27 replies to this topic

[JackJack]

As the title says, I've been looking into buying a Mini for about £2500. Now it's a Red 1998 Rover Mini Cooper, obviously I know all about the problem with rust, bodywork etc. But it has 90,000 miles on the clock. Would this be too high and possibly unreliable? This would only be a temp as eventually I'd like to put in a bigger engine in it.
Thank, Jack

[maxlee]

1998 ~2008 would be 120000 if it did avrage miles so its not that high imo

i'm not clued up on the life spans of the engine so can not coment on that |

if its been looked after surly it will be ok any service history?

Edited by maxlee, 14 May 2009 - 05:25 PM.

[cagy]

it also depends how the car has been drived if it's been thrashed i would be tempted to pass. But then again every engine reacts differently so it's hard to say.


Craig

[Boycie]

To be honest, body condition is far more important than the mileage the engine has covered.

An A series is not going to be in perfect condition with 90k+ -expect a slack drivetrain and rattly engine but I'm sure it'll keep slogging on.

[minidan]

my cooper (carb) has done 90000 miles and it runs like a song. its a very pleasent mini to drive (ok i have done all the suspension up with new bits, and put on a stg 1 and had it rolling road tuned but its still done 90000.)

[JackJack]

Yeah I was thinking it would depend on how it has been driven. Guess I cant tell until I go to see the car (only seen it on Autotrader so far)
I'll include a picture to see what you guys think

[Alexanderx]

yeah and parts for minis are fairly cheap,
and if you do the work ur self u save alot of money
oh and if you don't know much about engines join a mini club
and i'm sure some one will be able to help.
plus i've found everyone on heres really sound
and always happy to give advise.

Alex.

[JackJack]

Yeah the plan is to fit a Stage 1 (possibly 3) kit on it which may help and get it properly tuned on a rolling road. Cheers.

[JackJack]

Cheers Alex, I know nothing really about engines apart from the obvious bits and pieces, so I'll definitely join a club to gain some advice etc. I live in Surrey at the moment (moving to W. Sussex in a few weeks) Really excited about buying a Mini, wanted one since I was a young'n

[JackJack]

P.s. From looking at the photo what does everybody think?

[Boycie]

Looks good but check EVERYWHERE for filler and rot.

If the engine sounds ok and doesn't blow blue smoke when you give it some stick, it should be ok..

[matt615]

Looks good in the photos, apart from the chrome wheel arches. I'm not a fan of them!

As sadi above, the most important thing is to thoroughly check for rust when you go to see it.

[JackJack]

Looks good in the photos, apart from the chrome wheel arches. I'm not a fan of them!

As sadi above, the most important thing is to thoroughly check for rust when you go to see it.

No me niether to be perfectly honest but there really isin't many nice coopers in my price range. Ideally Id love a Cooper Sport and thats the shape Mini I'd be aiming for. Tho saying that the chrome arches aren't toooooo bad.

[matt615]

Tho saying that the chrome arches aren't toooooo bad.

Easily removable if you don't like them though. Just unscrew them, and you'll reveal the original black arches underneath.

Edited by matt615, 14 May 2009 - 06:04 PM.

[JackJack]

Tho saying that the chrome arches aren't toooooo bad.

Easily removable if you don't like them though. Just unscrew them, and you'll reveal the original black arches underneath.

Oh nice. Ha I really am a newbie on this Mini scene Im gonna assume you can just screw different arches on yes?