4 replies to this topic

[Ogg]

I'm new here, I'm 19 and from the UK. I have a very loose budget of £5k and want to buy my first mini. At the same time I'd like to learn more about cars and get my hands dirty. I've been looking at the various Marks, and I like the safety additions of the MK vii, but I've heard that they rust the easiest, have long boring gear ratios, and mpi can be difficult to work with. Please help me ?
Thanks

[Northernpower]

You need to say what you're going to use it for, i,e. daily driver? Have you also budgeted for insurance? How much bodywork can you do?

[nicklouse]

buy a mini for 1k and then spend 4k fixing it.

[Boycie]

The later cars are much easier to live with, something to bare in mind if it will be everyday transport.
The wisest buy is something with a good straight body shell. Rust will get you down very quickly and is not easy to repair unless you have excellent facilities and lots of experience. Mechanical repairs and maintenance can be carried out at home, with only basic tools and a bit of enthusiasm!

Bringing someone familiar with Minis along to a potential purchase is a very good idea and beware the tarted up cars, made pretty to sell. They can be as bad as the worst rotted heap underneath that shiny paint...

[TobyM2018]

Boycie has nailed it really

Have you joined a local mini club or looked in the regional meets section of the forum? The more knowledge you can get in advance of a purchase the better. You may even meet a forum member who is selling or is willing to help you check vehicles out

Good luck!