14 replies to this topic

[Astral]

Very Sick mini

I’m not really here to ask any questions, more just to whinge about my problematic mini. I noticed a couple of issues with my mini cooper SPI 1.3 (Some of you may have read my thread taking bets on what it could be) it turned out to be a little more serious than I previously envisioned…

A series of small unfortunate events led to a build up of issues that climaxed with a total system failure I had hoped would be something simple to fix. So she was taken away via trailer to a mini specialist who has just rang me to inform me of the staggering list of issues…

Here goes, turns out the previous owner must have been a ‘Insert colourful four letter word’ and was a bodge artist. I had already fixed the most obvious screw ups (No thermostat, broken radiator, 50% relays burnt out, wiring that looked like robot puke, new water pump, new tyres, new coil) but there was a wealth of hidden issues surfacing. The master and slave cylinder for the clutch was shot, the alternator and its wiring had been bodged together so it was only delivering ¾ of the power it should have been brake shoes were almost illegal, one brake drum had a 3 inch chunk out of it, The temp sensor for the gauge was broken as was the entire secondary fan unit, CPU is damaged and one of the vacuum pipe’s was melted through. They’d also tried to bodge the wiring on different components with random wires obviously pulled off speakers etc.


So I’ve said replace all the damaged componets with brand new replacments and going to have the whole wiring system replaced.

Should be good as new pretty much when I have it back but this works going to take awhile and cost a lot so I can’t help but feel really down hearted that somebody would treat such a beautiful car with such contempt. I had bought the car as a treat for myself on completeing a year in a tough new career job. Three months later I was made redundent and now realize there is a possiblilty I may have to sell my beautiful mini as if it gets to expensive I just won’t be able to afford it anymore.

Feeling pretty low now

[daemonchild]

Huge hug!

[stevedx]

HUG FROM HERE TOO

[WiredbyWilson]

Group hug!!!

I know how you feel, sometimes you dispair at the sheer number of bodgers and have-a-go's out there.

[Astral]

It is really sad, I'm lucky the car worked at all! It's been all the way across country so even with all those issues its obviously a fighter

I just hope the bill doesn't cripple me :S I could do with some good news in my life right now. I'll keep you all posted on her progress and please keep your fingers crossed as I do love this little car.

[Teapot]

I could do with some good news in my life right now.

There was no potato up the exhaust!
I don't mind losing my bet. But it's outrageous to think someone could be so dishonest as to sell you a such a heap of trouble. S/he must be some sort of subterranean worm to be so low.

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! I'll have to have one of my special green and purple pills now.

[daemonchild]

I could do with some good news in my life right now.

There was no potato up the exhaust!
I don't mind losing my bet. But it's outrageous to think someone could be so dishonest as to sell you a such a heap of trouble. S/he must be some sort of subterranean worm to be so low.

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! I'll have to have one of my special green and purple pills now.

Teapot is on the boil! (So 'Kettle' more like... )

[Astral]

Had another call.

They have been working on my car like bees for the best part of 5 days with 2 mechanics assigned to it... and they think they've cracked it!

All the bits that showed issues have been replaced and wiring re-done. They proof will be at 12pm today when they get back from a 20 mile test run. (She needs to get really going to be sure nothings hidden)

The Mechanics have worked so hard on her because they are both mini fans and have seen her at some of the shows! Told me not to worry to much about pricing as they will try to knock off what they can (Without being silly) and if I pay in cash no VAT.

Might have her back today!

[Teapot]

Told me not to worry to much about pricing as they will try to knock off what they can (Without being silly) and if I pay in cash no VAT.

What's VAT? Haha.
We wait with bated breath.

This expression comes from the verb bate, which is more commonly seen in English in the form abate.

[cooperdan]

wow really sorry to hear that...breaks my heart to hear this

[Ethel]

Hope the bill's not too bad. If they want to be naughty boys 'n not tell the VAT man that's their look out but make sure you get a receipt listing all the work done.

[Astral]

Yeah I will, I don't think im being let off VAT on everything. Just the second hand bits used. Which technically have already had their VAT paid. So they arn't breaking the law.

[Astral]

Well I just went to the garage...All the works been done and my car now works PERFECTLY!

The bill wasn't too bad £470 in total (ouch) but that's less than I thought!

[Teapot]

Good news. Worth the dosh to get your pride & joy working properly.

[stevedx]

blimey wish I lived near you, I tend to end up with a bill of nearly 500 quid, everytime my car even drives down te road with a garage in it.