7 replies to this topic

[jay_muir]

How Do,

I'm going to look at a mates mini! Its had a load of work done to it like a complete Respray, bucket seats fitted and all that. But my main concern is that its had its engine changed from a 998cc to a 1275cc and I want to know if there is anything I should look out for being as it has had its engine changed? I think its a late 80's Reg. I think he wants about £800 for it? What do you think?

Cheers,
Jamie

[wobbit]

sounds like a bargin 2 me

[Bungle]

have a good look around the body work

you dont want to find its just been sprayed over rust a filler :sad:

[minislapper]

Agree about the spraying. Only other issue with a larger engine is, make sure the V5C has been changed to show the new engine. Depending on which insurance company you use, you may have to pay a higher premium as it will be classed as a modification.

The outside may look shiney after the respray but make sure you check under the carpets, the sills and inside the corners on the boot etc.

[MiniSi]

Aye have a good look at the floors, get them carpets up! get the rear seats out and inspect around the rear arch.

If in doubt, take a mini nut or anyone who works with cars with you

[joshyboy]

id take an expert with you. i bought mine having been told by the seller that one problem needed just a bit of welding to sort -now no that its a major structural prob that could justify scapping it!

take someone who nos what theyre doing, what to look for and what to pay for it, and you wont (hopefully!) get any nasty surprises after you dished out your cash!

[Guess-Works.com]

take a fridge magnet with you too... resprays usually mean a cover up

Rust and filler are not magnetic...

[mini1976]

When i tried to insure my mini found that all the insures i had found to be the cheapest for my previouse cars ( im 23) wouldnt even give me a quote as they didnt insure engine changes. Even though my mini has only got a standard 1275 still wont touch it. Also some of them will only cover up to 2 or 3 mods ie alloys different seats different dash, different exhuast for example.