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Where To Buy A Mini?


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#1 Ben Tarnowski

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Posted 20 November 2017 - 06:19 PM

I am looking at purchasing a Mini to restore as a project however after spending hours trawling through websites like eBay and Gumtree all I can really find is those that are already in good condition. I'd like one that isn't too old, maybe 1980-2000. I also don't want to be spending much at first, i'd rather save more money that can then go towards restoring it. If anyone has any ideas of where to look or recommendations then please let me know.  :proud:



#2 ga2davt

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Posted 20 November 2017 - 07:13 PM

You're looking in the right place already. eBay and Gumtree are full of cars that say they are in good condition, but look further and many need full restoration. I don't know how experienced you are mechanically, but if not very, best to take someone who knows Minis with you to look. They all rot in the same way.

 

good luck, 

Philip



#3 slidehammer

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Posted 20 November 2017 - 07:37 PM

Might be worth becoming TMF+ member and putting a wanted ad on here. Some chaps on here break and sell minis as projects. Being realistic though with the way Mini values have shot up over the last years you don't get much for "not a lot"! Sometimes I have seen good value Minis on Auto Trader as the people selling them privately on there don't tend to have the specialist knowledge they do on Ebay. Good luck with the search though.



#4 Archived2

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Posted 20 November 2017 - 07:56 PM

Sadly everywhere you look will be difficult due to rarity and demand.
Patience and lots of searching is key.

TMF membership will allow you a wanted advert.

I’m looking for a mini scamp and I’ve had two people get in touch and both messed me around? One said they had a car and sent some pics only for it to not be a car they owned? Then it was maybe this n that till they vanished?

Another I spoke to on the phone and he had promises of pics and a price but that never materialised and not even a single reply or explanation followed?

My point is this... keep looking and be prepared for lots of weird people and odd cars. Be prepared to walk away and don’t take things to heart when it falls flat.
The right car will turn up.

#5 Norfolk Boy

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Posted 20 November 2017 - 08:50 PM

There's a couple of Facebook groups where parts and cars are bought and sold.

#6 Pauljb

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Posted 20 November 2017 - 10:01 PM

Depends on how much restoration you plan on doing? Are you looking to fully restore over a period of time or have a decent day to day runner that needs tinkering with every so often. If it's the latter then maybe having a look at mine?!?!
It's had alot of work done but not professionally so needs a tidy up. It's driveable but could have some money thrown at it.
PM me if ur interested.
How much u looking to spend on a mini before starting restoration?

#7 Ben Tarnowski

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Posted 21 November 2017 - 03:00 AM

Depends on how much restoration you plan on doing? Are you looking to fully restore over a period of time or have a decent day to day runner that needs tinkering with every so often. If it's the latter then maybe having a look at mine?!?!
It's had alot of work done but not professionally so needs a tidy up. It's driveable but could have some money thrown at it.
PM me if ur interested.
How much u looking to spend on a mini before starting restoration?

I'm looking for something to restore from a basic body, not bothered about a bit of rust as i'd like to try replacing a panel or two, Ideally i'd like to restore it to the point where I could (after passing my test) drive it almost every day (with exception to the winter months). With regards to how much I spend i'm not too sure yet, this was only an idea that I thought of a few weeks ago and i'd prefer for it to be more slow paced and I'll just purchase parts as and when I can afford them.



#8 Ben Tarnowski

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Posted 21 November 2017 - 03:18 AM

I've had a further look and i'm really liking the Mini's from 1995 and on. I've found one thats somewhat close by and fairly cheap, however due to being new to Mini's in general i'm unsure on the condition of it, it looks fairly good outside however the subframes, sills and floor will probably be totally rotted.  :ohno: I don't mind doing a bit of work to them though.

 

Here it is anyway, let me know what you think and whether its worth it for its condition.

https://www.ebay.co....119.m1438.l2649


Edited by Ben Tarnowski, 24 November 2017 - 10:23 PM.


#9 Pauljb

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Posted 25 November 2017 - 10:05 PM

Get them to send you pictures of the underside/engine bay. If they don't, it's a rotter, and if they do at least they're (more) trustworthy. Ask them questions on the general condition and structure of the vehicle. You've nothing to lose from asking questions have you.




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