52 replies to this topic

[mab01uk]

 

For what it's worth, if you can find an MPi, that's had the bodywork done, they are, probably best suited to daily driving, IMO.

But, of course, I would say that.

 

  I've been pondering that quite a bit. As much as tinkering sounds exciting, as a daily for the fiancee and me + sometimes long distance (France) + no proper space to work (my kingdom for a garage), a late classic has its perks.

What do you mean by having the "bodywork done"?

 

 

'Bodywork done' is because the later MPi Mini's seem to rust quite badly, even worse than earlier Minis......rust protection was poor, the underside often barely painted properly, so attacked by winter salt on UK roads.

Edited by mab01uk, 15 January 2021 - 12:32 PM.

[mab01uk]

If you are planning to use your Mini as a daily driver parked on the street you will need to take security measures, classic Minis are very easy to steal compared to modern cars and are often then broken up for parts that are easy for thieves to sell on ebay, etc. Invest in a Disklok as a minimum to use when parked (see link below).

 

Best steering wheel locks 2020:-

https://www.autoexpr...ing-wheel-locks

 

Stolen Mini Alerts:-

https://www.theminif...en-mini-alerts/

Edited by mab01uk, 15 January 2021 - 12:31 PM.

[Fab]

 

'Bodywork done' is because the later MPi Mini's seem to rust quite badly, even worse than earlier Minis......rust protection was poor, the underside often barely painted properly, so attacked by winter salt on UK roads.

 

 

So having it "done", as a result, would be to have it all spray & oil protected inside-out? or is there anything else involved?

[some1158]

No, it means - has all the rust which is very typical for late MPI models been dealt with properly, ie rusty panels cut out and replaced?

 

Late 1990s MPI Minis are renowned for rusting even more quickly than earlier models: not only a late-50s design being made in the late-90s, but Rover cut back on rustproofing and painting etc.

[mab01uk]

 

 

'Bodywork done' is because the later MPi Mini's seem to rust quite badly, even worse than earlier Minis......rust protection was poor, the underside often barely painted properly, so attacked by winter salt on UK roads.

 

 

So having it "done", as a result, would be to have it all spray & oil protected inside-out? or is there anything else involved?

 

 

You would only do that after all rust repairs had been completed. You have to remember that even the youngest classic Minis were last made in 2000, 20 years ago and cars designed in the 1950/60's like the Mini were only expected to last about 7 years at best. As said the last MPi Minis 1996-2000 were also some of the worst for rusting away, Rover & BMW invested a lot of money in upgrades to get the classic Mini through new safety and emission laws at that time but there was nothing left to improve corrosion resistance without inflating the sales price even further than it was by going 'upmarket' rather than selling as a cheap economy car as in past years. In contrast the New MINI from 2001 was a modern design and has modern rust prevention built in......I have a 2002 example in everyday use and 19 years later there is still no visible rust anywhere to be seen.

Edited by mab01uk, 15 January 2021 - 06:55 PM.

[Quinlan minor]

 

For what it's worth, if you can find an MPi, that's had the bodywork done, they are, probably best suited to daily driving, IMO.

But, of course, I would say that.

 

  I've been pondering that quite a bit. As much as tinkering sounds exciting, as a daily for the fiancee and me + sometimes long distance (France) + no proper space to work (my kingdom for a garage), a late classic has its perks.

What do you mean by having the "bodywork done"?

 

This.
 

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[Fab]

Wow!

 

ok then I'll probably center my search around these two:
- Pre-86 carb 998 to 1275 (a bit more classic, potential for improvement and longer term ownership)

- Pre-95 SPI/MPI 1275, probably Japanese import (easier daily without added rust issue)

 

Thanks a lot for all the info :)

[beardylondon]

Apart from the 1275GT (until 1980), there wasn't any 1275cc Minis manufactured in the UK between 1971 and 1990. obviously tons of 998 minis got converted to 1275, so pre 86 1275 do exist.

 

http://www.retromini...id=13&chapter=4

[Bobbins]

We have an '86 998 to which we're doing a full rebuild, plus a '98 JDM.

As a daily driver the JDM wins hands down, it'll keep up in traffic and cruise all day at 70+ if needed, although definitely less noisy at 60! It's got better seats, air con, starts and runs whatever the weather, and post '96 the Mini was sensibly updated by BMW with regard to wiring etc.

By contrast the '86 is a much more basic and simple car, ideal for chilling in the summer. Both are prone to rust, all Minis are due to age and the construction methods, materials etc, but with a £10k budget you should be able to find a really good car.

My main comment would be to stick to something as original as possible, at that price point original, standard trim and set up is important, anything messed with, e.g. 998 swapped to 1275, will not achieve the price you think it should when you sell it. There's some really nice rebuilt cars that have had every modification you can think of but they'll never have the value of an original car. If you're unsure about what to look for or whether you're you can risk needing to do a lot of restoration work after purchase, look at what's available at one of the many Mini specialists such as P&L.

[ScrambledEggs]

If you're unsure about what to look for or whether you're you can risk needing to do a lot of restoration work after purchase, look at what's available at one of the many Mini specialists such as P&L.

I think this is the best advice considering you were surprised by the photos above.

Minis are renowned for rust and substantial bodywork is often required to keep them on the road!

[Fab]

@ScrambledEggs I've seen a few of these before, count it as "respectfully admirative" rather than "surprised"    I appreciate a lot everyone who's been chiming in on this thread, lots of invaluable opinion and facts.

 

Thanks @Bobbins for the point of view of someone owning both. I do love the look of older models, maybe I should stick to a JDM as original as possible & with a classic look (+ a bit of custom to achieve that if needed).

I've been slightly worried about the price of older models getting insane in the next few years, but maybe by the time I want an earlier model I'll have the house to support a project, beating the market rise smh.

[Bobbins]

Regarding the JDM Minis ...

 

Positives ...

• Undervalued for what they are
• Higher spec, most with air-con
• Usually less rust due to being in a better climate, although all Minis are getting older.
• Modifying them won't have a great deal of effect on value so you can turn them into a '60s cafe racer if that's what you want, it's what they do in Japan!

Negatives ..

• Undervalued for what they are
• The manual is in Japanese
• Rubber seals usually need replacing due to the climate
• Some JDM specific parts more difficult to get (although there are Facebook groups that can point you in the right direction)

They were of course built at Longbridge same as UK market Minis.

[some1158]

The JDM cars certainly have their advantages, but at the end of the day, I'd look for the best car which (1) matches what you want (originality, or modified, or whatever) and (2) which you can afford for your budget (i.e. best bodywork!). The more flexible you can be the more choice you will have. Be thorough when you are looking at a car and if you have any doubts don't buy it. There will also be another Mini!

[mr cooke]

I would just try and find one with out any rust 

[Fab]

Will certainly do that :) Now, I do expect there are either none or more than one out there. Hence trying to find other elements of decision for when the decision time comes ;)