18 replies to this topic

[FullFathomFive]

Hi Everyone,

 

Brand new to the mini scene but looking to purchase first one as have always loved them.

 

Wasn't sure where to post this so please move to appropriate section if erroneous but am quite urgently seeking forum advice on this mini I saw today. I am from London but based in France - the mini for sale is a 1983 mini 1000 left hand drive. I will be using the car exclusively here in the South of France (I mention this because it gets very hot here in summer.)

 

During inspecting the car this morning I took the following notes:

Engine no: 12HC04AA 109314 (I believe this is a 1275cc Metro cold climate 2.95 CWP 1985 SPEC)

Boot latch no: 35781 (it might have been 35/81) 

VIN: unidentified

 

The repaint took place at least 5 years ago and there are no signs of corrosion anywhere.

 

Other details from the advert:

SU HIF 44 double body carburettor

New air filter.

New electronic ignition

New ignition coil

New battery

New aluminum radiator

New hoses

New high flow water pumps

New coolants

New fan belt

New starter

New spring kit suspensions with adjustable body height

New adjustable gas shock absorbers

Adjustable front axle ties with new Silentbloc

New stainless steel exhaust, manifold, line and silencer

New master cylinder

New discs and pads

4 New tires

New crankcase protection

 

I've attached as many photos as might be useful - I suppose what I'm looking for is any advice on whether I shouldn't buy this car or for any blatantly offending parts of the car - especially given this has a Metro engine in (and a cold climate variant at that too.)

 

 Mini 1 copy.jpg   100.02K   3 downloads

 Mini 3 copy.jpg   179.53K   2 downloads

 New engine.jpg   48.93K   5 downloads

 IMG_3372 copy.jpg   54.76K   3 downloads

 Suspension.jpg   53.56K   6 downloads

 Engine middle.jpg   55.64K   1 downloads

 Mini 2 copy.jpg   91.56K   2 downloads

 Mini 5.jpg   48.48K   3 downloads

 Mini 6.jpg   38.94K   1 downloads

 

Price is about £10K

 

Many thanks for all feedback.

 

Will

 

 

 

 

 

[Anthony30]

I honestly don't think it's worth £10k. Engine doesn't look rebuilt, standard seats, and looks like they couldn't be bothered replacing the brake pipes either. I would buy a good condition genuine mini cooper mpi with the 13'' wheels. main thing with the mpi models is rust. It will hold it's value much better.

[nicklouse]

price is high. not a fan of Gaz shocks and it needs those stupid springs changing out for rubbers.

[FullFathomFive]

Thanks both - informed the seller that I will not be purchasing.

[g0myw]

it's always good to look at as many cars/mini's as you can .

even if not buying, you'll get it's of ideas and information.

as has been said 'rust' is going to be your biggest expense (parts are relatively easy to get & fix) 

good luck, happy hunting.I

[jaysmini1983]

I would say that maybe it isnt overpirced, your in france so im guessing your going to be limited on minis for sale compaired to over in the U.K where that may seem expensive, if painted 5 years ago it looks to be well looked after, very clean and if in southern france warm and dry. 

What else have you got to compaire the price too?

also the spring conversion has its ups and downs. it isnt original rubber cones but where you will drive it may not cause a problem, plus if your handy its about £250 for a full set of cones. 

Edited by jaysmini1983, 06 February 2020 - 10:49 AM.

[FullFathomFive]

I'm not sure how many minis are available across the UK but there are absolutely shed loads over here in France with between 5 and 10 used models going up for sale per day across the country. There are a couple of dedicated mini specialists too - one outside Paris who is about to send me details of a 1275cc Innocenti.

 

Also, the pricing for minis here in France I feel is slightly higher than the UK. Have a look here for general pricing:

 

https://www.leboncoi...egdate=min-2002

 

The link will include some modern minis because the website's filters are incomplete.

 

One other quick question - I am in the countryside and have access to a garage which is damp - do I need to garage a mini or can it live well outside?

[jaysmini1983]

personally i wouldnt put a mini into a damp garage it may be better outside. however under a car port would keep the rain off.

[G'Racy]

Love that statement ‘spring conversion has its ups and downs’
Agree with advice above, look at as many cars as you can before buying

[jaysmini1983]

Love that statement ‘spring conversion has its ups and downs’
Agree with advice above, look at as many cars as you can before buying

 

lol. Well they do!!  

[MatthewsDad]

Price to one side for a moment it does seem to have been cared for and looks pretty solid. Look for the car with the best bodywork within your budget. Mechanical issues are easier and more affordable to sort out than stripping the car and cutting out acres of rust.

[Cooperman]

If ever one considers buying a Mini which has had a coil-spring conversion, deduct the cost of reverting to rubber cone springs from the asking price.

[cal844]

If ever one considers buying a Mini which has had a coil-spring conversion, deduct the cost of reverting to rubber cone springs from the asking price.

I agree

[FullFathomFive]

Just popped up for sale in France and posting because it has a very idiosyncratic look and I felt that some of you might like this.

 

 f94bbdc64830a8e0bf8f13240c5687bb8d27e6a6.jpg   46.05K   11 downloads

 b674b8e26a55898afc025cb90f608302243bc28f.jpg   57.76K   6 downloads

 f62cdfb0bd7423384548de58cf89f58ad753dee4.jpg   42.94K   7 downloads

 

Seller's description as follows:

 

Mini 1310 (Cooper)

4500 miles since full restoration in 2018

Engine preparation to take it to 1310cc, A.C, cylinder head with large valves and prepare, R.V and optimized squich, Cooper ech line, hif 44 carburetor set

I can supply a weber 40 with pipe, I can mount and adjust it, we'll see ...

The front axle and nine silentbloc ball joints as well as the rack, hydraulic adjustable suspension kit, there is a Hi low chassis adjustment kit and adjustable tie rod, new brakes with a new aviation and M.C hoses kit, as well as clutch.

Wide rims, epoxy sheet metal

The windshield and seals are new as well as the door seals, bumper, flashing optics.

The preparation of the bodywork has been stabilized with a neutral PH to block rust which is only on the surface and finished with a satin varnish.

 

£8000.

 

 

[cal844]

If you wish to buy, that's your decision. I personally would view the car very close to see what's been done