7 replies to this topic

[A-petite]

Hi, I'm looking to get into the world of minis and figured this would be a good place to get some info, any pointers on what to look out for or any one selling a good one to start out in the north east ish, let me know.
Thanks

[Lyford01]

eBay is a good place to start loads on there
But view before you buy not everyone is honest
Take some with you who knows what to look for
The rest is commen sense

Same as buying any car
piston heads is good too but can be expensive
Hope that helps

[sonikk4]

A lot depends on your budget as well. There are some very good unmolested ones out there but also a lot of dogs so do take somebody with you who knows minis. Have a look for local clubs and approach them.

[A-petite]

Thanks, have a pretty good knowledge of cars it's just knowing where to look on certain ones.
Had my first look around a mini last night and it didn't go well. To say the least.

[sonikk4]

Primary places, sills inner and outer. If its got oversills then unless the rest of the car is spot on walk away.

Floor pans rusty can again be either easy to repair or major work.

Rusty scuttle (a replacement scuttle is a wings off job)

If its a roundnose and the rust is around the front panel to wing seams then that will need a new front ie wings and front panel.

Rust on the door skins is not too bad as easily fixed with new skins.

Rear quarters at the bottom can easily be repaired however if its rusty at the top and bottom then maybe a new rear quarter will be needed.

Rear valance is straight forward but it can also take out the close out panels.

Boot floor check around the subframe mounts and the adjacent boot floor. Also the wheel arch as well.

Rear heelboard corrosion is difficult to see but if its bad at the ends then its a subframe off job.

Rusty A panels can either be straight forward or a complete sod as if its been bodged then the A post can be rotten along with the flitch.

Have a good look up inside the front wheel arch at the rear. Look right up the top and check the close out and the fresh air vent. Can be done with the wings fitted but very awkward.

[mk1leg]

Hi..and welcome to TMF and enjoy your hunt for a mini............

[A-petite]

Thanks for all the advice and the welcome.

[adywilsonminiturbo]

welcome to tmf