State of the market and a £4k budget
Discussion
Hello all. I'm sniffing around the market again after several Mini-less years. It'd be good to hear your thoughts on the state of classic Mini values generally and, more specifically, what chance I might stand of finding something neat, tidy and original for £4k.
Looks like anything with Cooper badges or stickers is out of the question, but then I don't really want another injection car. From what I've seen so far it might be possible to find a late 80s or early 90s 998 that fits the bill. I'd be looking to smarten up and tune it modestly at some point, but it needs to be clean, solid and unmodified to start with. What do you reckon?
Thanks
Looks like anything with Cooper badges or stickers is out of the question, but then I don't really want another injection car. From what I've seen so far it might be possible to find a late 80s or early 90s 998 that fits the bill. I'd be looking to smarten up and tune it modestly at some point, but it needs to be clean, solid and unmodified to start with. What do you reckon?
Thanks
The issue you're going to have is 99.9% of cars will have suffered from rot, the question is has it been fixed correctly.
There masses of 'ebay restorations' out there, the trick is spotting them, which is obviously easier said than done.
Personally I would avoid ebay, prices seem to be a premium on there, plus the auction thing sometimes prevents you seeing before buying.
A project requiring bodywork is obviously more time, effort and money, but when done you know what you have.
There are a few facebook groups which have a wide selection, I would also check the classifieds on theminiforum.co.uk and not forgetting the Pistonheads classifieds.
As always with these things, don't let your heart rule your head, go in expecting rot.
There masses of 'ebay restorations' out there, the trick is spotting them, which is obviously easier said than done.
Personally I would avoid ebay, prices seem to be a premium on there, plus the auction thing sometimes prevents you seeing before buying.
A project requiring bodywork is obviously more time, effort and money, but when done you know what you have.
There are a few facebook groups which have a wide selection, I would also check the classifieds on theminiforum.co.uk and not forgetting the Pistonheads classifieds.
As always with these things, don't let your heart rule your head, go in expecting rot.
I bought mine from ebay. I discussed over the phone with the vendor prior to viewing. agreed price after viewing, then paid him cash- he then withdrew the ebay ad.
Like all things, it helps to know what you're looking for and to get as much info up front before viewing.
I looked at late 90's cars and bought a 1990 which was a lot less crusty; still not got it on the road yet though!
Like all things, it helps to know what you're looking for and to get as much info up front before viewing.
I looked at late 90's cars and bought a 1990 which was a lot less crusty; still not got it on the road yet though!
i sold this last year,
1380,stage 4 head,twin 1.5 su's,lumpy cam,sccr box,fully lightened and balanced,full fia cage/harnesses/seats etc,120 bhp, fully sorted suspension/four pot brakes blah blah blah-sold it with a full years mot for four and a half grand-i have regretted it since the day i sold it!!!
totally sorted mini with a track day bias,slightly impractical clambering out over the door bars in sainsbury's!!and O/H refused to drive it- actually it was a bit of a beast!!
fiscal embarrassment meant that it had to go-sold it for four amd a half grand.what a bargain for the fella from paris who bought it.there are bargains out there,just keep looking.
i will be getting another next year,this is the first time i havent had a mini since i was 16 yrs old-i'm 40 now and i feel bereft!! .
1380,stage 4 head,twin 1.5 su's,lumpy cam,sccr box,fully lightened and balanced,full fia cage/harnesses/seats etc,120 bhp, fully sorted suspension/four pot brakes blah blah blah-sold it with a full years mot for four and a half grand-i have regretted it since the day i sold it!!!
totally sorted mini with a track day bias,slightly impractical clambering out over the door bars in sainsbury's!!and O/H refused to drive it- actually it was a bit of a beast!!
fiscal embarrassment meant that it had to go-sold it for four amd a half grand.what a bargain for the fella from paris who bought it.there are bargains out there,just keep looking.
i will be getting another next year,this is the first time i havent had a mini since i was 16 yrs old-i'm 40 now and i feel bereft!! .
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