8 replies to this topic

[Rob1]

Hello,
I'm toying with the idea of getting a mini as my first classic car, and I have more enthusiasm than experience (or money). Basically, i'm looking for a project that can be done in stages without a wholesale rebuild, as and when time and finances allow. As i'm still undecided, I was hoping that I could get a bit of advice as to what your money gets you these days, and how much i'd be looking to spend to find a late 80s mini with minimal rust and a sound engine.
Thanks for your help, hopefully i'll be posting lots more,

Rob

[Amber Hughes]

welcome, a mini is an excellent choice hope you find a nice one

[bert998]

Although bargains are still to be had anything less than £1000 is likely to be suffering from tinworm. The best thing you can do is just take your time in choosing the car, it may take months but then you'll be keeping it forever

[Guess-Works.com]

In a few weeks I may have just what you're after...

I'm currently welding up a 1986 Mini mayfair, new sills, a Panels, valance and a few other bits.. it then get MOT'ed and be avaiable for around the 1k mark. It's a bit scruffy paint wise and the odd dent here and there, but otherwise completely standard, so fits the bill as a running project nicely..

[incrediblerog]

hi welcome to the forum! i managed to pick up a solid '86 mayfair at the begining of august for around £500 with no mot, changed a few bulbs and pumped up the tires and it sailed through the mot! good luck and shop around!

[Rob1]

At the moment I really am just testing the water, no serious hunting until well into the new year. I'm planning a trip to the mini fair in Stafford at the end of Jan to test the water and get an idea of what it is that I might want. I don't think that I intend doing anything too drastic, just a few simple upgrades to familiarise myself with the car. Would I be right in thinking that it would be better to find a mini with a decent bodywork and knackered mechaanics than the other way around? If they rust as much as I have heard then spares should be relatively cheap??

[miniallsort]

welcome

[sqweaka]

At the moment I really am just testing the water, no serious hunting until well into the new year. I'm planning a trip to the mini fair in Stafford at the end of Jan to test the water and get an idea of what it is that I might want. I don't think that I intend doing anything too drastic, just a few simple upgrades to familiarise myself with the car. Would I be right in thinking that it would be better to find a mini with a decent bodywork and knackered mechaanics than the other way around? If they rust as much as I have heard then spares should be relatively cheap??

think thats the best bet is to try and get somting with good body work the rest you can simply replace
that one guess works is doing sounds ok full years test and its been done buy a mini enth,.,..st so your not getting ripped off

[Rob1]

Apart from rust, are there any common problems that I should be wary of? I'm especially thinking of the kind of thing that a seller might mention off hand (it'll only cost £20quid to fix guv) but ends up being much more costly in time and effort!!