I think I want an old Mini, am I crazy?
Discussion
For some reason I have an urge to buy a late version of the classic Rover Mini to pootle around the city in. I think I might be going crazy but I do a 4 mile commute in 30mph roads each way to work every day and I'm getting worried about what this might be doing to my poor Audi S5, I like the idea of a car I can leave on the street and not have to put in the garage all of the time, and also having something very nippy and manual (Audi has a double-clutch auto). Also I think how simple and basic it is, the fact that I could make changes to it like changing the audio/nav setup, make it some crazy colour, and generally have fun and enjoying it without really worrying as my main car would stay looking smart for the times when you need it to.
I guess my question is if I were to spend £7-£8k on a 2000/2001 Rover Mini what are the things I should be looking for? I've never bought a 2nd hand car before and know very little about them, I'm assuming something that's done maybe 20,000 miles is still going to be a solidly running car, just make sure it has all the stamps and MOT certificates? I would expect it to drive maybe 2-3,000 miles a year.
Some specific questions:
Is it possible to install a fold-out nav screen like an Alpine or Kenwood unit with some decent speakers? I've never done this so don't really know how they work; seems a standard "DIN" socket? Is this ok in the Mini and with an appropriate power supply too?
What are the major specification differences in models around at that time that I might want to choose between? I guess I'm after a 1275cc car, but there seems to be a huge variation in the exact model titles given to them.
Should I be worried about cars rusting? A lot of sellers mention that theirs aren't rusted so this implies others are; are they?
What are the running costs? I've got to: insurance £700, breakdown £100, MOT £50, parking £100, plate transfer £100 or so. How much should I expect to spend a year keeping a 10 year old car running?
Thanks in advance for all hints, tips and thoughts, if I do buy one and head off on a Mini adventure, I will be proudly displaying my smart and short number plate on it rather than my other car
I guess my question is if I were to spend £7-£8k on a 2000/2001 Rover Mini what are the things I should be looking for? I've never bought a 2nd hand car before and know very little about them, I'm assuming something that's done maybe 20,000 miles is still going to be a solidly running car, just make sure it has all the stamps and MOT certificates? I would expect it to drive maybe 2-3,000 miles a year.
Some specific questions:
Is it possible to install a fold-out nav screen like an Alpine or Kenwood unit with some decent speakers? I've never done this so don't really know how they work; seems a standard "DIN" socket? Is this ok in the Mini and with an appropriate power supply too?
What are the major specification differences in models around at that time that I might want to choose between? I guess I'm after a 1275cc car, but there seems to be a huge variation in the exact model titles given to them.
Should I be worried about cars rusting? A lot of sellers mention that theirs aren't rusted so this implies others are; are they?
What are the running costs? I've got to: insurance £700, breakdown £100, MOT £50, parking £100, plate transfer £100 or so. How much should I expect to spend a year keeping a 10 year old car running?
Thanks in advance for all hints, tips and thoughts, if I do buy one and head off on a Mini adventure, I will be proudly displaying my smart and short number plate on it rather than my other car
shmee
easy answers
all the later cars are 1275cc
1993 - 1996 are single point injection - the best of the bunch
1996 - 2000 are twin point injection - not as good as there is more that can go wrong - they are packed full of features - air bags etc etc but not as tuneable as the earlier cars
the biggest thing you need to look for is rust - the mpis are really bad due to condensation in the engine bay (caused by the rad been at the front). in the old days minis rotted on the floors, but 1990 the tend to rust higher up first, so more visible.
as a rule of thumb look at the panel below the windscreen where the wipers stick through, if thats rusty walk away - to fix this correctly is about 1500. you can bodge it but its a superb indicator on the rest of the cars condition. normally they start rusting in the middle, then starts in the corners which spreads into the wings, a panels, and door posts - a expensive fix!!!
with the pre 1996 cars you have a choice of mayfair or coopers, not a huge differnce bar trim and a slight increase in performance, the later cars are more complicated with 12" wheels and 13" wheel versions. the 13" fetch better money, but the 12" version handle better.
the later cars are also high geared so perfect on motorways but numb round town, the other thing to watch with them is that the gearboxes where normally built from left over rubbish, so ensure it drives perfect with no baulking to notching when changing into 2nd.
dont be tempted with the cooper 5 speed option (very rare) as the jack knight gear box is fragile in 5th and parts are impossible to get - most owners have had to either fit a 4 speed or buy one of the aftermarcket 5 speeds with known reliability and spares backup.
for 7-8 grand you will be buying right at the top end of the market so should expect one in perfect condition with full paper work
no ideas on stereos, ive not had one in a mini for about 15 years!
if you do buy one get it waxoiled every couple of years (properly, not diy) and fit a set of the plastic front wheel arch liners (a b
d job on those later cars, but they will fit) and you will have a car that will last for years.
also, fit a damm good alarm, as minis are getting very very popular to steal to be broken for parts, the later mpis are easy to pinch as they have a real weakness which means that a thief (with a little planning) can simply unlock it and drive away.
hope this helps!
[than my other car
[/quote]
easy answers
all the later cars are 1275cc
1993 - 1996 are single point injection - the best of the bunch
1996 - 2000 are twin point injection - not as good as there is more that can go wrong - they are packed full of features - air bags etc etc but not as tuneable as the earlier cars
the biggest thing you need to look for is rust - the mpis are really bad due to condensation in the engine bay (caused by the rad been at the front). in the old days minis rotted on the floors, but 1990 the tend to rust higher up first, so more visible.
as a rule of thumb look at the panel below the windscreen where the wipers stick through, if thats rusty walk away - to fix this correctly is about 1500. you can bodge it but its a superb indicator on the rest of the cars condition. normally they start rusting in the middle, then starts in the corners which spreads into the wings, a panels, and door posts - a expensive fix!!!
with the pre 1996 cars you have a choice of mayfair or coopers, not a huge differnce bar trim and a slight increase in performance, the later cars are more complicated with 12" wheels and 13" wheel versions. the 13" fetch better money, but the 12" version handle better.
the later cars are also high geared so perfect on motorways but numb round town, the other thing to watch with them is that the gearboxes where normally built from left over rubbish, so ensure it drives perfect with no baulking to notching when changing into 2nd.
dont be tempted with the cooper 5 speed option (very rare) as the jack knight gear box is fragile in 5th and parts are impossible to get - most owners have had to either fit a 4 speed or buy one of the aftermarcket 5 speeds with known reliability and spares backup.
for 7-8 grand you will be buying right at the top end of the market so should expect one in perfect condition with full paper work
no ideas on stereos, ive not had one in a mini for about 15 years!
if you do buy one get it waxoiled every couple of years (properly, not diy) and fit a set of the plastic front wheel arch liners (a b
d job on those later cars, but they will fit) and you will have a car that will last for years.also, fit a damm good alarm, as minis are getting very very popular to steal to be broken for parts, the later mpis are easy to pinch as they have a real weakness which means that a thief (with a little planning) can simply unlock it and drive away.
hope this helps!
[than my other car
[/quote]
Mini1275 said:
£1500 for the scuttle panel?!. I'm not too sure about that my friend!.
scuttle panel, inner pannel, 2 x wings, 2 x a panels, front panel, 2 x inner scuttle closers, 2 x inner wing/door post repairs = 500 quid (more if the rot has got into the vertical part of the bulkhead, sills and door frames)plus 3 days labour to do it
plus paint.
1500 quid
thats to do it correctly and as a worse case
If its for in London, Get a smart (the 2 seater jobs) Diesel, no road tax, congestion charge exempt, easier parking and cheap on fuel. (NOTE: they are all imports and LHD!)
I love old mini`s, but unless you`re in a position to maintain it yourself, they are not very cost effective.
ALL old mini`s rust!
They are a 50`s design and come with the associated maintenance requirements.
One of the Ad`s you posted claimed it was rust free, HA! It`ll be rusting somewhere, it just won`t be obvious!
I love old mini`s, but unless you`re in a position to maintain it yourself, they are not very cost effective.
ALL old mini`s rust!
They are a 50`s design and come with the associated maintenance requirements.
One of the Ad`s you posted claimed it was rust free, HA! It`ll be rusting somewhere, it just won`t be obvious!
annodomini2 said:
If its for in London, Get a smart (the 2 seater jobs) Diesel, no road tax, congestion charge exempt, easier parking and cheap on fuel. (NOTE: they are all imports and LHD!)
No no no no no, no chance I'd be seen driving a smart, ewww. 
I'm not on the hunt for a small car, I just saw an old Mini the other day and have talked myself into wanting one!
annodomini2 said:
I love old mini`s, but unless you`re in a position to maintain it yourself, they are not very cost effective.
ALL old mini`s rust!
They are a 50`s design and come with the associated maintenance requirements.
One of the Ad`s you posted claimed it was rust free, HA! It`ll be rusting somewhere, it just won`t be obvious!
Well to be honest I was rather hoping that a later car that hasn't been driven much might actually be quite easy to look after. I'll never be able to do anything to it myself so would need to "make friends" with somewhere that can look after it for me, which I'm unlikely to find in zone 1 London.ALL old mini`s rust!
They are a 50`s design and come with the associated maintenance requirements.
One of the Ad`s you posted claimed it was rust free, HA! It`ll be rusting somewhere, it just won`t be obvious!
Do it
its a Must Everyone should at one time or another own one
Heres mine:-
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
I see your coming to the Ace on Monday I will be there in the Mini come and say hello
its a Must Everyone should at one time or another own one
Heres mine:-
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
I see your coming to the Ace on Monday I will be there in the Mini come and say hello
[quote=Shmee]......I'm getting worried about what this might be doing to my poor Audi S5.....quote]
An audi is the perfect car for your journey, Just drive them, fill them with fuel, and nothing else. Ok, like you say they are a bit dull but this is where the mini comes into it's own. Just make sure you only use it at weekends and park it in your garage, throw money at it to make it as unique as you like.
....or just give it a couple of weeks and you'll change your mind
An audi is the perfect car for your journey, Just drive them, fill them with fuel, and nothing else. Ok, like you say they are a bit dull but this is where the mini comes into it's own. Just make sure you only use it at weekends and park it in your garage, throw money at it to make it as unique as you like.
....or just give it a couple of weeks and you'll change your mind
jamie g said:
Shmee said:
......I'm getting worried about what this might be doing to my poor Audi S5.....
An audi is the perfect car for your journey, Just drive them, fill them with fuel, and nothing else. Ok, like you say they are a bit dull but this is where the mini comes into it's own. Just make sure you only use it at weekends and park it in your garage, throw money at it to make it as unique as you like.....or just give it a couple of weeks and you'll change your mind
I may well change my mind, I do quite like impulse though so will go and have a look at one in the morning I hope!
Edited by Shmee on Friday 10th September 15:05
jamie g said:
If it is money you're trying to save, running another car (especially a mini) is not going to save you anything. Have you thought this through?
Let your heart decide, not your wallet
Money isn't high in the priorities, well not completely ignored because I wouldn't go and buy a Cygnet, but £8k for a Mini plus its running costs is ok.Let your heart decide, not your wallet
The Audi's had 3 punctures in 4 months, at £400 each time I don't think the Mini costs could really be bad in comparison!
I heard that the later cars rust far worse than the older ones I have seen 2000 registered ones with bodies that are nearly beyond repair 
In terms of insurance footman james or whoever could get you done for a very low amount under £200 on a standard car I would think
Stereo well you can easily convert to a din with an adaptor from halfords I run an 800w 4 channel amp and a preamped sub off mine all stock without any issues may look at getting a latter 75amp alternator however but apart from that new issues. I would suggest fitting some decent soundproofing at the same time if you really want to enjoy it.
If you want real reliability why not look at something like a honda conversion the engines are bullet proof and can get a decent one for your budget. Oh and they are fecking fast as well some would probably beat the S4 whilst also giving decent mpg as well
Example
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2073402.htm
Has a carbon front so that cannot rust a bullet proof gonda engine and its nearly 3 grand under budget seems a no brainer to me....
Just providing another option btw the later cars are nice but for me if was getting a standard car i would rather spend less and get a nice earlier example for less money as they are basically the same car and for me seem far better value. All imo
Oh and btw you could just go mad with your 8k and buy this
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1962295.htm
In terms of insurance footman james or whoever could get you done for a very low amount under £200 on a standard car I would think
Stereo well you can easily convert to a din with an adaptor from halfords I run an 800w 4 channel amp and a preamped sub off mine all stock without any issues may look at getting a latter 75amp alternator however but apart from that new issues. I would suggest fitting some decent soundproofing at the same time if you really want to enjoy it.
If you want real reliability why not look at something like a honda conversion the engines are bullet proof and can get a decent one for your budget. Oh and they are fecking fast as well some would probably beat the S4
whilst also giving decent mpg as well Example
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2073402.htm
Has a carbon front so that cannot rust a bullet proof gonda engine and its nearly 3 grand under budget seems a no brainer to me....
Just providing another option btw the later cars are nice but for me if was getting a standard car i would rather spend less and get a nice earlier example for less money as they are basically the same car and for me seem far better value. All imo
Oh and btw you could just go mad with your 8k and buy this
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1962295.htm
As much as I can appreciate a heavily tuned Mini would be good fun, it's not really what I'm after. I don't want something that if there's a problem it would be hard to get fixed up or looked at, and I'm not really interested in how fast it goes; this car will never go over 30mph! (well maybe there are one or two 40mph roads around town)
Thanks for the info on the stereo though, glad that can sort of be done.
Regarding insurance, I would try to get a quote with any recommended companies but based on experience with previous companies, one in particular gives me an ok price with my circumstances and everyone else wants 3x as much.
I still haven't actually been to properly look at a classic Mini and I'm away over this weekend and next so it will have to wait a little bit longer. Maybe at the beginning of October; but it's partly that I'm worried I'll see one and decide to snap it up
Thanks for the info on the stereo though, glad that can sort of be done.
Regarding insurance, I would try to get a quote with any recommended companies but based on experience with previous companies, one in particular gives me an ok price with my circumstances and everyone else wants 3x as much.
I still haven't actually been to properly look at a classic Mini and I'm away over this weekend and next so it will have to wait a little bit longer. Maybe at the beginning of October; but it's partly that I'm worried I'll see one and decide to snap it up
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