Imported minis.

Imported minis.

Author
Discussion

Mr.Chips

Original Poster:

1,041 posts

221 months

Sunday 23rd June 2019
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Hi Guys,
I learned to drive in a mini 40 odd years ago. I’m a few weeks off retirement and, with a lump sum coming, I am considering buying one. I am aware of the potential issues of buying a car which will be at least 20 years old, but have been impressed by some of the cars for sale that have been imported from Japan. What I would like to know is;
1) Apart from air-con, were there any major differences in the spec compared to British cars?
2) Do the companies who import these cars make a large mark up or, are the prices they charge reasonable for the cars concerned?
3) Has anyone who has bought an import have any advice they would be prepared to share?
Thanks for all positive responses.
wavey

PH5121

1,990 posts

220 months

Monday 24th June 2019
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I don't know much about them, but have read that they never had the later style mpi engine which we had over here, retaining the spi set up, and that space under the bonnet is tighter than a uk car due to the AC stuff.

I've found lots of helpful information on a Mini specific forum, www.theminiforum.co.uk it may be worth having a look on there to find more out about them.

I don't know what the costs are to import a mini and get it UK road legal, but when I had a look at a garage that imports from Japan (that I stumbled across on an industrial estate in Middlesborough whilst lost) www.thecarwarehouse.co.uk last week, the minis they had in stock ranged from £6500 to £27000.



V7SLR

456 posts

193 months

Tuesday 2nd July 2019
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I have a '98 JDM Cooper and if I was buying again ... I'd buy another!

The car is fully based around an MPi, (interior trim, glass, seats, airbag etc) and has what is essentially an MPi engine with the distributorless ignition, but with the earlier SPi fuel injection. I reality it doesn't make much difference to having the MPi injection. It's also got air con therefore to make room for the a/c compressor the radiator is back where it used to be on the inner wing as per SPi and earlier.
The only external features that give it away as a JDM are the square rear number plate (easily swapped for a UK spec version) and the wing mounted mirrors .... which I quite like so they'll be staying giving it a slightly more classic look. It also gets a kph speedo but easily swapped for the mph version, loads on eBay.

The big thing to be aware of is that although they rust much less in Japan, the rubber window/door seals and suspension cones take a hammering in the Japanese climate and will likely need replacing, although at 20+ years old that wouldn't be a bad move on any Mini.

Pretty full engine bay but not really a problem, it just means removing more stuff if there's any major jobs to do.

As mentioned, get on TMF for more info, it's very active.

Mr.Chips

Original Poster:

1,041 posts

221 months

Wednesday 3rd July 2019
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Thanks guys. I’l Check out TMF.
beer

CarsOrBikes

1,142 posts

191 months

Sunday 7th July 2019
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cars like this are around as imports, 1500 went to Japan and are coming back pretty much rust free, different colour wheels, arches and with a/c, some not in green still marketed at 35th Anniversary cars which are fake because they never made any in any other colour than almond green with porcelain green leather, and none in auto either but quite a car to try and copy. Only 200 were made in the UK this being just about if not 'the' last one registered by a Rover dealer.

This was first registered with this number so won't show up on the cherished transfer record, it is also running the SPi ECU but on twin 1.5" SU's and a custom loom, I also have all the original engine parts and dampers with other spares. Bought new 23 years ago.

There are significant differences between SPi and MPi cars in the engines and body plus interior, the MPi is or was harder to tune but now has work arounds probably, I had one of each and sold the twin point as it didn't drive anywhere near as well as the 94-96 SPi cars, and this was just ace.


Squipper

2 posts

63 months

Friday 30th August 2019
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Hi

I have a 50k, 1999 SPI Mini Cooper, Air con, side mounted radiator, two fans, one run off engine, one electric, so will run cool in UK, Air Bag. As far as I know nearly all Japanese Exported Mini's after 1996 were a SPI/MPI bodge up, had an MPI engine block and attachments, but with SPI. They have a better spec than UK Mini's normally.

Mine looks like new underneath and not just saying that, when put in to get 165/60/12 tyres fitted the garage said the same, amazing condition, but I think I got lucky. I was going to buy from CarWareHouse, Sunderland. But got the jitters and got RAC to do inspection (thank god I did) just to say did not buy and would never buy from there!! I found a place called MiniMe Ltd, up by Durham, a guy called Paul, really nice, genuine and had some beautiful Mini's as his contact in Japan is instructed to only buy no corrosion Mini's. Mine is a peach.

I have a Specialist Components Throttle Body kit, specifically for Air Con, SPI, Mini's ready to be fitted which should give extra 6-8 bhp and will get a stage 3 cooper works conversion done at the same time, so should then make a genuine 90-95 bhp.

If you want any other info and I can give, please ask.

Regards Fluf



P5BNij

15,875 posts

113 months

Saturday 31st August 2019
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Have you got a link or any contact details for MiniMe Ltd Fluf, I've googled them and nothing comes up for a Mini Specialist in Durham...?


Squipper

2 posts

63 months

Saturday 31st August 2019
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Hi

They normally list on Ebay, but here is Paul Stephenson the owners email - paulstephenson124@yahoo.com and his Tel No - 07466928453.

Let him know Robert, who bought the 1999 green and white Mini put you in touch, really nice and genuine guy. As for Carwarehouse its only my opinion but don't touch with a barge pole!!! ;-)

Fluf

P5BNij

15,875 posts

113 months

Monday 2nd September 2019
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Thanks Fluf wink