33 replies to this topic

[samperks]

On the mini front, just remember they are really bad cars. they're just good fun when they work. i've had mine over 20 years and dunped it twice! i'm just bringing it back to life for the third time at the mo. I wouldn't use a mini as a main driver either if you need to depend on it as it will probably let you down. ( that should get me slated!!)
As for the credit card, i bought my last car on an interest free card over 18 months. just make sure you can make the payments or you will get stung..

Good luck

best thing to do is research research and research before you even go and look at any mini's. find out what to look for and how much it will cost you to repair etc.
paid 1300 for my most recent 998cc F Reg flame red mini and it does 175 miles a week minimum with my work alone and recently did a nice 187 mile journey down to weymouth and back in one weekend with no problems, guaranteed they can and will break down but as long as you keep your eye on it and service it every 6 months i dont see why it cant be used as a daily car.

all the best either way!

[Ethel]

Would your Nan mind, it'd be the same £2k if you've already repaid her?

Credit cards are fine as long as you don't use them for credit! Pay them off on time & they offer some useful benefits, such as payment protection, you'll also improve your credit rating. If you work a month in hand - by never spending more than you have saved, you'll have time to organise a cheaper loan if you need to spend more than you can repay in time.

Minis can be great economical cars, but it really helps if you can handle a spanner, if you can maintenance is cheap and most breakdowns are minor inconveniences as they are usually quick & simple to diagnose & fix.

[Tahiti Joe]

Hi Becky!

First off please don't let some people telling you that Minis are unreliable put you off buying one and planning to use it every day! Ive had my 1275 Tahiti for over 2 years now. And for the first 18 months I used him every day, most weeks doing well over 200 miles! He was fine, never majorly let me down, and the few small problems that did crop up were easily solved! Keep on top of servicing and general maintenance and you'll be fine!

A genuine warning though, once you have your first (mini) you will be hooked! I've got 2 now, my Tahiti which is currently being prepped as a group A rally car, and a genuine 1970 Mk3 Cooper S... Plus my daily car, but we don't talk about that.....

Where abouts in Kent are you? I'm based in Longfield, between Dartford and Gravesend!

[Yoda]

Tahiti Joe, where in Longfield are you? I may be closer than you realise

Becky, I do a lot of work on club members cars ( mini's ) and i can supply the same service for yourself once you get your own Mini. We have four of our own here at the moment plus a couple of projects to play with work on. As already advised, do your research, go to a couple of Mini shows and have a good look around and talk to other owners about their cars. Ignore anny comments about Mini's being bad cars, they are not bad, just a bit naughty sometimes.

As Ethel (who is not a girl) said, it will help if you learn a little mechanics for basic stuff, but there are loads of people near you that will be willing to help.

When you want to go looking at Mini's get in touch and i will be happy to have a look at some for you if i am not busy. and knowing what to look for is a skill i happen to have.

Best regards.