4 replies to this topic

[Same]

Hi all,

 

New to the forum and new to MINIs in general. Picked one up a couple of weeks ago with 26k on the clock and figured I should probably find a place to learn a bit more about what I’ve got myself into!

 

I did some (brief) homework before buying it so I’m not going in totally blind but my knowledge is pretty limited. If anyone’s got advice or things I should keep an eye out for, I’m all ears.

 

Loving the car so far. Way more fun than I expected and I can already see why people get so into these things. Looking forward to learning a bit and seeing what this community’s about.

 

Cheers!

 

P.S. What's the preferred oil and coolant that people use?

 

Couple of pics:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Blumeanie]

Absolutely beautiful! - but I may be biased...

Welcome!

[beardylondon]

Congrats!, nice looking mini.

The big issue with the MPI minis (1996 - 2000) is rust. The hearsay is Rover used cheaper Chinese steel and many rusted badly, I have friends with them, and by now most of this age have needed new panels and repainting. Hopefully at 26k yours had been garaged most of its life and/or has had work done already.

Use either Comma or Millers 20w50 oil, which is mineral based, do not use semi synthetic oil. Coolant, any good quality one, don’t mix types.

Re: insurance, presume you have a classic policy, get an agreed value on it, if you haven’t already.

PS, this is a classic Mini, the general convention is to only capitalise MINI, when talking about the BMW version.

Edited by beardylondon, 24 May 2025 - 07:23 AM.

[Same]

Thanks Beardy,

 

This example is in remarkably good condition, kudos to the previous owners of the car for maintaining it so well. After an intensive inspection, the only bit of decay worthy of note is about 2 inches of surface rust in one corner of the roof.

 

Just ordered some Millers oil!

 

Appreciate all your info.

[Quinlan minor]

Worth getting into the rust in the roof sharpish. If it’s only surface, it’ll be relatively inexpensive now but, left to itself, it’s only going to get more expensive.