Mini Convertible Reliability Older models
Discussion
I'm thinking of buying an older Mini Convertible 2005-ish. I see you can pick them up relatively cheap, around £1800.
I thought it would be a great little runaround for the summer months and when better to buy than over the winter months.
I know absolutely nothing about Mini's. Is this a good investment? Or will it cost me loads every year to keep on the road. I realise an older vehicle will have more issues but as this would just be an extra fun summer car I don't want to be spending thousands trying to keep it on the road.
I thought it would be a great little runaround for the summer months and when better to buy than over the winter months.
I know absolutely nothing about Mini's. Is this a good investment? Or will it cost me loads every year to keep on the road. I realise an older vehicle will have more issues but as this would just be an extra fun summer car I don't want to be spending thousands trying to keep it on the road.
Main issues from all the ones we have had were seized sliders on the calipers (easily fixed), suspension arm bushes, engine oil leaks, and broken springs. Rear bulbs on the convertible are not very easy to get at if they need changed.
Electric Power steering pumps are also known to be problematical, the circuit board is susceptible to corrosion and the brushes wear rendering the car almost impossible to steer round a corner at slow speed if it suddenly stops working as many have found out, they are reasonably easy to change though.
ABS pumps are also known for causing problems often requiring to be sent for repair, a new unit requires re-coding.
Older ones can be suffering from heavy underside corrosion nowadays, especially the rear axles and the bodywork above it, check thoroughly underneath.
Having said all that if you can find a well looked after one it's as good a choice as anything in that price bracket. Great thing is they are generally easy to work on and spares a plenty. I would avoid the later Prince engined models.
Electric Power steering pumps are also known to be problematical, the circuit board is susceptible to corrosion and the brushes wear rendering the car almost impossible to steer round a corner at slow speed if it suddenly stops working as many have found out, they are reasonably easy to change though.
ABS pumps are also known for causing problems often requiring to be sent for repair, a new unit requires re-coding.
Older ones can be suffering from heavy underside corrosion nowadays, especially the rear axles and the bodywork above it, check thoroughly underneath.
Having said all that if you can find a well looked after one it's as good a choice as anything in that price bracket. Great thing is they are generally easy to work on and spares a plenty. I would avoid the later Prince engined models.
Pastor Of Muppets said:
Main issues from all the ones we have had were seized sliders on the calipers (easily fixed), suspension arm bushes, engine oil leaks, and broken springs. Rear bulbs on the convertible are not very easy to get at if they need changed.
Electric Power steering pumps are also known to be problematical, the circuit board is susceptible to corrosion and the brushes wear rendering the car almost impossible to steer round a corner at slow speed if it suddenly stops working as many have found out, they are reasonably easy to change though.
ABS pumps are also known for causing problems often requiring to be sent for repair, a new unit requires re-coding.
Older ones can be suffering from heavy underside corrosion nowadays, especially the rear axles and the bodywork above it, check thoroughly underneath.
Having said all that if you can find a well looked after one it's as good a choice as anything in that price bracket. Great thing is they are generally easy to work on and spares a plenty. I would avoid the later Prince engined models.
Wow, that seems a lot. Thanks for givng me the heads up.Electric Power steering pumps are also known to be problematical, the circuit board is susceptible to corrosion and the brushes wear rendering the car almost impossible to steer round a corner at slow speed if it suddenly stops working as many have found out, they are reasonably easy to change though.
ABS pumps are also known for causing problems often requiring to be sent for repair, a new unit requires re-coding.
Older ones can be suffering from heavy underside corrosion nowadays, especially the rear axles and the bodywork above it, check thoroughly underneath.
Having said all that if you can find a well looked after one it's as good a choice as anything in that price bracket. Great thing is they are generally easy to work on and spares a plenty. I would avoid the later Prince engined models.
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