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Classic Mini Wanted : Found One :-)


Andy Banks

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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.

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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 :cool::)

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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...

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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)

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How was the mini you were looking at then Andy?

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Yep. :d

dansmini.jpg

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It's a little cracker! Love the colour.

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