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Car Forum / MINI / January 2004First MINI (looking for)
I'm 17 and looking for my first car, I wanted a mini 850 mk1 or mk2 because I like the look of the older cars and being only 17 the insurance on an 850 will be cheaper than on a 998, 1100 or 1275. I have looked in a few mini magazines like Mini world and Mini magazine but I was wondering if any one knows of any good sites, magazines or anywhere in the UK where I might find a running mk1/mk2 850 cc Mini or a mini of any kind. If anyone has any advice or links that may help me choose a Mini, what to look for when buying a mini, and where the best place to look for one I would be very grateful. thanks in advance P.S. I live in the UK > I'm 17 and looking for my first car, I wanted a mini 850 mk1 or mk2 > because I like the look of the older cars and being only 17 the [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > P.S. I live in the UK --------------- Where in the UK ?? > I'm 17 and looking for my first car, I wanted a mini 850 mk1 or mk2 > because I like the look of the older cars and being only 17 the [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > P.S. I live in the UK Hi there! Congratulations on your choice of transport! In my experience, the things to do are: 1. Join your local Mini owners club 2. Check your local classified columns 3. Drive around a bit (some people like to sell their cars on the side of the road.) 4. If you see a nice one, take someone who has driven a mini, and knows the things to look for. (See 1.) 5. The prices in the Mini magazines are often very high. (captive market etc.) 6. have fun! hope this helps. Karen And Elvis was sitting next to jbug in the spaceship, which I thought was kinda weird, but then they turned to me and said: > I'm 17 and looking for my first car, I wanted a mini 850 mk1 or mk2 > because I like the look of the older cars and being only 17 the > insurance on an 850 will be cheaper than on a 998, 1100 or 1275. I'd get some insurance quotes first and see what the price difference is. I suspect insuring a 998 won't cost that much more. What I'm thinking is that 998s are much more plentiful, and likely to be much cheaper. The later models also have quite a lot of refinements and improvments over the older models that make them a lot easier to live with. >And Elvis was sitting next to jbug in the spaceship, which I thought was >kinda weird, but then they turned to me and said: [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >I'd get some insurance quotes first and see what the price difference is. >I suspect insuring a 998 won't cost that much more. That is correct. Most insurance companies work on 'under 1000cc'. >What I'm thinking is that 998s are much more plentiful, and likely to be >much cheaper. The earlier models certainly have a certain cachet which is reflected in the price. >The later models also have quite a lot of refinements and >improvments over the older models that make them a lot easier to live >with. Don't know about that. In my opinion, it was pretty much right first time and later 'refinements' tend to detract from the experience.....and I speak as the current owner of a late model Rover Mini <g>. Oh for sliding windows which actually ventilate and a central speedo where you can see it. Regards, David Betts davidb@minilist.org The Mini Gallery: http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?m=64635537103&n=1366070334 Are you suggesting that sliding windows offer better ventilation to windup windows?  SignatureTeam EuroMeko --------------------------------------------- http://blackie.bounceme.net > >And Elvis was sitting next to jbug in the spaceship, which I thought was > >kinda weird, but then they turned to me and said: [quoted text clipped - 28 lines] > The Mini Gallery: > http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?m=64635537103&n=1366070334 Yep. You can have air at 70mph without being blown around. The Muffin Man > Are you suggesting that sliding windows offer better ventilation to windup > windows? [quoted text clipped - 36 lines] > > The Mini Gallery: > > http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?m=64635537103&n=1366070334 Ah I see. I would have thought otherwise but I know you have more experience in these matters. My two previous Minis were roll up. SignatureTeam EuroMeko --------------------------------------------- http://blackie.bounceme.net > Yep. You can have air at 70mph without being blown around. > [quoted text clipped - 43 lines] > > > The Mini Gallery: > > > http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?m=64635537103&n=1366070334 > Ah I see. I would have thought otherwise but I know you have more experience > in these matters. My two previous Minis were roll up. [quoted text clipped - 47 lines] > > > > The Mini Gallery: > > > > http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?m=64635537103&n=1366070334 Thanks guys I have checked the local papers, mini magazines, autotrader and ebay which did have one or two and some sites and shops which where selling a non running mk1 for £500 which I thought was a bit on the expensive side. I know the sills, rear arches, exterior door hinges and mountings, front wings (inside and out), floor, bottom of the doors and subframes. Is there any other body work and structural hotspots for rust which I have missed out? Also if I test drive it besides making sure it breaks in a straight line, the engine runs smoothly, there are no strange noises and the gearbox works fine in all the gears is there any other major problems which are common with the mk1 minis mechanics? and does anyone know how easy it is to fix a mini, I know the mechanics of a mini aren't the hardest in the world but are they reasonably simple to work on? (I'm quiet good at the mechanical side, it's the welding I need to learn). Oh I know I'm asking alot of questions but does any one know if mk1 are reasonably easy to find at scrap yards for replacement parts? thanks and Merry Christmas jbuggle MiniChicago wrote:12/22/03 3:48 PM At the moment I own both roll-up and sliding window varieties. Sliding are better on the highway at speeds but roll-up are better at slow speeds and at slower speeds. >> Ah I see. I would have thought otherwise but I know you have more experience >> in these matters. My two previous Minis were roll up. [quoted text clipped - 75 lines] > and Merry Christmas > jbuggle >I have checked the local papers, mini magazines, autotrader and ebay >which did have one or two and some sites and shops which where selling >a non running mk1 for £500 which I thought was a bit on the expensive >side. Probably. Depends how solid it is. How much would a new shell cost you? >I know the sills, rear arches, exterior door hinges and mountings, >front wings (inside and out), floor, bottom of the doors and >subframes. Is there any other body work and structural hotspots for >rust which I have missed out? 'A' panel; windscreen surround; seams; subframe mounts.....basically, anything made of what passes for steel. >Also if I test drive it besides making sure it breaks in a straight >line, the engine runs smoothly, there are no strange noises Minis do not run smoothly and they all have lots of rattles and bangs - most of them nothing to worry about. > and the >gearbox works fine in all the gears is there any other major problems [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >Oh I know I'm asking alot of questions but does any one know if mk1 >are reasonably easy to find at scrap yards for replacement parts? Minis are relatively simple, parts are available in abundance and there are plenty of specialists to go to for help and advice. They can be a pain to work on, however, as much as anything because they are so small and brilliantly packaged. Regards, David Betts davidb@minilist.org The Mini Gallery: http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?m=64635537103&n=1366070334 when i got my first mini I looked at other cars too, insurance doesnt get much cheaper than a 998cc unless its a motorbike. > >I have checked the local papers, mini magazines, autotrader and ebay > >which did have one or two and some sites and shops which where selling [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] > The Mini Gallery: > http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?m=64635537103&n=1366070334 >when i got my first mini I looked at other cars too, insurance doesnt get >much cheaper than a 998cc unless its a motorbike. According to a database for the insurance groups in the UK which can be downloaded from http://www.abi.org.uk/carinsurance/download.asp a 1979 Mini City 850cc is group 1 a 1984 Mini City 998cc is group 2 1979 is the first year this database gives the group number for Not sure how much a price difference will be, try doing some online quotes first. Only use them as a rough guide though!! >> >I have checked the local papers, mini magazines, autotrader and ebay >> >which did have one or two and some sites and shops which where selling [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] >> The Mini Gallery: >> http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?m=64635537103&n=1366070334 > > Ah I see. I would have thought otherwise but I know you have more experience > > in these matters. My two previous Minis were roll up. [quoted text clipped - 80 lines] > and Merry Christmas > jbuggle body wise i think you have pretty much identified all the usual places that rust. however good news is that replacements are easy enough to find, and easy enough to fit. be careful though, if there is any rot in the apron under the screen, or any in the upper A posts (either side of the screen) or the roof. they can rot, and can be challenging to repair. I always feel that the worst cars for rot were the early 70's cars, when BLMC switched from using stell from sheffield to cheaper imported steel, IMHO a non running mk1 for ?500 is about right, as long as its more or less all there and no major body mods that can be hard to put right.... jim And Elvis was sitting next to David Betts in the spaceship, which I thought was kinda weird, but then they turned to me and said: > >And Elvis was sitting next to jbug in the spaceship, which I thought was > >kinda weird, but then they turned to me and said: [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > The earlier models certainly have a certain cachet which is reflected > in the price. Agreed. Most of the 850s I've seen in the past few years have been 'collector's items', with prices inflated to match. > >The later models also have quite a lot of refinements and > >improvments over the older models that make them a lot easier to live [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > Mini <g>. Oh for sliding windows which actually ventilate and a > central speedo where you can see it. I was thinking more along the lines of mechanical parts - things like disk brakes instead of drums that need frequent adjustment, Proper inner CV joints instead of those rubber things etc. The City models provide a pretty good approximation of the original Mini experience for those who want that, with the upmarket Mayfair & other special editions providing a few more comforts and conveniences. (not sure about the highly dubious 'radio underneath the passenger parcel shelf' idea though...) Hi "jbug" Have a look in some of the club sites , they have a For Sale section that might be of use to you, have a look at this example http://www.wirral-minis.co.uk/Shop/forsale.asp#sale Good Luck Fitzy > I'm 17 and looking for my first car, I wanted a mini 850 mk1 or mk2 > because I like the look of the older cars and being only 17 the [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > P.S. I live in the UK Hi Main piece of advice I can give you is forget shiny bits and extraneous add-ons, concentrate on a Mini that has been cared for properly. By this I mean rust-proofed and maintained. Minis rust pretty much everywhere, but the structural areas are obviously most important. Check the sills, if they have no air vents on the outside of the car then forget it! I made this mistake - no air vents means 'over sills', a quick fix to get the car through an MOT whilst everything underneath rots away. Basically spend most of your time checking the underneath. Take a bright light with you if you have one so you can inspect under wheel arches etc. Ask questions like "how much welding has the car needed previously?" Also check under all the carpets. Check for leaks (these are common), a saggy front end means hassle so avoid as does a rotten rear subframe. If you can take someone with you who knows what their talking about then great, if not just take your time, ask plenty of searching questions and trust your instinct - if you smell a rot, run!! Max Ps. New Mini smells > I'm 17 and looking for my first car, I wanted a mini 850 mk1 or mk2 > because I like the look of the older cars and being only 17 the [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > P.S. I live in the UK I suggest you a mini from after 84 (disk instead of drums) Cheaper than mk1's too. |
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