8 replies to this topic

[coopedup1980]

Tomorrow morning I'm getting my '93 Sprite checked over by Downton Engineering in Arborfield, Berks. They are well known on here and were suggested to me from other forum members.

What should I be asking? They know there stuff but are there things I should ask that may not be told otherwise.

They'll be servicing it soon (hopefully), but this is a check over to see if its A OK. Sure it is.

Edited by coopedup1980, 17 June 2011 - 09:12 PM.

[huntface]

In all honesty, they are experts (or specialists if you prefer) if there's something wrong with your car they'll find it.

Perhaps I am cynical due to taking my car to the specialist i do, as he tends to mock me when I say something. Anything. Especially "Will you take a cheque?"

[coopedup1980]

Okay then. As planned I went and got my Sprite checked out. The drive there was eventful, but not as eventful as my visit.

On the way over an engine brace thing came off and shot out....amzing how big they look in the rear view mirror.


Despite this I rock up still pretty confident.


Initial opinion was that it was very tidy example. Underside was very clean and sills, floor etc tidy. Then it started to rock my world.

I'm going to get a full break down and price in the next week or so but this is what I recall (before it went fuzzy)

Near side front ball joint giving excessive movement
Fuel pump leaking oil
A few other oil seals either perished, fitted wrongly or not there.
Rear sub frame needs welding as the rust has got to it. Told a repair will give me a few years (thank goodness) before a full drop and replace
A couple of exhaust brackets not there (though thankfully still solid)
Probable bearing on one rear wheel gone
Front end has lost lots of its structual strength....inner wings on drivers side has split
Split in panel below indicatore because so much strengh is lost. Unsafe to drive.

These repairs are going to come in at somewhere near £600-£700 I would think hope. BUT THEN

Russell goes for a test drive....I mention that it is getting harder to find 1st. He tells be he thinks the Layshaft has gone and probably need a new gear box or overhaul. £1000. Want to add that Downton are a very good set up and their word is very well respected.

So me recons all in I've got about £2000+ of repair bills to find money for. Nice.


EDIT: Clarity on Downton

Edited by coopedup1980, 18 June 2011 - 06:02 PM.

[minicb]

Imo I think you should go to other garages for a few more quotes as that price seems high

[coopedup1980]

I'm sure there is a lot more as a lot more was pointed out to me....I jsut started to switch off as morewas added to the list. Will be sure to give a full break down when I get it.

Minicb, Do you know of any other garages that are good with Mini's? Reading is obviously close for me.

Cheers,
Neil

[mab01uk]

If you can't do DIY or don't want to learn, unfortunately running an older classic car like a Mini does get very expensive.............and garages tend to play safe by quoting high because they are wary of opening a 'can of worms' as they get deeper into jobs on older cars.

[markxe]

Personally I would get rid of it and buy another one, £2000 worth of repairs is alot of money.
If you have that sort of money to repair it, sell yours and buy this for example.
http://retrorides.pr...p;thread=104063

[coopedup1980]

Personally I would get rid of it and buy another one, £2000 worth of repairs is alot of money.
If you have that sort of money to repair it, sell yours and buy this for example.
http://retrorides.pr...p;thread=104063

Unfortunately don't have the money for the repairs. Will wait on the break down for all issues and costs (obviously I've not listed everything that came up). Repairs would be a credit card payment then transfer to a new card for the 0% interest.

Feel a bit gutted, bit stupid...hopefully soon a bit drunk.

[icklemini]

get a second opinion... theres never a 'perfect' car - let alone a 'perfect' mini.

Asking someone to check it over, is a bit like the AA 'used car checks': every little fault will be found.

Some of tghe items listed are MOT failures, how much MOT have you got left?

Yep a gearbox rebuild with engine in/out of the car isnt cheap at garage rates depending on the quality and if other parts considered to be ' a good idea' to be replaced at the same time (oil pump... clutch...)