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First Post - And dipping my toe into the world of MINI

PostPosted: Wed Aug 08, 2018 11:14 am
by Howlindawg
Hi everyone,

I've just joined the Forum and thought I'd say Hi.
I'm Martin, live in Leixlip and I've found myself developing a strange attraction to MINIs. :)

Mostly I ride bikes and have a BMW K1300S and Guzzi California EV Touring for everyday transport.

I've been considering adding a smallish car to the stable, something with a bit of cheeky character for when I want to bring my daughter along. So I've been looking at the Fiat 500, classic Morris Minor etc... but keep coming back to the MINI as my preferred option.

I reckon a post facelift gen-1 or early gen-2 petrol engined 3-dr hatch will fit the requirements and budget. Either a One or Cooper will do and I'll be choosing based on a well cared for condition rather than spec.

Other than the generic rules of thumb when buying any car is there anything specific I should be looking for or weaknesses I should be aware of?

Thanks,
Martin

Re: First Post - And dipping my toe into the world of MINI

PostPosted: Wed Aug 08, 2018 7:09 pm
by irlmin
Hi Martin ,
Welcome to the site . I would look at a decent spec Gen 1 MINI from 01 to 06 , a few reasons for this , The gen 1 R50 MINI is pretty reliable if serviced regularly and its also a car that you can do lots with at home with a basic tool kit and basic diy knowledge . later gen 2 cars need more specialist knowledge and equipment . weak points are gearbox bearings due to MINIs daft service instructions that gearbox oil is for life ITS NOT . We have done 3 gearboxes in the last 10 days all due to not having oil changed during their life , We also have many R50 MINIs coming in for many years that have had gearbox oil changed every 20000 km and some have in excess of 200000 km and no box issue . We see the odd wiring issue due to water ingression but most of these issues were dealt with years ago , performance wise the MINI ONE has 90 bhp the Cooper 115 , its the same engine and we can remap both to 130 bhp with the added bonus of an improvement in fuel consumption . You should also remember MINI will be 20 years of age in 2021 and are starting to be collectible already so you will have a future classic , be careful when buying as there is a lot of rubbish out there and if possible wait for a well specced MINI , any advice or help just ask .
G

Re: First Post - And dipping my toe into the world of MINI

PostPosted: Wed Aug 08, 2018 9:22 pm
by Howlindawg
Hi G and thanks for the reply.

That's a great point about the Gen-1 being more DIY friendly; I hadn't considered that.
I prefer the smaller proportions of the Gen-1 anyway so it looks like a post facelift Gen-1 with the Getrag G'box is the way to go.

I'm in no hurry so happy to wait for the right car at the right price.

In terms of well specced - what options are worth waiting for and which ones should be avoided as potentially troublesome?

Alloys are a must have with IsoFix a close second.
AirCon and Leather would be nice but are not deal-breakers for me.