9 replies to this topic

[karyn77]

Hi everyone,

I recently passed my driving test and I really want to buy a Mini! I've loved them forever and I'm sure there is no other car for me. The trouble is, I don't know a thing about what to look for when buying one. Can anyone offer me some advice?

I'll try and get someone to come with me when I go to look at cars, but I could really use some info before I go so I know what to expect. The main things I need to know are things like common faults and rust spots, especially things that aren't obvious but could end up costing a fortune to fix. Pictures would be great because i'm not at all technical so I have no idea what all the different panels are called!

Also can anyone explain or point me to a guide where I can find out all about the various models? I've seen listings that say things like 'Mark 3', 'clubman', 'flame red' and 'checkmate' but I'm not sure what they all are. To be honest, I though they were all Mini Coopers!

Sorry for being so new, but I've got to start somewhere right?

Thanks!

[backstreetclassics]

welcome to tmf im sure you will get some help on here where abouts are you

[rosewhite]

Hello

welcome to the forum!

you will get EVERYTHING you need on here, there are people on the forum that know all you would need.

I would spend some time looking through the forum especially the technical help section as it will give you an idea of common problems that you cant see so easily and may want to ask about.

then get breakdown cover as soon as you buy your mini - im not trying to put you off, honest, i love my mini to bits, but they do break down and you need to be ok with that and prepared for it. once you get behind the wheel of one, you wont care - it'll be worth it and its all part of the adventure!

Also its probably worth joining a club, or going to some meets where people form here will be to talk minis - its amazing what you can learn just from talking to people! and there are often cars for sale within clubs/forum (check out the for sale section on here) by people who really care about them and are more likely (in my opinion) to be honest (if a little biased) about them

Edited by rosewhite, 11 June 2007 - 06:32 PM.

[Natalie]

Hi Karyn, welcome to the forum
There's a buying guide lurking about somewhere and I found it really useful when I bought my first mini

Good luck
Natalie x

[Bungle]

if you tell us what area you live in someone might be able to look at a mini with you before you buy it

[Natalie]

First Time Buyer's Guide

[Speedstar]

i think every mini owner will tell you the worst thing when it comes to buying a mini is rust. be sure to check ALL the body panels, wheel arches, sub-frames, engine mountains, foot wells (BIG PROBLEM) and any seams on the outside of the body. you don't want to get a min that is made of rust because it will end up literally falling apart on you and costing you both arms and legs to get it going again. what area you in? im sure theres someone on here that will be happy to come along to a viewing and give it a thorough going over.

[Timtom]

The different Mk1,2 etc.. are the age.. so the varied model.. (of the classic mini)..
the 'flame red' ,
'racing green'

are just different models (colour difference, different interior)

a Clubman..
Or Clubman Estate

[Barnett]

Hi everyone,

I recently passed my driving test and I really want to buy a Mini! Can anyone offer me some advice?

Jammy springs to mind...

[THE ANORAK]

take a look at this.... mini mark. it will explain the basic Mk's for you (although it's still not finished yet).