31 replies to this topic

[soutermcgavin]

I have wanted a classic mini for years now. Is there any general advice when looking for a car? Anything to steer clear of? Any specific problems, other than the usual rust etc?

[stuart bowes]

any idea what sort of age of mini you're wanting? 

 

what model, what engine (if you have a preference)

 

what's the budget roughly

 

whats the plan for it (get in and drive? happy to do a few repairs? looking at a full rebuild?)

 

just a few question to get started and then you'll have an idea of what to expect for that money and what sort of things you're likely to need to fix

[soutermcgavin]

Hi,

 

Thanks for that.

 

I am happy with any age really, as long as a full rebuild isn't required. I am happy to make general repairs and modify the car but don't want a major rebuild.

 

In terms of model, I am not overly fussy, there are not many that I don't like the look of. I just love the classic mini look although I do prefer it to look sportier. I know that many don't, but I like the wider arches. Preferably slightly higher powered, but not essential. I like the mini coopers.

 

Budget, anywhere up to 10k for the right car and in terms of driving, it would be a weekend car. Probably kept in the garage when not in use. I am 44 and have wanted one since I was a teenager.

[sonikk4]

Mmm, there can be a very long list of what to look for and having a big budget does not necessarily mean you will get a good car.

So if you are going down the sportier look as you say then from the factory a MPI will probably be what you are looking for in a standard car. Now these do come with a potential raft of issues from the dreaded rust ( MPIs have a penchant for rusting) to issues with the injection system. Also with the sport pack cars check the wheel bearings, ball joints etc.

Now for modified cars it’s pays to be really prudent when looking at these. It’s very easy to slap things together and also very easy to slap the wrong combination of things together as well. Ask for receipts to who may have done the work if not done by the owner, especially engine work.

But the biggest thing by far and potentially the most expensive is the body. So if the owner says “ it’s had a full resto/rebuild” receipts and pictures paint a thousand words. Filler is your biggest enemy here as it can make a bad car look fantastic if applied properly. There are numerous threads on here on what and where to look for so spend sometime perusing the threads and then when you have a better picture of what to look for then dip your toes into the market.

[IronmanG]

I was talking to a guy last week who said full renovation. I asked which panels had been changed with the renovation.
Just the boot he said. On a 40 year old car. Righteo.

[Icey]

So you start with the front bumper….then the rear….and everything in between.

Honestly, with classic cars buyers guides are pretty much pointless.

On a Mini Rust is your biggest issue, check past MOTs keeping an eye out for quick repairs. Everything else is somewhat easier and cheaper to fix and more approachable as DIY tasks.

[JXC Mini GT]

If buying from an auction site, make sure you view the car before buying, photos no matter how good they look will not show rust, also sellers descriptions of condition are not always accurate.

 

MOT checks are good to see history but dont believe that a current 12 months MOT means the car is roadworthy.

 

Good luck

[beardylondon]

I’d avoid auctions, go for a private sale and talk to the owner

[soutermcgavin]

Thanks all, where are the best sites to look for classic mini's, other than autotrader?

[stuart bowes]

I found mine on ebay and it was local, agreed a price in principal but went and looked at it before giving over the money

 

in fairness though that was as per my build thread, a known 'rebuild required' job, haggled down to £1100, all the pictures of rot were visible, he was totally open and honest about the condition

 

if we're talking a running useable car obviously more time and effort is required to test and check it over

Edited by stuart bowes, 19 July 2023 - 11:09 AM.

[some1158]

Although I agree that buying guides need to be treated carefully, they can be useful. See e.g. https://www.minispor...i-buying-guide/ and https://www.itsamini...a-classic-mini/

 

Carandclassic usually has a lot of Minis (see Mini, Austin and Rover) at varying prices...

 

There are Mini specialist garages in Fife (Gateside), Prestonpans and Glasgow (Shawlands) if you need expert advice. Although they don't sell cars they may know someone who is selling, and they could help you give a car a once-over if you need it.

[beardylondon]

https://www.carandclassic.com/

 

but ignore the auctions, look for a private seller

 

 

Thanks all, where are the best sites to look for classic mini's, other than autotrader?

Edited by beardylondon, 19 July 2023 - 06:02 PM.

[MatthewsDad]

There are some nice examples on car and classic but there are some bad'uns too. Whether private sale or auction (and many / most auctions on car and classic are private owners) you have to inspect the car in person before bidding. Don't rely on auction listings. If you have a pal who knows what to look for on minis, all the better. As above, good bodywork is much more important than general mechanicals which are relatively affordable and easy to replace. There are plenty of images on the forum showing where hidden rust can get a hold. Do a search for oversills. Good luck .

[sonscar]

I find it is better to view every classic car as total junk and then be pleasantly surprised by its quality than to be blinded by bling and words and end up cruelly disappointed.Almost every rust repair will involve paint,bear this in mind.Any bubble is a rust hole.Bubbles around the screens are expensive to fix.Bubbles just in front of the rear wheel are expensive to fix,heck all rust is expensive to fix.Good hunting,Steve..

[cal844]

Although I agree that buying guides need to be treated carefully, they can be useful. See e.g. https://www.minispor...i-buying-guide/ and https://www.itsamini...a-classic-mini/

Carandclassic usually has a lot of Minis (see Mini, Austin and Rover) at varying prices...

There are Mini specialist garages in Fife (Gateside), Prestonpans and Glasgow (Shawlands) if you need expert advice. Although they don't sell cars they may know someone who is selling, and they could help you give a car a once-over if you need it.

The guy at Gateside has stopped doing minis. I can recommend Wes @ Dirty Hands Garage in Kirkcaldy.