32 replies to this topic

[The Matt]

It'll be aaaalright, have some faith man.....also, have some breakdown cover!

[Black.Ghost]

Why do people always worry about this? If it brakes down, it brakes down. Its not the end of the world. RAC are actually pretty good at getting out to you - and most of the time they can fix the problem anyway because it's an old car and its pretty straight forward.

I used to give my Mini a quick check, once a week, and that's it. I used to travel about 120 miles most weekends (each way) in it, hassle free and with little in the way of maintenance. It even coped admirably in the M25 car park on a Fruday evening.

The only real time it broke down was in Belgium on the way to the Ring - stupid fuel cut out switch Still didn't call RAC - just pushed it about 1km to the next services and everyone else helped fixed it.

[racingbob]

i know where your coming from about your mini

i feel a bit the same. but i have only realy had race minis

and they easily breakdown and still think of it a race mini

and i shouldnt, its been fine

[minime94]

well if you cant get home im from leicester allways here to help

[Midas Mk1]

Simple Answer, Yes.

[joshspragg]

i did a trip to leicester from wales with 4 people and luggage. apart from the exhaust falling off, i made it there and back in 1 piece

[Badboytunes]

Think positive and it wont break down. Negative thoughts create negative triggers.

It wont break down........

[minimissionary]

Grow some nuts. It's not a bloody Bini!

[matt615]

Why would it break dowm? Minis were designed to be driven, and as long as they are properly maintained then there is no reason it should break down.

I used to drive my Mini on a 60 mile round trip to work every day. I did that for 2 years, the only problem I ever had was a split radiator hose. Even then I managed to limp it home to fix it.

I also used to drive it to North Wales quite often, well over 200 miles each way. I once drove it to Scotland - 450 miles in a day getting there, and 450 miles in a day coming home. Again no problems.

So just get on and drive it, and stop thinking it will break down just because it's a Mini.

Edited by matt615, 14 June 2012 - 09:25 PM.

[samsfern]

Its a car, use it! My old mini went up to glasgow and back several times, with me and my ex to see her parents, its 500 miles each way for me, 9 hours without traffic, we drove it nonstop, apart from for fuel/food/toilet and to swap drivers, never once did i have a problem apart from a coil lead falling off or the other odd silly roadside repair. No way would i do that drive in a mini again, i like modern cars for that

Edited by samsfern, 14 June 2012 - 07:28 PM.

[Beige]

Here in the UK there isn't many places you can go without being an hour from recovery, so theres not a huge worry there.

That said I've done trips across the country and back without a problem, yet I blew an engine a 1/4 mile from home Managed to coast 90% of the way home, then pushed it onto the drive...

[matthewrussell]

YEahhhhhhhh i'm ment to be going up to my parents in a weeks time and now my carb is making wierd noise ... and just tried to fix it in the P**ssing rain !!! hate the rain.. its the mini's worst enemy

[Boycie]

It's the little things that most commonly cause a Mini to break down, eg people forgetting to put the rad cap on, neglected ignition and fuel systems or the coil +wire breaking off etc.
Most of those things should be picked up on your weekly checks anyway.

My tip - make sure the spare wheel is present and inflated and that the jack is there along with a wheel brace

[Carlos W]

If it's regularly serviced, then it'll be fine!

Check the fluids, adjust brakes, check tyre pressures, get in the car and drive it!

I've got brakedown cover for my 59 plate mazda 6, any car can brake down

[M J W J]

It will be fine. Check lights, tyres and fluids like you are supposed to every week anyway. Top up if necessary.

I drove from Market Drayton to Brighton in a day. Best part of 280 miles. After a couple of hours driving you will want a rest so the mini will get one too. I used mine to drive back and forth from university to my parents which were 70 miles apart. I have driven from Nottingham to Ross in Wye in one go. That is about 115 miles.

I used to use mine everyday clocking up about 40 miles come rain, snow or shine.

My dad used a mini van for years for work. He was all over the country.

Why are people so worried about using a mini for a long distance. Any car that is maintained well will make it. Any car that isn't runs the risk of breaking down. I check my Vauxhall astra once a week just the same as I did with the mini. The only break down I have had with it is when I ran out of fuel.