4 replies to this topic

[RustyFuknut]

Ello everyone Im new to this forum and mini's. Im comming away from biking but cant justify selling my bike for a car that isnt fun so ive decided on a mini.

Question is, how many miles do these little motor's go on for? they seem cheap as chips to pick up with less milage as a replacement, are they hard to fit?

mini im looking at has 77k miles on the engine. everything else has been really looked after though, no rust on the bodywork at all and has had new subframe mounts.

is there anything else i should be looking for?

All the best

Tom

[pdaykin]

That is a difficult one to answer.

I've had engines that have had to have major work (head, bore, etc) at only a few years old (35k miles) and others that go on for many thousands of miles without any trouble

BUT DO NOT EXPECT MODERN LONGEVITY from the old a-series engine - it isnt a Toyota/Nissan etc.

At 80k miles it is likley to be getting tired and, even if looked after, using lots more oil than a modern motor.

This doesnt mean it will be unreliable, but start saving up for a rebuild.

The best bit of advice it to judge it on its own merits. What you see goming out of the exhaust and for any knocking noises will give you a guide.

[rob mini]

i had a 998 do 120k but then again ive had one that did 45k, all luck of the draw im afraid.

an engine swap isnt difficult though

[Guess-Works.com]

70 - 80k is the average life of an average engine.... if it's been maticoulsly (spelling?) looked after then some are good for over 100, and the flipside, if it's been abused some will fail before 30.

The obvious one for wear (gearbox wise) is how easy the car is to down change from 3rd to 2nd... any baulking, or grinding and the gearbox is coming to end of life, which usualy means the engine pretty much there too...

[RustyFuknut]

Thanks alot for the replies!

Looking forward to owning a mini, gonna feel so slow after the bike though =( im hoping keeping dry and warm (if they do stay warm?) will make up for it though, plus theres the grin factor...

Thanks again

All the best

Tom