Classic Mini Sport

Classic Mini Sport

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Discussion

Diablos-666

Original Poster:

2,786 posts

185 months

Tuesday 25th May 2010
quotequote all
Hi guys,

I'm new to this section, only ever read general, ford, and tvr threads really...

Anyway, i'm in the midst of buying a tvr but am thinking of getting a classic mini as the run around for those small trips to the shops, gf house and during the winter when the tvr is locked up.

I love the look of the old classic sport models, the ones with the wide wheel arches, deepdish alloys etc.

What are the running costs like for these cars are they pretty much reliable?

How much should i be looking to pay as there is quite a wide margin of prices on the classifields.

Would anybody be willing to PX their mini for my Mk1 Focus RS with money my way?

Many thanks

666




DanGT

753 posts

233 months

Tuesday 25th May 2010
quotequote all
I love the look of the old classic sport models, the ones with the wide wheel arches, deepdish alloys etc.

The sports pack minis look rearly nice the 13" wheels arent the best ride and handling.

What are the running costs like for these cars are they pretty much reliable?

Parts are easy and cheep, A mini can be very reliable if looked after. I had one with same engine and box do 150K. It is important to keep them clean and look after the body work. Rust can be a problem but if looked after wax oil etc it can be stopped.

How much should i be looking to pay as there is quite a wide margin of prices on the classifields.

Minis have bean around so long with lots of diffrent vertions. A good mini starts about £3500 up, sport packs a bit more.


Diablos-666

Original Poster:

2,786 posts

185 months

Tuesday 25th May 2010
quotequote all
Right ok thanks.

What is the difference between a mini with a sport pack and a mini works?

What is the best engine to go for as ive seen some with metro engines??? Excuse my ignornace getmecoat

Scrooloose

885 posts

223 months

Tuesday 25th May 2010
quotequote all
What TVR are you getting?

Having run both simultaneously I can tell you that parts are about ten times the price on the TVR. Aside from that, you can still get some expensive bills. Last MOT on the mini cost more to get through than the Cerbera.....

However, they're a lot easier to work on yourself, so if you're prepared to do that you can save a fortune!

Diablos-666

Original Poster:

2,786 posts

185 months

Tuesday 25th May 2010
quotequote all
Ahhh you run both a tvr and a mini too!

I'm going to get a T350, I just do t fancy driving that to the supermarket and stuff.

Have always loved the old minis esp the ones with the wide wheel arches and chrome deepdish alloys. So was thinking of getting one of those for the little trips and save the longer journeys for the trev.

But I just don't know which one to get.

Shall I just look for the sport pack, mini mayfair, cooper works etc...

DanGT

753 posts

233 months

Wednesday 26th May 2010
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"mini with a sport pack and a mini works."

The sport pack has the 13" wheels and wide arches, the works are Cooper tuned cars. There were lots of options on both cars. You can get sport pack and non sport pack works cars.

If it was my money I would go for a non sport pack works mini. The 13" wheels look good but dont drive as well as the 12" or 10" cars. All the newer minis are 12" or 13".

Diablos-666

Original Poster:

2,786 posts

185 months

Wednesday 26th May 2010
quotequote all
to be honest i wont be that bothered about the handling of the car, i main concern will be the looks. I want a really cool looking classic mini, and i love the wide arches "big" wheels etc...

I'll have the TVR (hopefully very soon) for the the fun, fast, good handling car.

I like the sound of a mini works with the sports pack smile

Is rust the main thing to look out for on these cars?

AlleyCat

811 posts

178 months

Wednesday 26th May 2010
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yes. like the plague!

rufusruffcutt

1,543 posts

212 months

Wednesday 26th May 2010
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Diablos-666 said:
Is rust the main thing to look out for on these cars?
Yes, particularly the later 90's cars (there was a rumour that Rover used a cheaper grade of steel in the cars final years.) but don't let this put you off, most are well looked after. If you can get underneath it to have a good look before you buy so much the better.
An annual dose of wax oil will keep the rust at bay, do it in the autumn so the mini will get the most protection through the winter.

I also recall Rover fitted a limiter to the steering rack (can anyone else confirm this?), due to the larger 13" wheels to stop them rubbing the wheel arches. The turning circle may be reduced because of this, just thought I'd mention it.

chrisj_abz

807 posts

192 months

Wednesday 26th May 2010
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yep the sportspacks have a limited turning circle as the rack is different (rumour i heard was rover just welded up the last few teeth)

good option is to contact your local mini club, they will know of cars for sale and someone may assist when viewing to give some advice.

Diablos-666

Original Poster:

2,786 posts

185 months

Wednesday 26th May 2010
quotequote all
Ok, thanks for all your responces. I think my priority is getting the TVR first and then i'll look more seriously at getting the mini.

Been looking at the classifieds and there are some really good customised ones!

I did, however, see a few above the £18k mark yikes


tinks v8S

2,153 posts

215 months

Wednesday 26th May 2010
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get the best you can afford rust round the front windsreen is 1 of the worst places

i have a cooper s 5 also own a TVR V8S
watch for rust to on a tvr chassiss is most inportant

HAPPY motoring