34 replies to this topic

[Wil_h]

I agree, what is the problem, 350 miles, at 60 mph that's not even a day's drive, at 70mph you'd have done it before lunch time every day.

Last year I drove back from Le mans in a day no problem, that was around 500miles. Preperation is the key. Also if you are a member of a rescue company, if you do breakdown they'll take you the rest of the way.

[lapider]

if im honest providing the car is in working order and serviced its more of a question of can you handle the journey. it will be bumpy noisy, uncomfortable ,cramped draughty

expect to get there and your hands to be numb from the vibration. but it sounds like a cool trip the mini should be fine.

also are you certain of the millage as in it could have been clocked, new odometer fitted milage doesn't mean all that much providing that you are certain you have a relatively well going engine. eg ive seen minis that were not run in properly and have smoked all there life and been ragged and at under 50 they look shot, whereas ive seen a land rover over 150 that had been well maintained serviced regularly and was in great nick.

[dandgrod]

I'm all about driving it all the way to my destination. I didn't think about joining a recovery company. I'll have to look into that. I believe the mileage to be genuine. I received all the past MOTs for the last 15 or so years. For 10 years the car averaged around 400 miles each. It was the last 5 before I bought it that the miles starting racking up. I probably put 6k on it myself.

I'll be heading out to L2B later today so in total that trip will be around 300 miles. I'll see how the car does.

Edited by dandgrod, 19 May 2012 - 12:51 PM.

[johnyc]

Wow. sounds a mission. I have a 998 4 speed and i dont take it over 55mph. Im treating it like the 21 year old engine that it is. 2500 miles is a hell of a way and it wont be fun! If u got the cash. Id transporter it..

[Cooperman]

Nah, Minis were made for driving. Drive it, but service it thoroughly first.

[mini-luke]

Nah, Minis were made for driving. Drive it, but service it thoroughly first.

Exactly, Mini's weren't intended to be babied around and they don't self district if you go over 50, contrary to popular belief. Yes, the engine is less refined and will make more noise than a modern car at high revs, but that doesn't mean it's being pushed too hard and will break.

Mine does 300 miles a week no problem.

[Cooperman]

Once upon a time all I had was a Mini! I did around 500 miles a week in it. Never found it unreliable.

[Tamworthbay]

If you do it, it will be an experience you never forget (good or bad!) and a source of stories to terrorise people with for years to come. Do it.

[Carlos W]

There's a lot of difference between 300 miles a week and 2500 miles in a week

[mini-luke]

There's a lot of difference between 300 miles a week and 2500 miles in a week

Not really - it's just a couple of months worth of driving. I would hope a mini could go a few months without packing in.

[Carlos W]

I reckon the driver will struggle, not the car

[yellowmonster]

I really don't see the problem; what are you afraid of?
The 998 is probably the most sturdy engine in a Mini, and mileage is do-able for such an old design.
40 mpg @ 70 mph is a good indication, so you'll need say 60-70 gallons for the trip..
350 miles a day is very do-able in a Mini; I wouldn't be too upset to do so.

As mentioned; make sure the car has a good condition (service it) and bring some coolant/ oil.
Check it dayly, put your sunglases on, flip your AC/DC / Queen/ whatever-CD in the radio and have fun!

[Carlos W]

350 miles is like driving from Dover to Newcastle.

Doing that 7 days in a row if you're not used to it is going to be hard work!

I've driven that journey one day, then back the next and I was certainly tired by the time I got home, I wouldn't have fancied doing it again the next day, and then again the day after etc

[yellowmonster]

Any 2500 mile trip is tiring, whatever car your bum is seated in..
I've done several trips from Holland to Albion in a Mini, dayly 5-600 kms (~350 mls), and it was more then acceptable to do so.
As long as you have the manditory rests every 2 hours or so, the trip is done in a blink..

Yes; the Mini is noisy (like any old car) and yes: it bounces and yes: the angle your ankle makes to keep it on the throttle is tiring...so what?

[miniman24]

Id say it depends on how you think you could take the 350 miles a day, as well as the engine condition. I wouldnt hesitate to do it, Ive done 400 miles in a day and felt as fresh at the end as when I started but Im only 19 lol Also, my Minis got a 100k mile 998 which has never been rebuilt but has only let me down once in the 30,000 miles Ive done since passing my test 2 years ago, Id drive it anywhere without worrying! If you feel up to it, do it - it'll be a great adventure imo :)