41 replies to this topic

[TheDarkPassenger]

I have found a 2000 Rover mini I like, it seems in good condition, from a dealer with 65,000 miles, no rust..

This will be my first car, I have 2 concerns that are holding me back. The main one is the reliability of this type of car.

Can anyone give me a ruff idea how reliable this kind of mini would be? and if there not too reliable how much parts are nowadays?

 

I currently don't know much about engines at first I wouldn't be able to do any major fixes myself. If I got a mini Id start learning though.

 

Thank you for your time and any advise your able to give.

[Hrimfaxi]

MPI's (Multi Point Injection) are the ones you want to go for if it's a daily, so good choice there.

Parts cost is brilliant, considering how much it is to fix a "Normal" car... also helps to be willing to try things yourself to keep the cost down.

[cal844]

i have 3 carb engined mini's and they are all great fun. easily fixed too. take a magnet with you and a good screwdriver to have a good dig around 

[jaydee]

Minis are reliable as long as you keep tinkering, they need costant servicing. MPI minis require slightly less attention because you dont have carbs and dizzy to mantain.

MPI, no rust, from a dealer, please have this checked by someone mini competent, theres an high risk that youre buying a shell made out of filler..

[jim4eva]

If it's a carb mini then give it an electronic ignition and it wont stop in puddles, not too tricky to do :). To be honest that's the main cause of breakdown in my experience

[ShaunaFTW]

Reliability is over rated anyway! 

[TheDarkPassenger]

With the MPI, does 1.3i indicate this?  Thanks for all the replys..

[Badboytunes]

Yup.

 

 

id watch out for rust too as generally the late MPi's  rust quicker than an old Alfa Romeo  

[Badboytunes]

If you look after your Mini ( if you get one ) it will reward you with fun. Fail to look after it and it will leave you stranded. Mini's are like women, demanding, need money spending on them to keep them sweet and will sometimes have a hissy fit. However, get a good one and the ride will be well worth any hassle......

 

 

[TheDarkPassenger]

If you look after your Mini ( if you get one ) it will reward you with fun. Fail to look after it and it will leave you stranded. Mini's are like women, demanding, need money spending on them to keep them sweet and will sometimes have a hissy fit. However, get a good one and the ride will be well worth any hassle......

 

 

 I have decided to go for a Mini. But its resting on the insurance, I'm finding it hard to get a decent quote, I think because I've only held my licence for 4-5 months. 

Footman James, wont for everyday use. Adrian Flux, internet quote came out to £1,411 annual, but on the phone it changed to £5,000. Direct line for a rover mini cooper Id have to of had my licence for at least a year. So it looks like the insurance will be the deciding factor now.  

[Ethel]

MPI's will be the most reliable, but also the most problematic to fix if they go wrong - their injection system needs nonstandard diagnostic tools and major components won't be as easy to find as carbs & dizzies for older Minis. All Minis need more regular tlc than modern cars, but you can do that yourself. Thoroughly inspect (or get someone to do it for you) before handing over any cash. Even the newest ones are now in their teens, 'n we all know how much trouble teenagers can be.

[TheDarkPassenger]

MPI's will be the most reliable, but also the most problematic to fix if they go wrong - their injection system needs nonstandard diagnostic tools and major components won't be as easy to find as carbs & dizzies for older Minis. All Minis need more regular tlc than modern cars, but you can do that yourself. Thoroughly inspect (or get someone to do it for you) before handing over any cash. Even the newest ones are now in their teens, 'n we all know how much trouble teenagers can be.

I think I'm going to have to start trying to put a mini out of my head because I just can't seem to get the insurance for one, I've looked all over... Suddenly the prospect of reliability and having to fix the mini myself doesn't seem like much of a problem any more.. I may have to revisit this dream when I have had my licence for a little longer.   Thank you all for your help & reply's, I'm not giving up quite yet but its looking bleak.

[Lsurt95]

 

MPI's will be the most reliable, but also the most problematic to fix if they go wrong - their injection system needs nonstandard diagnostic tools and major components won't be as easy to find as carbs & dizzies for older Minis. All Minis need more regular tlc than modern cars, but you can do that yourself. Thoroughly inspect (or get someone to do it for you) before handing over any cash. Even the newest ones are now in their teens, 'n we all know how much trouble teenagers can be.

I think I'm going to have to start trying to put a mini out of my head because I just can't seem to get the insurance for one, I've looked all over... Suddenly the prospect of reliability and having to fix the mini myself doesn't seem like much of a problem any more.. I may have to revisit this dream when I have had my licence for a little longer.   Thank you all for your help & reply's, I'm not giving up quite yet but its looking bleak.

 

have you tried diamond? (no they're not just for women.) i had only had my licence for 3 months and i got fully comp with them for £1240 which is pretty good compared to what some people are paying.

[TheDarkPassenger]

 

 

MPI's will be the most reliable, but also the most problematic to fix if they go wrong - their injection system needs nonstandard diagnostic tools and major components won't be as easy to find as carbs & dizzies for older Minis. All Minis need more regular tlc than modern cars, but you can do that yourself. Thoroughly inspect (or get someone to do it for you) before handing over any cash. Even the newest ones are now in their teens, 'n we all know how much trouble teenagers can be.

I think I'm going to have to start trying to put a mini out of my head because I just can't seem to get the insurance for one, I've looked all over... Suddenly the prospect of reliability and having to fix the mini myself doesn't seem like much of a problem any more.. I may have to revisit this dream when I have had my licence for a little longer.   Thank you all for your help & reply's, I'm not giving up quite yet but its looking bleak.

 

have you tried diamond? (no they're not just for women.) i had only had my licence for 3 months and i got fully comp with them for £1240 which is pretty good compared to what some people are paying.

 

I just found my first good quote for 1240 from aviva. I think diamond quoted me quite a bit higher on a comparison site..

[wardyxxx]

I have found a 2000 Rover mini I like, it seems in good condition, from a dealer with 65,000 miles, no rust..

This will be my first car, I have 2 concerns that are holding me back. The main one is the reliability of this type of car.

Can anyone give me a ruff idea how reliable this kind of mini would be? and if there not too reliable how much parts are nowadays?

 

I currently don't know much about engines at first I wouldn't be able to do any major fixes myself. If I got a mini Id start learning though.

 

Thank you for your time and any advise your able to give.

 

I'm so glad you're buying a mini. Welcome to the club.

 

But I wouldn't wish a late mini (95/96 on) on anyone. The materials used were poor, metal quaility was awful. For proof, look at my resto thread. And when you're reading, remember that it was spotless when I bought it and I undertook the resto less than 3 years later.

 

http://www.theminifo...tion-96-cooper/

 

Please, please take some well experienced with mini's with you. I don't want you to go off mini's, just later ones.