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Please Tell Me About This Car


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#16 mini-luke

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Posted 30 January 2012 - 10:21 PM

Five speeds were only ever an optional extra on the very last few years, so an 1985 is almost certainly going to have 4.

The 5th gear is usually an overdrive, but there is no reason why you couldn't use a higher diff ratio and make it similar to 4th for a little more acceleration.

#17 mini-man-dan

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Posted 30 January 2012 - 10:21 PM

There were very few 5 speed minis. Very very few. It's definataly a 4 speed. 99.5% of minis are.

Not a 67 but has no side repeaters so probably late 70's early 80's.

#18 giner88

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Posted 30 January 2012 - 10:21 PM

i dont think the did 5 speeds. only the 4. if the guy knows this little about the car it seems a little back handed. i'd just leave it and keep looking, as you said before youd prefer a hardtop

http://www.theminifo...-about-5-speed/

#19 giner88

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Posted 30 January 2012 - 10:22 PM

wooooooooo 3 replies in 1 minute LOL

#20 olds_kool_lews

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Posted 30 January 2012 - 10:33 PM

it even says in the advert "originally a mini 1000"... kinda gives the game away lol

#21 Dan

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Posted 31 January 2012 - 12:25 PM

There was never a factory 5 speed.
There were no factory convertibles when that car, or any of the cars it is made from, were built.

The car is a real mish mash of parts from different sources.

#22 bri2203

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Posted 02 February 2012 - 04:44 AM

I didn't see the second page! Thanks for all of the replies!

I am going to keep checking craigslist/ebay for a mini that is in the area. Unfortuntly I am little turned off after learning these car are not very fuel efficient. I read typical mileage is 25-35. I know it is older technology but I would have thought they would get 35-50 being that it only weighs 1500 lbs with little power.

#23 mini-luke

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Posted 02 February 2012 - 08:03 AM

Depends how you drive, motorway cruising you could expect 50mpg if you keep the speed below 70.

You do have to remember a mini has all the aerodynamic properties of a house brick.

#24 giner88

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Posted 02 February 2012 - 09:46 AM

fuel efficient? i was under the impression fuel was rather cheap in the USA, compared to here in the UK

#25 Dan

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Posted 02 February 2012 - 10:09 AM

Well fuel is cheap over there but that doesn't mean everyone wants to buy loads of it!

Minis are very, very fuel efficient considering their age. Who told you they aren't? A standard 998 engined Mini can manage 55 mpg at 55 mph and the 1275 is not far behind it. Depends how and where you drive, they aren't quite as good around town or if you have heavy feet. The injection system hampers the later cars, or rather the need to burn fuel at the proper ratio for a catalyst does so they are less efficient. A carb car or one without a cat can be run far leaner. They essentially have a lean burn engine, that's why there are so many patents on the head.

#26 TA2DMAC

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Posted 02 February 2012 - 10:16 AM

The link in the first post does not work.
Is this for the blue convertable that's been on craigslist for over 2 yrs?

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#27 giner88

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Posted 02 February 2012 - 11:02 AM

i'd say the main reason Most people worry about fuel efficient cars is the cost of fuel, rather than other reasons like the enviroment. OR maybe thats just me being naive. But i have always thought of my mini as quite a fuel effocient car, unless you want to fork out for some of the newer cars.

#28 Dan

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Posted 02 February 2012 - 12:58 PM

You are probably right and I'd agree that price is the main reason for efficiency for most people, which is what fuel duty is all about. I think you misunderstand my point though, just because something may seem cheap doesn't mean everyone can afford it. And even if you can why buy more than you need to? I can afford fuel quite easily but that doesn't mean I like buying it. Also remember the main reason fuel has to stay cheap in the US is the amount of driving people have to do. Distances tend to be far larger and in many cases there is no alternative to driving. I'm not suggesting this is the case in this situation but if the next gas station on your route is 301 miles away, a car with a 300 mile range is not a lot of use.

You are also right that the Mini is a pretty efficient car though, although I don't think I'd class the injected models as all that good for mileage.

#29 dave1293gt

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Posted 02 February 2012 - 12:58 PM

The cooper s sport 5 was the only 5 speed factory car. Fitted with the 5 speed jack knight box as standard.
Released in 1999, and i would imagine in limited numbers as i bet it was a costly model

#30 bri2203

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Posted 02 February 2012 - 02:51 PM

Well fuel is cheap over there but that doesn't mean everyone wants to buy loads of it!

Minis are very, very fuel efficient considering their age. Who told you they aren't? A standard 998 engined Mini can manage 55 mpg at 55 mph and the 1275 is not far behind it. Depends how and where you drive, they aren't quite as good around town or if you have heavy feet. The injection system hampers the later cars, or rather the need to burn fuel at the proper ratio for a catalyst does so they are less efficient. A carb car or one without a cat can be run far leaner. They essentially have a lean burn engine, that's why there are so many patents on the head.


Well said Dan. I don't complain about the price of gas, when I buy a car I try to do research(why I joined this forum), and I figure out it will cost $xxx for insurance, tires, fuel etc. I don't make alot of money but I try to think logically. If a car saves me $1000. in fuel a year that is a $1000 more I would put into my retirement, towards a home etc, towards another fun car.

I found this when I did a search on google where somone asked the mileage of a classic mini
http://uk.answers.ya...22053111AAnEvDL

I just started comparing it with my cobalt ss as they are both front wheel drive and fun to drive. The main thing I liked more the Mini is that they look very cool with some bodify modifications. I think that is only thing that makes old car desireable is the character they have as new cars are safer, faster, more efficient, more comfortable etc.
I will continue to keep my eye out if one pops up at a good deal.

Edited by bri2203, 02 February 2012 - 03:01 PM.





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