16 replies to this topic

[Twincam]

Don't let yourself get caught up in spending sprees - I've done it many a time...

I dont think there is anything cheaper than a mini to maintain and insure is there?
Pete

My RXS100

[alicetheauto]

Minis are about as cheap as it gets in dry motoring (ie not a bike). My insurance is less than half that of a modern 1.4 Fiesta, brake pads and discs are less than a third of the price for fiestas etc, spark plugs are the same. Oil is much cheaper, as Minis use mineral oil rather than modern synthetic oils at £40-50 a gallon (Halfords do a very good oil at £16.99 for the Mini, it even has a mini on the tin!). Only problems you WILL find are that the Mini will need more work to keep it on the road. Suapension pivots and balljoints will need regular greasing and replacing, rubber mounts will need replacing every now and then, and then you get to the ever-present rust problems. Dont forget, then NEWEST Minis are 10 years old (which, ironically rusted worst) and the car you are looking at is a quarter of a century old. Rust proofing design and implementation has come on a LONG way since then. Dont be surprised if the car needs new sills (angled panels under the floors/doors both sides) and maybe patches welded in the wheel arches at the very least. Have a good poke around the car though, and maybe join a local club and see if someone who knows minis can come along too! Might save you buying a lemon!