3 replies to this topic

[john2502]

Just a thought that occurred to me after an order from Mini Spares today.

I've had a few classics over the years (less than some but more than most people i guess!) and after ordering a new radiator,mounts,and uprated water pump for a total of £150 it struck me how well these cars are, for the most part at least, catered for not just by Mini Spares but also others.

Some cars I've had you simply can't get stuff for as too rare to make decent replacement parts commercially viable for. So it ends up being eBay and even then paying over the odds due to scarcity.

Only other car I've had that has come close is a classic Mustang, I'm sure there are others, I imagine older defenders for example? Anyway.

Most people I know these days (other parents of young kids) pay a fair bit more for their annual service which is basically an oil change and a few checks. I told one guy I needed a new radiator and water pump on the car and he physically winced, I then explained the price and how easy to replace they are and he was taken aback.

Just a bit of a positive thought for a Friday I guess.

[sonscar]

Try a TR7,maybe hundred left.New radiator £400,new water pump £300,new sill £300,new front panel £1000 etc.There are no incentives to repair these cars as they are almost worthless.The suppliers probably have more spares than cars left.
I have one with tired bodywork and similarly tired engine which I am trying to ressurect as it has some sentimental value.
Yes mini owners are in a good position.Steve..

[john2502]

Ah yeah, I do like TR7s and did wonder if their feature in The Detectorists might spark a bit of interest in them but it seems not from what you say.

Had a GT6 for a few years and the MK3 especially were catered for well but more with bad quality Chinese repro parts rather than OEM quality.

[beardylondon]

Well said, and try telling Minuki that!

https://www.theminif...-2#entry3803607

Just a thought that occurred to me after an order from Mini Spares today.

I've had a few classics over the years (less than some but more than most people i guess!) and after ordering a new radiator,mounts,and uprated water pump for a total of £150 it struck me how well these cars are, for the most part at least, catered for not just by Mini Spares but also others.

Some cars I've had you simply can't get stuff for as too rare to make decent replacement parts commercially viable for. So it ends up being eBay and even then paying over the odds due to scarcity.

Only other car I've had that has come close is a classic Mustang, I'm sure there are others, I imagine older defenders for example? Anyway.

Most people I know these days (other parents of young kids) pay a fair bit more for their annual service which is basically an oil change and a few checks. I told one guy I needed a new radiator and water pump on the car and he physically winced, I then explained the price and how easy to replace they are and he was taken aback.

Just a bit of a positive thought for a Friday I guess.

Edited by beardylondon, Yesterday, 05:40 PM.