What to look out for on Classic Mini's?!
Discussion
Hi,
I'm 19 and I'm looking into buying my first car after being a named driver on my mums 06 Micra for 8-9 months (purely because I couldn't afford the insurance on my own car) and wondered whether to buy a mini.
I've seen a few advertised in Sheffield and wanted to know if there is anything in particualr to look out for?!
A couple of my mates have mini's with one currently being restored which I'm going to help out with as I would really like to learn what parts do what!
Any help and advice would be appreciated!
Cheers
I'm 19 and I'm looking into buying my first car after being a named driver on my mums 06 Micra for 8-9 months (purely because I couldn't afford the insurance on my own car) and wondered whether to buy a mini.
I've seen a few advertised in Sheffield and wanted to know if there is anything in particualr to look out for?!
A couple of my mates have mini's with one currently being restored which I'm going to help out with as I would really like to learn what parts do what!
Any help and advice would be appreciated!
Cheers
Rust, Rust and did i mention Rust?
thats pretty much the main thing, check sills, scuttle panels, boot floors, inner wings etc. buy the most rust free one you can regardless of age or model. mechanically they are fairly easy to fix, check for any wandering on the road, any rumbling or knocking from the suspension. look under the bonnet for any home made wiring additions and check the lights etc work ok. check the engine has oil and theres no mayo like substances under the filler cap.
they are brilliant little cars but you do need to keep on top on the maintenance and the bodywork.
Oh and we need pics once you get one...
thats pretty much the main thing, check sills, scuttle panels, boot floors, inner wings etc. buy the most rust free one you can regardless of age or model. mechanically they are fairly easy to fix, check for any wandering on the road, any rumbling or knocking from the suspension. look under the bonnet for any home made wiring additions and check the lights etc work ok. check the engine has oil and theres no mayo like substances under the filler cap.
they are brilliant little cars but you do need to keep on top on the maintenance and the bodywork.
Oh and we need pics once you get one...
It thought rust would be the main thing to look out for!
Thanks for the info it's much appreciated!
I'll be sure to post some pics if I get one! I'll try to snap some of my friends mini that's being restored and do a project thread thing on here. Not sure when he's starting it yet though!!
Thanks for the info it's much appreciated!
I'll be sure to post some pics if I get one! I'll try to snap some of my friends mini that's being restored and do a project thread thing on here. Not sure when he's starting it yet though!!
chrisj_abz said:
Rust, Rust and did i mention Rust?
thats pretty much the main thing, check sills, scuttle panels, boot floors, inner wings etc. buy the most rust free one you can regardless of age or model. mechanically they are fairly easy to fix, check for any wandering on the road, any rumbling or knocking from the suspension. look under the bonnet for any home made wiring additions and check the lights etc work ok. check the engine has oil and theres no mayo like substances under the filler cap.
they are brilliant little cars but you do need to keep on top on the maintenance and the bodywork.
Oh and we need pics once you get one...
thats pretty much the main thing, check sills, scuttle panels, boot floors, inner wings etc. buy the most rust free one you can regardless of age or model. mechanically they are fairly easy to fix, check for any wandering on the road, any rumbling or knocking from the suspension. look under the bonnet for any home made wiring additions and check the lights etc work ok. check the engine has oil and theres no mayo like substances under the filler cap.
they are brilliant little cars but you do need to keep on top on the maintenance and the bodywork.
Oh and we need pics once you get one...
As said, your main priority should be to find a solid car, and not just on the surface but underneath. Pull the carpets up and check under the floors, try and check the subframes if you can but this is obviously more difficult without a ramp. Basically, if the car's solid, anything else is a fairly easy fix, they're dead simple (if a little awkward!) to work on. Having driven mine since last May when I passed and done 4000 miles in it, you won't find many cars with more smiles per mile 
ETA - I'm in Sheffield too, there's loads of Minis around so make sure you wave to everyone when you get yours
ETA - I'm in Sheffield too, there's loads of Minis around so make sure you wave to everyone when you get yours
Edited by chriscoates on Tuesday 12th February 16:36
Did anyone mention rust? The thing to watch is some cars can be pretty rotten but if its been covered up you might miss it.
Definitely good cars to learn to fix yourself, even if the bonnet can be a little tight for space, then theres loads of modifications you can do to impove handling, looks, performance etc, insurance allowing.
There all sorts of variations from 1000cc standard cars, Later Coopers etc with 1300(1275)cc or ones that have been modified with a 1275, but be aware of insurance costs. All sorts of special editions, usually with cosmetic changes only. Earier cars have front drum brakes, later cars have injection and so it goes on.
Also check out this recent thread:
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Definitely good cars to learn to fix yourself, even if the bonnet can be a little tight for space, then theres loads of modifications you can do to impove handling, looks, performance etc, insurance allowing.
There all sorts of variations from 1000cc standard cars, Later Coopers etc with 1300(1275)cc or ones that have been modified with a 1275, but be aware of insurance costs. All sorts of special editions, usually with cosmetic changes only. Earier cars have front drum brakes, later cars have injection and so it goes on.
Also check out this recent thread:
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Thanks for the great response guys much appreciated!!
I was going to have a look at this as it's very easy for me to get to, what do you think?!.... http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/1973...
As for budget I'm really aiming at no more than £2,500 max. I think the insurance will be the main issue though!
I know I could probably get a more reliable, well equipt etc car for this money but I have always loved these cars especially after watching one racing neck and neck with a mustang at Goodwood when I was younger! Also after the answers you have all given me, it seems these are great cars to learn to tinker with so to speak!
I was going to have a look at this as it's very easy for me to get to, what do you think?!.... http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/1973...
As for budget I'm really aiming at no more than £2,500 max. I think the insurance will be the main issue though!
I know I could probably get a more reliable, well equipt etc car for this money but I have always loved these cars especially after watching one racing neck and neck with a mustang at Goodwood when I was younger! Also after the answers you have all given me, it seems these are great cars to learn to tinker with so to speak!
Seriously,buy a really really nice late model K11 Micra,the money you would have spent on repairing the Mini put into a high interest bank account..... run the Micra for 5 years,it will run for peanuts,by which time you will have saved enough to buy a really well restored Mini,or put a good deposit down on a house,your choice.
I really wouldn't advise buying a Mini at that money these days,you'll most likely end up with something barely better than scrap,you will regret it,lose money hand over fist,and some unscrupulous type will probably have your trousers down.
Unless you find the one we are all looking for....one little old dear owner,3 miles on the clock,FSH,Waxoyled from day one,kept in a heated garage,£1995 (I have woken up now coffee smells great thanks...)
I really wouldn't advise buying a Mini at that money these days,you'll most likely end up with something barely better than scrap,you will regret it,lose money hand over fist,and some unscrupulous type will probably have your trousers down.
Unless you find the one we are all looking for....one little old dear owner,3 miles on the clock,FSH,Waxoyled from day one,kept in a heated garage,£1995 (I have woken up now coffee smells great thanks...)
Thanks again for the info everyone!
Insurance wise, I've rang a few places and had a chat to someone who sounded like he knew about cars and told me that quotes will change everyday!
There is also a 1 litre mini where that one is being sold so I think it would be good to have a look around and have a look at the areas you guys have explained to me to watch out for!
Insurance wise, I've rang a few places and had a chat to someone who sounded like he knew about cars and told me that quotes will change everyday!
There is also a 1 litre mini where that one is being sold so I think it would be good to have a look around and have a look at the areas you guys have explained to me to watch out for!
Good to see that you're being sensible about the whole thing. My first car was a mini 998cc and i rushed into buying one, which in all honesty caused about 10 months of absolute anarchy. Something would break... i would fix it... and then as soon as i got in the car to go for a drive something else would break. I lost a lot of money on that car and now, in my second year of driving, i've got a 1.2 16v Corsa for the road whilst i re-build my mini as a project. In all honesty you'd be better either waiting a few years so that you can buy a really nice mini or buy a cheap as chips one just now and have it as a project, whilst you drive something more sensible on the road. But of course it's up to you mate... just be careful, so easy to buy a HOS.
Just for an update - to insure this 1988 1 litre mini Mayfair with the modifications declared (limk below), it would cost an extra £200 to take me off the Micra insurance and put me on this one which ends on the 1st August (we have a multi car policy).
Any opinions on this mini?!.... http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/1989...
P.S. I'm not too keen on some of the modifications like the L.E.D's etc but what do you think?!
Thanks for all the help guys!
Any opinions on this mini?!.... http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/1989...
P.S. I'm not too keen on some of the modifications like the L.E.D's etc but what do you think?!
Thanks for all the help guys!
Re-read my last post....... Then look very carefully at the photo's on Gumtree...... This car and any similiar will hurt you....... It's rotten (wing to front panel) which means it will be either rotten everywhere else,or badly patched up with poor welds and filler....
Look I'm sorry to rain on your parade,either buy a "project" car for "project" money and accept that you will poor time and money into it,or financial ruin will follow incredibly quickly
I've been running and restoring Mini's for over 20 years,there really isn't that much that I haven't seen,unfortunately that also includes more than several people who have ended up heartbroken that their
"Dream Car" is actually a Nightmare..
Look I'm sorry to rain on your parade,either buy a "project" car for "project" money and accept that you will poor time and money into it,or financial ruin will follow incredibly quickly
I've been running and restoring Mini's for over 20 years,there really isn't that much that I haven't seen,unfortunately that also includes more than several people who have ended up heartbroken that their
"Dream Car" is actually a Nightmare..
Just be very thorough in checking the car before buying and don't let a good condition body make you blind to other little niggles, I recently got a 1998 mini cooper mpi for my first car, it's body was immaculate, as was the interior and after a very quick poke around I decided to buy it. After a month I had it serviced to find that the thick layer of black waxoyle was hiding a hell of a lot of rust, cills, wheel arch, radius arms, floor panels, door step, etc all needed replacing or lots of welding doing on them, so within a month I had to fork out £2000 for all of this. On the surface the car looked good but not so good underneath. Also despite the slightly more reliable metro based engine on the rover minis I've been told by my local mini specialist that the rovers body panels were worst for rust. I've also herd that (as with all used cars) a good service history is a good sign that the car has been well looked after and Im asuming youll allredy know this but the normal things such as a smokey exhaust, crunching gearbox and high milage are all things to avoid. I'm no expert but I hope this helps
Edited by MiniGrin on Friday 15th February 00:19
sprocketman01 said:
Re-read my last post....... Then look very carefully at the photo's on Gumtree...... This car and any similiar will hurt you....... It's rotten (wing to front panel) which means it will be either rotten everywhere else,or badly patched up with poor welds and filler....
Look I'm sorry to rain on your parade,either buy a "project" car for "project" money and accept that you will poor time and money into it,or financial ruin will follow incredibly quickly
I've been running and restoring Mini's for over 20 years,there really isn't that much that I haven't seen,unfortunately that also includes more than several people who have ended up heartbroken that their
"Dream Car" is actually a Nightmare..
Sorry I missed your last post but have read it since. And I'm definitely not going to rush into anything and was going to look at the Mini thoroughly with a very experienced Mechanic whom I know very well as he'll be able to judge better then me and also judge with his head rather than his heart!! Look I'm sorry to rain on your parade,either buy a "project" car for "project" money and accept that you will poor time and money into it,or financial ruin will follow incredibly quickly
I've been running and restoring Mini's for over 20 years,there really isn't that much that I haven't seen,unfortunately that also includes more than several people who have ended up heartbroken that their
"Dream Car" is actually a Nightmare..
As for the above post, I'm reading all the info everyone is giving and it is definitely helping me so thanks!
Good to see that you're taking everything on board mate because it's all very valid... it's so easy to rush into buying a mini... but then regret it. You should try looking at 70's cars... they're usually the most solid. Mechanically minis are fairly easy to get your head around but if the car is rotten then it's a nightmare so you're better getting a good bodied car with a couple of mechanical issues.
I'd echo what others are saying, I bought a 'nice' 1989 mini and on getting it home I've found problems everywhere. Coming off the road for a rebuild soon though.
One to watch for is over sill panels, they're bodge panels used to get the car through Mot's. the correct outer sill panel has drainage holes whereas an over sill won't- needless to say the water pools between the inner and outer sill and leaves a very expensive, rusty mess. I can confirm they're a bloody nightmare.
Apart from rust which is the main thing, most other things are simple-ish to sort. Blue smoke means the engine is on its way out usually, mine has a nasty oil leak which I can't seem to diagnose properly as we'll.
Nice cars can be found it'll just take time, they are really fun cars though.
Oh, and one more thing, insurance- I was 17 when I insured mine, rang graham Sykes up for a quote. Declared my mods (painted roof) and he told me it had to go on a modified policy- that dropped it by £400. So I pay £1500 tpft, on a 998.
One to watch for is over sill panels, they're bodge panels used to get the car through Mot's. the correct outer sill panel has drainage holes whereas an over sill won't- needless to say the water pools between the inner and outer sill and leaves a very expensive, rusty mess. I can confirm they're a bloody nightmare.
Apart from rust which is the main thing, most other things are simple-ish to sort. Blue smoke means the engine is on its way out usually, mine has a nasty oil leak which I can't seem to diagnose properly as we'll.
Nice cars can be found it'll just take time, they are really fun cars though.
Oh, and one more thing, insurance- I was 17 when I insured mine, rang graham Sykes up for a quote. Declared my mods (painted roof) and he told me it had to go on a modified policy- that dropped it by £400. So I pay £1500 tpft, on a 998.
Thought I'd update this for anyone interested!
After carefully reading all the comments on here and constantly going to view Minis for sale, I just couldn't find a good example in my price range. I did find a lovely ~1975 example that would have been perfect, however I couldn't get insured on this which was very annoying.
In the end I decided to buy a more 'reliable' car which is my Lupo. These cars also have a good following and are quite quirky, but not as fun to drive as a mini I must admit! I say reliable as during my ownership of ~3months I've had to have a new gearbox seal, new clutch after my mum drove it and completely shattering it to pieces, new cambelt and is currently having a new middle box for the exhaust. I have a set of G60's off a Golf to go on as well as coilovers in the near future just to make it look a little nicer.
Thanks for all your help and I hope I can one day own a Mini!
After carefully reading all the comments on here and constantly going to view Minis for sale, I just couldn't find a good example in my price range. I did find a lovely ~1975 example that would have been perfect, however I couldn't get insured on this which was very annoying.
In the end I decided to buy a more 'reliable' car which is my Lupo. These cars also have a good following and are quite quirky, but not as fun to drive as a mini I must admit! I say reliable as during my ownership of ~3months I've had to have a new gearbox seal, new clutch after my mum drove it and completely shattering it to pieces, new cambelt and is currently having a new middle box for the exhaust. I have a set of G60's off a Golf to go on as well as coilovers in the near future just to make it look a little nicer.
Thanks for all your help and I hope I can one day own a Mini!
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