Jump to content


Photo

1991 Mini Neon (Pre-Crash)


  • Please log in to reply
4 replies to this topic

#1 MiniCarJack

MiniCarJack

    Formally known as W1NG3D

  • Just Joined
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 486 posts
  • Location: Fareham
  • Local Club: Midweek Minis

Posted 19 April 2021 - 07:47 PM

Hi all

 

As some of you may already know, my 1991 Mini Neon was sadly rear-ended on Saturday, and I'm starting to come to terms with the fact it's quite likely going to be written off by the insurance company. With that in mind, I'm wanting to come well-armed with information to the negotiation table in terms of getting a fair payout for the car, as no doubt they'll try to lowball me as much as possible.

 

So I'd be keen to gauge an idea of what the Mini community would deem a fair market value for the car as it was before it got hit up the arse by a BMW X3...

 

About the car before the crash:

  • Previous owner had it resprayed in original metallic Nordic Blue after replacing the scuttle panel as part of a light restoration, also opting to add the black roof and stripes. Aside from this and the Rover 12x4.5 Minilites in place of the original steel wheels, it was otherwise a completely standard limited edition Neon, with its original 998 A+ engine. Currently on around 120,000 miles or therabouts (the speedo was swapped at around 107,000 so can't be 100% sure down to the exact mile). It hasn't got the pink stripes it originally would've had but these are readily available to buy brand new for around 30 quid or so if a more original look is desired.
  • I since purchased it in February 2020 and have spent a lot of money and time on it, including the following upgrades and mods (all meant to be tasteful, and where possible, reversible back to standard quite easily).
  • Full stage 1 kit - twin box RC40 1.75" exhaust, Cooper freeflow manifold (Maniflow), Minispares torquemaster inlet manifold, K&N filter element and stage 1 carb needle, tuned to suit.
  • All brand new suspension - KYB gas shocks, Evolution cones, and brand new genuine HiLos all around.
  • Replacement rear subframe (genuine second hand item), which was blasted and painted in 2 pack black
  • Repairs to some rust in the rear - new boot floor repair panels professionally welded in by a Mini specialist, along with new rear valance and closing panels
  • MOMO Prototipo Heritage steering wheel (I still have the original Neon item as well)
  • Alfa Romeo GTV black leather seats fitted to front and rear using original Mini mounting points - no holes drilled anywhere or butchering of the crossmember etc. I still have the original Neon seats in good condition which can be swapped back into the car in a matter of minutes
  • Brand new Falken 165x60 R12 tyres all round
  • New clutch slave cylinder
  • Removed the Special arches and replaced with full length Deluxe chrome trim
  • Probably a couple of other bits I've missed

I've also been keeping a build thread up to date since I bought the car available to read here if you want to see more of the history of the car: https://www.theminif...1991-mini-neon/

 

Overall it's not a show winning car, but a very solid, very usable '91 Mini which has had thousands spent on it. It passed its last two MOTs with zero advisories and runs beautifully, I've consistently outdriven 1275-engined Minis in this which is a testament to how well the little 998 runs, and how well the suspension allows it to handle around bends. It's been on 250+mile trips with no issues, and has actually been used as my daily driver for the best part of a year, so I've not spared any expenses when they've been required and kept it serviced with regular oil changes as needed.

 

Anyway, pictures speak a thousand words, so here we go:

 

bkyeoox.jpg

 

x6iWGju.jpg

 

jrHQ4gS.jpg

 

m9y3O1M.jpg

 

AUarlnG.jpg

 

les42Co.jpg

 

k52n75B.jpg

 

Sorry I can't find any photos in my Imgur album of the engine bay, but it's a fairly grubby albeit standard looking 998 engine bay, aside from the stage 1 manifolds visible at the rear of the engine.

 

Sadly, this is now how it looks, but as I mentioned I'm more looking for a valuation "pre-crash" so I can get an idea of its true value and make a case to the insurance bods. Yes I know, I should've gotten agreed value insurance (lesson well learned!), but now with the situation I'm in I'm just hoping for the best possible outcome.

 

54YQiYk.jpg

 

Thanks all.

 

Jack



#2 Maccmike8

Maccmike8

    One Carb Or Two?

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,089 posts
  • Location: uk

Posted 19 April 2021 - 08:46 PM

Surely a minimum of 5k?



#3 austinseven

austinseven

    Stage One Kit Fitted

  • Noobies
  • PipPipPip
  • 76 posts
  • Location: london

Posted 19 April 2021 - 09:07 PM

What I have found in the past when my cars have been written off, is to get copies of adverts of the same vehicle I.e spec, age, condition and say to the insurance company this is what it will cost me to replace my vehicle, you have photos of yours pre accident and lists, receipts etc which you can also send them. Good luck and don’t accept their 1st offer.



#4 roblightbody

roblightbody

    Speeding Along Now

  • TMF+ Member
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 374 posts
  • Location: Glasgow

Posted 20 April 2021 - 01:03 PM

Let's be honest, this is basically the absolute minimum damage a classic mini will get if any modern car hits the back of it. The bootlid takes the impact and it all looks a lot worse than it really is.

To write off a classic car because of a minor traffic bump is just madness.

Is there any way you can get a recognised mini specialist to take a look?

#5 MiniCarJack

MiniCarJack

    Formally known as W1NG3D

  • Just Joined
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 486 posts
  • Location: Fareham
  • Local Club: Midweek Minis

Posted 20 April 2021 - 04:26 PM

Let's be honest, this is basically the absolute minimum damage a classic mini will get if any modern car hits the back of it. The bootlid takes the impact and it all looks a lot worse than it really is.

To write off a classic car because of a minor traffic bump is just madness.

Is there any way you can get a recognised mini specialist to take a look?

 

It's all down to minimising costs really, and their network of typical modern bodyshops aren't likely to be keen on taking on a classic, so it's just easier for them to write it off. I have asked a local specialist to come and give me an opinion on the damage, and have also had a message on the Mk1 forum from someone offering to help through their mini-friendly bodyshop business as well. I'm legally within my rights to have the car repaired at the place of my choosing, so I'll be sure to push the insurance company down this avenue and fight as hard as I can to keep the car and have it repaired, rather than just get fobbed off and given a lowball offer for a write-off payout. I guess I'm just preparing for the worst in terms of having to justify/prove its value as this could come in handy when dealing with the assessor and the insurance company.






1 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users