20 replies to this topic

[kkeith]

Hi,

 

Just after some general advice. 1996 car with 55k miles. Is 7 owners a problem if it comes with good history? 

 

 

[mini_surfari]

not really... the car is 23 years old after all

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

If the car's good the number of previous owners is irrelevant. 

 

Check the history well.  Are there paid invoices - not just quotes for work.  History can be easily falsified.

[kkeith]

Thanks for replies. Apprecited. 

[KTS]

MOT history checker can also be useful if you have the registration number

 

https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history

[FAZ]

Im #13

[MatthewsDad]

I've got a 95 car with seven POs. Never really thought about it. Condition more important. As above MOT checker provides a good feel for whether the car has had owners who care about preventive maintenance.

[CityEPete]

Doesn't matter at all, how often do people buy them only to realise they aren't using them enough or upgrade to a different mini.

[Matt Brighton]

It wouldn't worry me - its not like how many ex boy/girl friends determine how nice or not someone is

 

As mothers dad says - if advisory issues  have been attended to between mots it shows careful owners - also after so many years theres an element of pot luck too 

 

I buy and sell cars more than probably most "ordinary" (whatever that means) people and sometimes you get a feel for a good/bad car immedieately when you see it in the flesh -

 

do your research and don't be afraid to test drive and pay more for a good one rather then get a bargain only to pay more in long run.

 

All the best with your search

 

Matt

[kkeith]

Thanks very much.

[kkeith]

So, taken the plunge but also still slightly worried. Car seems good (paint quite reasonable as has had some restoration at some point. Couple of rust spot under the surface below windscreen but not showing through). Engine seems sound and car drives well. Has had a new rear subframe at some point and new sills (wide, vented). Looks wise, clean underneath and in engine compartment. Externally looks lovely. 

 

My concern is with the lack of history before 2006. There is plenty of receipts and MOT certs from 2006 through to now and the MOT check online is good. I also did a Carveto check, which all came back good. Seems it had 5 owners prior to 2006, who jointly did £40k miles. Since then 3 owners who did 14k. Interior reflects a 20+ year old car and in fairness is very tidy (original carpets, seats etc not overly worn). 

 

Not sure what I'm after other than some reassurance that my entry into the mini classic market won't be regretful!

[Midas Mk1]

Seriously? Worried about history more than 14 years ago? A mini is more about what it is like currently than what’s been done in the past. 17 careful owners are better than 2 who haven’t cared for it.

[Matt Brighton]

Agree with midas -

 

I cherish and spoil all the cars and motorbikes I have ever owned - I fix everything that is wrong - and improve and repair regardless of cost  but as for keeping a record or receipts I sometimes have not bothered so don't over worry -

 

Your car sounds nice and it'll repay you if you maintain it properly bit at end of day they are old cars and nothing lasts forever  - for me its part of the enjoyment - I get bored with cars that don't need attention 

 

Best

 

Matt

[Ethel]

14 years ago many Minis were just second hand cars. Popular ones, but not so rare & valuable to all be regarded as potential classic investments.

[MrBounce]

Back in 95 I bought a 1275 GT.i was the 18th owner. One of the best cars I have owned and I wished I had never sold it.

Edited by MrBounce, 17 August 2019 - 06:26 AM.