Views on automatic classics
Discussion
Hi all
We need a new run-about for our au pair and, rather than yet another disposable Peugeot106/Citroen Saxo/Vauxhall Corsa/Nissan Micra, I am taken by the idea of a classic mini. Only problem is, the current au pair only has an automatic driving licence.
I have never driven an auto classic so what are they like and are there any particular things to look out for when buying?
Thanks all!
We need a new run-about for our au pair and, rather than yet another disposable Peugeot106/Citroen Saxo/Vauxhall Corsa/Nissan Micra, I am taken by the idea of a classic mini. Only problem is, the current au pair only has an automatic driving licence.
I have never driven an auto classic so what are they like and are there any particular things to look out for when buying?
Thanks all!
First of all look out for rust, then look out for rust, then for rust!!!
After that, check for smooth operation of the auto box. If they go wrong it can be difficult to get them fixed these days.
Then check for overall mechanical condition of engine & suspension.
If you run a Mini be prepared for some large bills if you can't do the work yourself. The Mini is a classic car with all the limitations of any classic. It does not drive like a modern car and has no-where near the in-built reliability. Servicing needs doing very regularly.
However, the Mini still gives a huge amount of fun.
After that, check for smooth operation of the auto box. If they go wrong it can be difficult to get them fixed these days.
Then check for overall mechanical condition of engine & suspension.
If you run a Mini be prepared for some large bills if you can't do the work yourself. The Mini is a classic car with all the limitations of any classic. It does not drive like a modern car and has no-where near the in-built reliability. Servicing needs doing very regularly.
However, the Mini still gives a huge amount of fun.
Cooperman said:
First of all look out for rust, then look out for rust, then for rust!!!
After that, check for smooth operation of the auto box. If they go wrong it can be difficult to get them fixed these days.
Then check for overall mechanical condition of engine & suspension.
If you run a Mini be prepared for some large bills if you can't do the work yourself. The Mini is a classic car with all the limitations of any classic. It does not drive like a modern car and has no-where near the in-built reliability. Servicing needs doing very regularly.
However, the Mini still gives a huge amount of fun.
Thanks. I have a Range Rover classic and a type 2 VW camper that I do as much to myself as time permits, so know the limitations of classics.After that, check for smooth operation of the auto box. If they go wrong it can be difficult to get them fixed these days.
Then check for overall mechanical condition of engine & suspension.
If you run a Mini be prepared for some large bills if you can't do the work yourself. The Mini is a classic car with all the limitations of any classic. It does not drive like a modern car and has no-where near the in-built reliability. Servicing needs doing very regularly.
However, the Mini still gives a huge amount of fun.
The car I am keen on is a 1994 1275 Mayfair at Paul Higgs in Dudley. It's on a carb so, hopefully a little easier to work on than a fi car
the trouble with mini autos is that the parts to repair the box are next to impossible to find, so its often a faulty box that signs the death warrant of the car
they need regular oil changes, every 3000 or so, with normal 20/50 - nothing fancy as it ruins the clutch bands. you also need to let the car warm up before you set off, but once you get into the habit of gentle driving they are great, very good round town.
the last one I drove was hilarious, it was a 1000 auto, and the time it took to change (smoothly) up from bottom to top was so quick it literally couldn't be measured, it was like, setoffonetwothreeohmygodiminfourthletsgo!
as much as im a fan off minis, I suspect that something sensibly modern like a micra auto would probably be a better choice for your needs (and I feel dirty suggesting this!)
they need regular oil changes, every 3000 or so, with normal 20/50 - nothing fancy as it ruins the clutch bands. you also need to let the car warm up before you set off, but once you get into the habit of gentle driving they are great, very good round town.
the last one I drove was hilarious, it was a 1000 auto, and the time it took to change (smoothly) up from bottom to top was so quick it literally couldn't be measured, it was like, setoffonetwothreeohmygodiminfourthletsgo!
as much as im a fan off minis, I suspect that something sensibly modern like a micra auto would probably be a better choice for your needs (and I feel dirty suggesting this!)
guru_1071 said:
the trouble with mini autos is that the parts to repair the box are next to impossible to find, so its often a faulty box that signs the death warrant of the car
they need regular oil changes, every 3000 or so, with normal 20/50 - nothing fancy as it ruins the clutch bands. you also need to let the car warm up before you set off, but once you get into the habit of gentle driving they are great, very good round town.
the last one I drove was hilarious, it was a 1000 auto, and the time it took to change (smoothly) up from bottom to top was so quick it literally couldn't be measured, it was like, setoffonetwothreeohmygodiminfourthletsgo!
as much as im a fan off minis, I suspect that something sensibly modern like a micra auto would probably be a better choice for your needs (and I feel dirty suggesting this!)
I am almost embarrassed by my ignorance here, but do the engine and gearbox share oil in the same way as the manual?they need regular oil changes, every 3000 or so, with normal 20/50 - nothing fancy as it ruins the clutch bands. you also need to let the car warm up before you set off, but once you get into the habit of gentle driving they are great, very good round town.
the last one I drove was hilarious, it was a 1000 auto, and the time it took to change (smoothly) up from bottom to top was so quick it literally couldn't be measured, it was like, setoffonetwothreeohmygodiminfourthletsgo!
as much as im a fan off minis, I suspect that something sensibly modern like a micra auto would probably be a better choice for your needs (and I feel dirty suggesting this!)
ClaphamGT3 said:
I am almost embarrassed by my ignorance here, but do the engine and gearbox share oil in the same way as the manual?
Yes the auto's share the oil, just like the manual'sI bought a 1985 mini 1000 auto last year and I have put 13000 mile on it since with absolutely zero problems of breakdowns (touch wood)
I love the auto, make for a great little town cruiser
fergie666 said:
Yes the auto's share the oil, just like the manual's
I bought a 1985 mini 1000 auto last year and I have put 13000 mile on it since with absolutely zero problems of breakdowns (touch wood)
I love the auto, make for a great little town cruiser
The AP automatic, getting a hot shifting auto gearbox in a sump was a miracle of British engineering, won prizes. Drive it like a manual for maximum effect.I bought a 1985 mini 1000 auto last year and I have put 13000 mile on it since with absolutely zero problems of breakdowns (touch wood)
I love the auto, make for a great little town cruiser
Just look after them, change oil and filters regularly.
guru_1071 said:
the trouble with mini autos is that the parts to repair the box are next to impossible to find, so its often a faulty box that signs the death warrant of the car
they need regular oil changes, every 3000 or so, with normal 20/50 - nothing fancy as it ruins the clutch bands. you also need to let the car warm up before you set off, but once you get into the habit of gentle driving they are great, very good round town.
the last one I drove was hilarious, it was a 1000 auto, and the time it took to change (smoothly) up from bottom to top was so quick it literally couldn't be measured, it was like, setoffonetwothreeohmygodiminfourthletsgo!
as much as im a fan off minis, I suspect that something sensibly modern like a micra auto would probably be a better choice for your needs (and I feel dirty suggesting this!)
I would agree with this post in its entirety, having specialised in Minis for 17 years, when they were the norm on the road!! they need regular oil changes, every 3000 or so, with normal 20/50 - nothing fancy as it ruins the clutch bands. you also need to let the car warm up before you set off, but once you get into the habit of gentle driving they are great, very good round town.
the last one I drove was hilarious, it was a 1000 auto, and the time it took to change (smoothly) up from bottom to top was so quick it literally couldn't be measured, it was like, setoffonetwothreeohmygodiminfourthletsgo!
as much as im a fan off minis, I suspect that something sensibly modern like a micra auto would probably be a better choice for your needs (and I feel dirty suggesting this!)
Yes, it is a fun car, but a very expensive car when it comes to repairs, that is excluding the fact that the gearbox can fail at anytime!! If that happens, you will be left with a bodyshell to dispose of!!
It would be far cheaper in the long run to find a more modern automatic, and certainly less frustrating! As Guru suggested, a Micra or similar! HTH
ginettajoe said:
guru_1071 said:
the trouble with mini autos is that the parts to repair the box are next to impossible to find, so its often a faulty box that signs the death warrant of the car
they need regular oil changes, every 3000 or so, with normal 20/50 - nothing fancy as it ruins the clutch bands. you also need to let the car warm up before you set off, but once you get into the habit of gentle driving they are great, very good round town.
the last one I drove was hilarious, it was a 1000 auto, and the time it took to change (smoothly) up from bottom to top was so quick it literally couldn't be measured, it was like, setoffonetwothreeohmygodiminfourthletsgo!
as much as im a fan off minis, I suspect that something sensibly modern like a micra auto would probably be a better choice for your needs (and I feel dirty suggesting this!)
I would agree with this post in its entirety, having specialised in Minis for 17 years, when they were the norm on the road!! they need regular oil changes, every 3000 or so, with normal 20/50 - nothing fancy as it ruins the clutch bands. you also need to let the car warm up before you set off, but once you get into the habit of gentle driving they are great, very good round town.
the last one I drove was hilarious, it was a 1000 auto, and the time it took to change (smoothly) up from bottom to top was so quick it literally couldn't be measured, it was like, setoffonetwothreeohmygodiminfourthletsgo!
as much as im a fan off minis, I suspect that something sensibly modern like a micra auto would probably be a better choice for your needs (and I feel dirty suggesting this!)
Yes, it is a fun car, but a very expensive car when it comes to repairs, that is excluding the fact that the gearbox can fail at anytime!! If that happens, you will be left with a bodyshell to dispose of!!
It would be far cheaper in the long run to find a more modern automatic, and certainly less frustrating! As Guru suggested, a Micra or similar! HTH
annodomini2 said:
ginettajoe said:
guru_1071 said:
the trouble with mini autos is that the parts to repair the box are next to impossible to find, so its often a faulty box that signs the death warrant of the car
they need regular oil changes, every 3000 or so, with normal 20/50 - nothing fancy as it ruins the clutch bands. you also need to let the car warm up before you set off, but once you get into the habit of gentle driving they are great, very good round town.
the last one I drove was hilarious, it was a 1000 auto, and the time it took to change (smoothly) up from bottom to top was so quick it literally couldn't be measured, it was like, setoffonetwothreeohmygodiminfourthletsgo!
as much as im a fan off minis, I suspect that something sensibly modern like a micra auto would probably be a better choice for your needs (and I feel dirty suggesting this!)
I would agree with this post in its entirety, having specialised in Minis for 17 years, when they were the norm on the road!! they need regular oil changes, every 3000 or so, with normal 20/50 - nothing fancy as it ruins the clutch bands. you also need to let the car warm up before you set off, but once you get into the habit of gentle driving they are great, very good round town.
the last one I drove was hilarious, it was a 1000 auto, and the time it took to change (smoothly) up from bottom to top was so quick it literally couldn't be measured, it was like, setoffonetwothreeohmygodiminfourthletsgo!
as much as im a fan off minis, I suspect that something sensibly modern like a micra auto would probably be a better choice for your needs (and I feel dirty suggesting this!)
Yes, it is a fun car, but a very expensive car when it comes to repairs, that is excluding the fact that the gearbox can fail at anytime!! If that happens, you will be left with a bodyshell to dispose of!!
It would be far cheaper in the long run to find a more modern automatic, and certainly less frustrating! As Guru suggested, a Micra or similar! HTH
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