Mini Coopers 54/55 Buying Advice

[kayzee]

I was wondering if it might be something relating to the clutch, as I've heard they can be a common issue with this model.

Reverse is especially horrible!

[Brompty]

Since driving the first MCS I have since driven one at a fantastic Mini garage I discovered by accident not far from me. It was totally different, especially the ride. Non-run flat tyres at correct pressure made a massive difference, so much so I don't know why any Mini enthusiast has kept the run flats (except for the obvious finanical reason). The clutch was again very quick to bite, so I am assuming this is normal (I stalled it twice before moving off).

The car was a cat D write off the garage had fixed up, with 120k miles and a little old, so not for me. But it was good to find a business just around the corner that can assist when I do get one.

The search has norrowed to three cars - one local and two in West London. I hope to have this sorted by next week.

Again thanks for all the advice - keep it coming: it has proved very useful.

[mon the fish]

I've had my R53 from new, and whilst aware of the gear cable issue I've never had any problems with mine (now on 78k)

I changed my gearbox oil at 60k, and have a Whalen gear knob - just snicks into gear now

[Brompty]

AAAAARGH. This is driving me mad (no pun intended). I have now seen several 'immaculate' cars - not immaculate unless the dictionary definition has changed to 'bits hanging off, missing, shabby and very old looking with moss on the outside'.

A two owner, full service history car turned out to be 6 owners and no service history at all.

Are there any good cars for sale or am I looking at an Audi TT instead?

[mon the fish]

There must be some out there - have you had a look at the classifieds on forums - TotalMini, MiniTorque etc?

[smn159]

I had a very similar buying experience - there's a fair bit of crap out there to wade through.

[Brompty]

Right, Thursday is the final day. I am seeing one last car that on paper should fit the bill almost exactly: the mileage is a bit high but otherwise low owners, 55 plate and best of all Racing Green (no stripes, add on's, aftermarket radios). Should be good.

[Brompty]

Done it - what a super car. The seller was genuine, knew everything about the car. Could show what he had done to it in terms of service. No outlandish claims about perfect bodywork etc, but by far the nicest and best condition I have seen.

And what a car it is. As an ex-owner of a 1997 Rover Mini (1.3i, all the headlights, 13" wheels leather seats, sun roof ie everything) it is very much like that car, only better - great handling, great on the motorway, fantastic once I got off the motorway, lovely interior. Pictures to follow...

[smn159]

Brompty said:

Done it - what a super car. The seller was genuine, knew everything about the car. Could show what he had done to it in terms of service. No outlandish claims about perfect bodywork etc, but by far the nicest and best condition I have seen.

And what a car it is. As an ex-owner of a 1997 Rover Mini (1.3i, all the headlights, 13" wheels leather seats, sun roof ie everything) it is very much like that car, only better - great handling, great on the motorway, fantastic once I got off the motorway, lovely interior. Pictures to follow...

Excellent! Any plans for it or are you keeping it standard? Brakes need doing on mine and I couldn't resist a set of R56 calipers at the same time