3 replies to this topic

[jakz]

Hi I´m Jake from Mexico and after trying for years to buy a mini I was finally able to do so last week, so here it is:

 

I don't know the exact year of the car does anyone knows how to find out for sure about that? I´ve decoded the VIN and this is what it showed -

 

Mg Rover, Mini 1300, Sport Cooper, 2 door, 1300 SPI 10.1-1, RHD Manual 3.21, 1300, longbridge

 

paint: RMV trim: TMA

 

if anyone could help me decode the trim code I would really appreciate it, I've been looking online but haven´t found anything yet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the car has no rust at all, the steering rack is a bit loose on the passenger side but I'm not sure if ill just need the bushing or if I need to replace the whole assembly, I need to replace most of the rubber bushing and boots since they are all cracked and worn, it need new front tires, and the most difficult part I think, the AC compressor has seized  I have been trying to find a part number or reference but my compressor doesn't look like the ones I've found online at all I'm really confused about it, I'll have to dig deeper to see what I can find out about it.

 

So the story begins, I'll be looking for parts and upgrades and hope to be an active member of this community

 

best regards from México

 

Jake

 

 

 

[Vinay-RS]

Welcome Jake. That looks like an absolutely stunning mini. How big is the mini scene in Mexico? 

[jakz]

Welcome Jake. That looks like an absolutely stunning mini. How big is the mini scene in Mexico? 

Thanks for the comment! There are not a lot of classic minis over here as you see in other parts of the world but you can almost always find some for sale, all the classic ones have to be imported so a lot of them including mine are registered as older models than they really are, I think you see that a lot in countries with year restrictions for cars. The "new mini" is very popular over here and that has made the classic mini scene grow in the Mini and BMW clubs. What we have seen in the past year is an almost 200% increase in classic Mini prices, specially in the late production ones, I was able to grab mine for 60% of the current prices, I don't think the previous owner knew it was a 1994 or maybe he just wanted me to think that but I got a good deal and I now own one of my dream cars and that's all that matters to me.

the only problem is finding parts locally, I can't even find 12" tires for mine

Edited by jakz, 24 February 2017 - 06:20 AM.

[Vinay-RS]

I think you're right. The classic mini has gained more popularity in some places because of the new MINI and people who buy the new MINIs are keen to experience the history and legacy of the cars they have bought. 

 

The confusion with the actual production year of their cars happens here too, and we had minis produced locally for nearly 25 years  

The main thing is that you love your car and get to enjoy it. :) 

 

Yeah, I can imagine getting spares can be difficult. Perhaps the best option would be to import spares from the US or the UK, although the exchange rate, shipping and duties can make getting parts rather expensive.