9 replies to this topic

[PAWL3Y]

Hi all, i'm about to take my driving test soon and have been looking at getting a mini to drive when and if I pass been looking around and it seems the 998cc City E (?) model is the cheapest to insure for me, being young it's still pricey though but cheaper than most other options

I was just wondering if anyone had any advice on what to look out for when buying a mini, and when viewing one etc? and just any advice in general all would be greatly appreciated

cheers,

[Teapot]

Good luck. Link here

http://www.theminifo...howtopic=152969

and one from the vaults

http://www.theminifo...p?showtopic=645

Edited by Teapot, 07 December 2011 - 11:25 PM.

[jakejakejake1]

To sum it up:
look everywhere for rust!! google will tell you the most common places, there are too many for me to bother listing
Everything else is relatively cheap on a mini, especially a 998, (1275 engines go for a lot more as people want to upgrade to them, then try and get a little money for their old 998s), so buy a car with the best body work possible.
But be weary, if a car looks like its recently been sprayed, question why the owner would be selling and if there are hidden problems.

As with any car, its best to take someone along who has experience with the car in question to help check for obvious problems that a new driver such as yourself might miss.

Jake

[PAWL3Y]

thanks guys much appreciated and yeah ill be taking my dad along to any we view was its my first time buying

[Mini 360]

No rust = good


Other than that anything can be replaced/fixed relatively cheaply If its got a lot of rust walk away but don't expect to find one with none

[dow62]

Expect to get your hands dirty, and learn many new and enjoyable skills ! ( Also skinned knuckles and the odd bout of swearing ! )

[Guess-Works.com]

Also if you're concerned about insurance... look for one which is original as possible, modifications from standard will bump the insurance and could render the car uninsurable.

For example..... It's better to find an original mini which was fitted with a 1275 out of the factory, over one which has had an engine replacement, eg was 998cc and has had a 1275 put in it.

Edited by Guess-Works.com, 08 December 2011 - 09:45 AM.

[mk1leg]

take a magnet with you if it sticks to body then your fine if it falls off then its been body filled............try all joints top of wings, sills,front panel, rear wings. rear valance...............ect

[PAWL3Y]

yet again thanks for the replies might be viewing some soon so will definitely take on board all of your advice

[mini-luke]

When deciding if the amount of rust is too much, times what you've found by two as you'll always discover more!