6 replies to this topic

[kieranrushbrook]

Hello everyone,

 

I am going to view a 1994 sprite tomorrow, the mileage on the odometer is 100k. However it has had a 998 engine put in within the last few years. So my question is, how can I find out the mileage of this replacement engine, and if I can find it out, is it possible to legitimately get the odometer to reflect that? 

I've asked the current owner but he has admitted that he isn't too mechanically minded and didn't do this engine replacement himself.

 

Many thanks!

[sonscar]

With cars of the Mini category(old,classic etc) I find no value at all in the mileage recorded,more important is condition.I was always told it is not how many miles have been recorded it is how many times the starter has been operated that dictate condition.Do not be swayed by mileage.Be VERY swayed by rust.Good luck,Steve..

[gazza82]

So my question is, how can I find out the mileage of this replacement engine, and if I can find it out, is it possible to legitimately get the odometer to reflect that? 

But the odometer shows the mileage of the CAR not the engine ...

[lordcakes]

You can only find out the mileage of the replacement engine if the seller has documentation to prove its history and at what date/mileage it was fitted.

Although an engine is a major components, it is something that is often swapped, modified or rebuilt in a mini. Condition is more important than mileage with a classic car.

Don't let the mileage put you off, talk to the seller about what work has been carried out and see if they have any invoices or parts receipts to back this up. The bodywork is more critical than the mechanicals, check for rust, oversills, badly welded patches, big gobs of filler etc.

Ps, you won't gain any advantage from changing the mileage. You will only make the car look like someone has wound the odometer back as the mileage history on mots would no longer be consistent.

Edited by lordcakes, 23 March 2021 - 07:30 PM.

[kieranrushbrook]

Thanks for the replies everyone, I do agree with everything you're saying I was just curious if its something that anyone else has experience with as I know a lot of engines get swapped.

[nicklouse]

Thanks for the replies everyone, I do agree with everything you're saying I was just curious if its something that anyone else has experience with as I know a lot of engines get swapped.

Mileage had no meaning at all. And there is no legal requirement to record any changes.  Milage is recorded on the MOT so often ad change can be seen and some places will add a note.

 

and no there is no way to find out an old engines possible use as you can’t tie it to a car.

[Spherix]

Who even says the odometer is the original item... Takes a minute or two to swap one out with the later dashboards