31 replies to this topic

[neon*girl]

Hi!

I’m Neon*Girl because I am the very proud owner of a beautiful 1991 Rover Mini Neon!

I first saw Dolly in 2007 parked on a drive with a ‘For Sale’ sign in the window, I was 17 and had never had a driving lesson and to be honest wasn’t that interested in cars!

As soon as I saw her I knew I MUST have her lol, I said to my mates ‘I going to buy that car’ and was greeted with ‘yeah yeah whatever…’

The next day I went to view Dolly (in the dark…..) and paid the full asking price of £1600 (I didn’t know that you were suppost too haggle!) and she was mine!

She spent a year sat on the drive as I had lessons (it took me a while) I would eat most meals sat in the driver’s seat and would listen to Bohemian Rhapsody (see Wayne’s World ‘Head banging scene’)

After passing she went everywhere – including many cramped camping trips! And I saved up and had a lot of work done to her, new sills and I even changed the rear subframe in the street with her on bricks!

Unfortunately in January 2010 in the bad weather she skidded on ice and her breaks locked up and I crashed her into the back of a Transit van – the van had no damage but she was a Cat C write off, the poor guy in the tranny van had to put up with me crying for 3 hours until my boyfriend came and picked me up!

I couldn’t afford all the work that needed doing so in April 2010 I regrettably sold her to a chap called Tim and his dad, who wanted it as a father/ son project, they took her away on a trailer and I thought that was the last time I would see her!

On Monday I was casually looking on piston heads and ebay motors at minis (we all window shop!) and there she was! Fully resorted and beautiful!

I picked her up yesterday – it’s like I never sold her! So glad I got her back, I have never regretted anything so much!

I have joined this forum because I love minis!!!! I know her inside out and the other half’s a mechanic so that always helps!!!

But I’m finding it hard sourcing cheap parts – could anyone recommend any good sites? I’ve already noticed mini sport is considerably a lot cheaper than mini spares, is there any reason for that? She needs a full service and a fair bit of work on the interior any advice?

Also I will have a fair few bits and bobs to sell!

If you’ve got this fair I admire you dedication to reading my essay and hope you think it’s worth it lol!
Thankyou so much!

Neon*Girl

[MaxAndPaddy]

Hi and welcome to TMF

Ebays the best bet for cheap bits just be careful you read peoples feedback, and keep your eye on the 'For Sale' section on here

Glad you got her back

[pierres]

Glad you got her back, any chance of putting up some pics

[bcjames]

Welcome to TMF, great story with a happy ending!

[neon*girl]

Thanks for the replies guys!
Yes pics on the way, theres a few things I want to do to her before I reveal her to the public - restore her to her former glory!
Will post crash pics - very sad.....

[neon*girl]

Jan 13th 2010

 

Edited by neon*girl, 03 February 2015 - 01:13 PM.

[mk1leg]

Hi..and welcome to TMF and thats a long intro.....................got pics of the Neon now...................

[SA MINI]

That's great you got your mini back.
As above. Great bargains on eBay just know what your buying. Also you can sign up for £5 a year membership (TMF +) you will then revive discounts to minis pares & various other places.

[neon*girl]

Thanks guys sorry it is a bit of an essay!

[cliche]

great story and welcome. Hope she stays with you for the rest of your life

[Ethel]

Welcome,

Be sure to compare total prices when buying parts and be aware that not all parts are of equal quality, especially when buying safety critical stuff like suspension joints. Some stuff that can done on the cheap by cutting corners on materials quality, chrome that quickly rusts is a good example.

[MiniFTW]

Glad you have found her again! Small world, your not alone though we all make mistakes. My new project....




Hmmm....

Anyway yes welcome to TMF! ebay is now your best freind.

Edited by MiniFTW, 15 March 2012 - 01:51 PM.

[BlueBell]

great story, its like War Horse but with Mini's, I'm waiting for the Hollywood movie version
You need to decide how will play young and old(er) Neon

[miniman86]

Welcome to tmf neon*girl! That's a gyrations story, and now you have her back don't let her go again! Lol! I personally cannot comment on minisport, but I've heard afew horror stories about them, & I personally use minispares, they are extremely helpful and know what they are talking about, worth spending the extra few quid :)

Alex

[neon*girl]

Hi thanks! I hate the way most mini sites dont add tax on till later, you think 'oh thats only £20!' But by the time you add postage and tax its way more expensive!

Lol a movie version would be ace! And a great excuse to buy loads more minis!

Ah MiniFTW thats so sad! How bads the damage?

Free listing this weekend on ebay!!!!! Got loads of interior bits to sell, carpet, handles etc (I was sad to find I have to post 150 times untill I can sell stuff, I understand its to encourage socialisation and participation in the forum but I know my mini inside and out and dont need to post about technical issues or problems with the engine as I can fix her myself) does that make sence? Plus Im no online alot! I've got an ace idea for a thread so will start that in a sec anyway!

Yes, I avoid chrome at all costs! Stainless steel all the way, I cant seem to find stainless steel headlamp rings anywhere tho.....

Thankyou! So nice to meet you all!