84 wrote:First off, thanks for all the replies...
I'm over 25 and the mini would be my daily driver. Budget is around €4k. Living in Dublin city centre, and while mechanically minded, I do not have a garage or an area where I can install / swap out parts regularly, if needed. So I'm slightly apprehensive about getting too old a mini.
Welcome along.
My few thoughts:
If it is to be your daily driver I would suggest a fairly standard 1990's Mini
Bodywise buy the best you can afford
If it was me I would stick with 12" wheels as the steering will feel lighter. By all means test drive one with 13" wheels and see which you prefer
If it comes with service history all the better, but whatever you buy will be more than 10 years old so it is unlikely to all be available, besides most people on here do their own
Current NCT
Subject to the usual checks for rust, test drive etc.....do you guys reckon the above represent value? Particularly like the look of the 97 mini.[/quote]
the front lights and grill on the 97 aren't stock...something seems off about them, id definitely ask why they arent they originals.
I checked out the 97 the Friday before last. A lot of things were off with the mini. Was told one previous owner yet was only registered in 03, was an import from NI. Owner apparently did not know, but service book said otherwise.
It didn't handle too well, and steering clicked several times between full turning left to right. Changing gears from 2nd to 3rd was anything but easy.
i'll be selling mine in a few weeks/months, baby on the way so have to get something baby friendly
has no NCT at the moment, but will be getting that take care of before I sell her.
Ill be looking for 4k+ at least, so may be above what you're willing to spend. but ive had lots done to her to get her back ont he road and shes in great shape.
Am I correct this is a Jap import SPI. Besides there being little to no room under the bonnet, is there anything else I need to be wary about? Can just about read "E12A AD020" on top of the engine.
As it says, the wings, a panels, sills and the likes... And from previous experience, I won't be buying another Mini thats had any rust prevention remedy caked on the underside. I know its there to protect the body but ya never know whether it was put there in good faith or put there in an attemp to hide something. You'd be better of finding a good clean shell and doing that kind of stuff yourself.
