8 replies to this topic

[nathan.eagles]

Hey,
I am looking into buying a mini as a first car. I have found a 1978 ls leyland mini 998 that has been on blocks and covered for 20 years and was wondering if buying a car like this would be buying trouble. the car is in 90% perfect condition and only has 50,000 Km's on it. it just hasnt been started for a very long time. i understand that this is a UK based forum and i am in australia so i understand that we will probably have different opinions on how much its worth and i am having trouble joining the australian equivalent forum. the seller is asking $4000 AUD do you think this is a fair price? another point that my father has made is that it may be a bit sluggish on the highway can anyone give an idea of how fast these cars go, particularly the 998.

Cheers, nathan

[AVV IT]

There are a few things to consider in a car that hasn't been used for such a long time, but generally with the right sort of preparation they can be a good find due to low milage and good condition. Before starting the engine I would recommend draining the engine oil & replacing it then turning it over by hand to check that it hasn't seized. You will need to drain & refill the fuel tank & braking & cooling systems & consider replacing any rubber items that may have perished, such as hoses, gaiters, seals, mounts, fan belt & bushes. I would also replace the brake pads, discs, shoes & pipes and give it a full service.

$4000 AUS sounds a little high in UK terms for a car that probably isn't roadworthy in it's current state, but the Australian market value may be very different to the UK, dependent upon the demand for and availability of minis over there. Yes a standard 998 will seem a bit sluggish by comparison to many modern small engined cars, but most are still capable of around 125 km/h & can also be tuned to make them a little more lively & responsive. One thing to consider is the availability of parts in Austrailia, and you might want to take some advice from other Austrailian mini owners on this. I know that some Australian mini owners have had to resort to shipping parts from the UK in the past, which can be expensive and also result in your car being off the road for considerable lengths of time whilst you wait for parts to arrive.

[Dan]

Be prepared to change every single rubber seal in the engine and transmision, and probably all over the brakes and the rest of the car. It's likely they have all dried up and as soon as you change the oil (which you must do obviously) they will all start leaking. The oil will have absorbed a lot of atmospheric moisture over the years so the engine might not be as mint as it first seems. The clutch probably won't release either, the brake friction linings have been looked after if it's on blocks and the handbrake released but I'll bet the clutch has been left engaged.

We have a lot of Aussie members who will be able to give you a fair idea of the value of the car.

[evansisgreat]

The best thing you can do is take someone who knows minis. There's not substitute for experience.

[JackMINI]

As has been previously mentioned, it's hard for us to estimate the value of the car - being that the value of a good Mini in Oz is hard for us to know! As Dan said, be prepared to replace any perishable items, my Mini was in a museum for 2 years, and because of this the diaphragm in my fuel pump split, and top hose is very hard and my bypass hose just went! Hence me investing in a set of all black silicon hoses!

If, however, you do decide to purchase this car, you will not find a more helpful, polite and friendly forum! It's a wonderful place to be a part of, and it's helped me on more than one occasion.

One thing you have to realize is that a Mini is still a car that was conceived in the 1950's, they are not very fast (although they feel it!) and they are loud and bumpy. However, you don't buy a Mini as a practical everyday buy, you buy a Mini because your heart tells you too! I cannot think of a car that is more charismatic and fun, and when you buy one, it's not just a car, it's a member of the family!

However, a well looked after Mini can prove reliable daily service, and can be a very good gateway of getting onto the classic car scene! Once you've driven one, you'll fall in love, I wouldn't sell my Mini for all the tea in China!

Hope this helps a little, and if you do decide to buy it, Welcome to the family!

All the best, Jack.

[WRLondon]

is it a clubman?
a 998 stage one'd is pretty nippy and a great laugh
also depending on your age as minis are expensive to keep here in england
no idea what it would be like abroad!

[nathan.eagles]

hey everyone
thanx for all the quick replies,

It is very hard trying to value a car like this haha. its just a matter of convincing my dad before i own it i think
Thanx again

[nathan.eagles]

WRLondon, im not to sure if it is considered as a clubman | , all i was told is that it is a Leyland LS and its so hard finding information on them.

[rwerry]

WRLondon, im not to sure if it is considered as a clubman | , all i was told is that it is a Leyland LS and its so hard finding information on them.

Hi (again) Nathan (see my reply to your other thread, which I read and answered before seeing this one)

All late model Aussie Minis (August 1971 on), such as the LS, are Clubmans (distinguished by the longer, squarer front end, which is about four inches longer than that of the round nosed Mini).

I have a fair bit of information on the LS. PM me if you'd like me to e-mail it to you.