9 replies to this topic

[Schooleydoo]

Afternoon all,

For the past 4 years i have owned too many MR2's to count, Supercharged mk1s, MK2 turbos and even a mk3

But im bored! Always fancied an original mini and my wallet will certainly thank me come insurance time!

I have a couple of worries though...

For a 1.3 8v what are they really like off the mark? I know the power to weight ratio is certainly in its favour but my current car is nudging 250rwhp (not bragging, just wanting a comparison really, know these cars were never about power )
I have had a couple of mk1 mr2's (1985 era) and got tired of the constant battle with rust and was the main reason i sold them, what are early 90's minis like against ungaraged UK weather?

Heres one that caught my eye, anyone have an opinion? Avoid/great/watch out for etc?

Thanks in advance

Edited by Schooleydoo, 31 October 2006 - 02:43 PM.

[Guess-Works.com]

the links slightly wrong me thinks

But.. depending on your budjet, your better getting a 70's or early 80's mini as the shells are renowned for being made of better metal, or even better still a Pre 73 so you can do some nice tax free driving...

90's minis are basically piles of rust waiting to happen..

[pikey7]

i would maybe consider something like a 1275GT. a bit on the rare side, and with the standard 1275, they dont go bad! It won't be to 250hp MR2 standards, but there are things that can be done to remedy that for a couple of grand!!

Plus as John says, it puts it in that 70s/80s bracket when they were relatively well built. As long as the one you get is in good nick, you can always get the body treated to minimize the effects of standing outside, and you can always cover it!

[Guess-Works.com]

Ohh... link now works...

Looks a tidy mini, but not my cup of tea being an injection (Single point), I think they are good for upto 90hp with tuning, but over that, I believe the ECU and injection system is the limiting factor. There are much more knowledgable people on here when it comes to the voodoo which is injection and tuning

There is a section in the FAQ about what to look for and common problems

[Schooleydoo]

Yeah thanks for that GW, linked to my car as im sure you guessed!

Ive never had a car running TB's or carbs so the fact that its injection appeals!

90bhp isnt bad considering the weight (got to be around 600kg? il find the FAQ's in a sec, promise)

1275GT, il go search now, thanks... erm Pikey! Bottom line though is that im tired of maintaining time consuming cars that i end up spending a fortume on and seeing nothing back! Can see buying a mini will send me down the same slippery slope

All good fun though!

[Guess-Works.com]

Can see buying a mini will send me down the same slippery slope

no doubt about that

[TJenkos]

Welcome!

[Jordie]

welcome to the dark side.....oops i mean the mini forum

Ah the joys of mini breakdowns....doh, i mean ownership

[Danny-T]

Yeah if you're after reliability and a stint away from bloody knuckles/dirty fingernails I think you need to look up your local ford dealer

However with the cost saving from the differnece in cars you'll find it much cheaper to buy the parts needed and get someone else to do all the donkey work for you.

Edit: *and welcome by the way*

Edited by Danny-T, 31 October 2006 - 10:57 PM.

[mini bunnykin]

hiya

welcome to the forum

make sure to let us know how you get on with choosing etc...

x