Andy Banks Posted June 5, 2012 Posted June 5, 2012 Looking for a classic mini in good order for my eldest who is 17 and now taking driving lessons. We are in North London Herts so if anyone knows of anythoing local that would be useful. Thanks.
Andy Banks Posted June 6, 2012 Author Posted June 6, 2012 No expeet on Minis, read up and have an idea on what to look out for. Going to see this at the weekend http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290719295926&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:GB:1123 Thoughts...?
Mark (smokey mow) Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 Andy, it may be worth checking with your prospective insurers how the cage and suspension/brake mods will affect the premiums for a 17 year old Although i guess they can always be removed and put back to standard if need to. Can't comment on the car other than to say it looks
Andy Banks Posted June 6, 2012 Author Posted June 6, 2012 Andy, it may be worth checking with your prospective insurers how the cage and suspension/brake mods will affect the premiums for a 17 year old Although i guess they can always be removed and put back to standard if need to. Very good point Mark - thanks!
Stuart Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 OK this is what I know/recall from 40 years ago. 'A' series engines can turn into oil burners at quite low miles (say 40k). Gearboxes quite robust despite running in dirty engine oil all the time. CV joints can wear but are noticeable as a knocking under load in full lock. Minis can be quite rusty - look closely at sills, floor pan, fromt wings, rear valance and in particular the rear sub-frame. Rear radius arm bronze bushes can wear quite badly causing slop so, if you can, jack the back end up and have a pull on the wheel. If they are worn then the handbrake probably won't work very well either. Never really had any issues with brakes or wheel bearings I don't think. Oh, and if you buy one, make sure it has the coil cover on it otherwise it will stop everytime it rains.
SootySport Posted June 7, 2012 Posted June 7, 2012 This dealer specialises in Minis and parts and is round the corner from me, they don't appear to have their own website but would be worth a phone call--- The Little Car Company 01268 799963 Unit 6 Corton Trading Estate Church Road, Benfleet, Essex SS7 4QR Rust is the main enemy of early Minis in the subframe and floorpan. On the other hand parts are a plenty and mechanically simple to fix.
Andy Banks Posted June 7, 2012 Author Posted June 7, 2012 Thanks fellas. All advice taken onboard and will convert to a checklist when we view this Saturday. Will give The Little Car Co a ring too...
Young Pretender Posted June 7, 2012 Posted June 7, 2012 From a parental point of view I wouldn't remove the roll bar. These little cars won't fare well against the mass of your modern day hatches. Worth any extra insurance premium. Lovely looking little mini that though, would love one in the stable (assuming I could get more than one car in the stable lol)
Andy Banks Posted June 10, 2012 Author Posted June 10, 2012 A bit used... Premium on it being a RSP version. Not suitable for me or the lad TBH. However... Saw a cracker this afternoon: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110891821581 and hoping to win the bid...
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