Ive owned loads of minis over the years and ive never had a 'cheap' one yet.... its not the running costs and insurance, its the shiney go-faster bits that you MUST have and the expense of the shows that ruin the wallet... and forums like these where people sell bits you feel you 'need' or put ideas in your head that you usually spend loads on to find there wasnt much point due to failure/loss of interest/lack of pennies/change of mind - the list goes on.
So what we have here really IS a cheap economical runaround for a young driver, a victim of what ive said up there ^^ or anyone who just fancies a change. Even more someone handy with a welder. Why? read on....
For anyone not familier with a Fiat 126 BIS, its a rear wheel drive 704cc 2 stroke motor that'll run forever. This has the water cooled engine, not the 650cc aircooled one. The engine is in the boot (motorbike engine conversion anyone?!) and does over 40mpg around town, apparently 60mpg+ on a run. I only use it for work and back so cant vouch for that.
As a small car it has the same sorta handling as a mini and can be thrown into roundabouts with speed. As far as speed goes, its no racer but is happy to sit at 60mph when it finally gets to it. it is classed as a 5 seater but ive never tried to fit 3 adults in the back, i have had 2 child seats in there however and thats all it will take, not a chance of anything squeezing in the middle nevermind a 3rd person.
I bought the car for economy and wild dreams of a bike engine conversion, but reality has struck and i realise that i am completely incapable of such a conversion and shouldve listened to the voices and got another mini in the first place.
It has lots of MOT + tax, 4 alloys (need rubber), a spare front end and a few other odds and sods. Its got a few red rust oxide stuff where the last owner got a little over eager with it but its nothing that wont rub down and spray over nicely im sure, i just havent got round to it yet. its 1991 J reg.
i thought i had pics on photobucket but apparently not.... i'll post some more up asap. Located in berkshire, SL6.
Would like a mini of similar condition with MOT + tax. preferably with a 1380 engine, roll cage, recent respray + leather interior but im not getting my hopes high. i'll settle for MOT + tax and not expect anything (or at least too much) to drop off as i drive down the road.
cheers