SOME ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS PLEASE

[08sag]

Looking to find a solid mini for my daughters first car. She is besotted with them (and wont accept the whole airbags etc thing), and I cant really argue too much as my first car was a mini. And I loved it.

Are there any recommended dealers in the North specialising in refurbed cars. would like to talk to somebody who knows what they are doing and cares! Realise I will pay a premium but !!

Any thoughts will be much appreciated.

[lowandslow]

have you thought about getting a later sports pack mini around the x reg year? fairly new so less of the grot to worry about plus it'll have an air bag lol

[Big Giant Head]

My thoughts are these - Two versions.
(And I have a daughter too...)

Do Autotrader.co.uk Search only for trade dealers because you'll get a warranty and be able to sue against their insurance if it all goes horribly wrong.

Don't look at anything exciting - there are five million versions of the Mini - stick to examples which have not been modified,
played with or messed about with. Go for a recent car with it's original spec.

You're right - you will pay a premium - but it's precious cargo on board so go for the latest and lowest mileage you can afford.

The later Minis were the better Minis.

OR....

Flip everything I've just said on it's head and go for a well looked after car for sale on this forum or the other couple of mini forums.
You know you'll be getting a solid car from someone who has cared for, loved (and probably rebuilt the car) and who won't tell you lies about it.
You won't get a warranty but you will probably get a better car and a better deal.

And I certainly wouldn't let the boyfriend be insured...

Do say "show me the welding"
Don't say "that looks cute let's have it".

Best wishes
Tony

[Phil Hill]

From what I've seen so far of late model Mini's I'd be very reluctant to recomend one to be fair. They seem to be made of, well not very high quality metal to be frank !! I realise they have a lot of modern features; airbags, door bars, injection, leather seats etc but they seem to be much worse in terms of bodywork which is odd considering how much better paint technology is supposed to be anyway !!

Anyway, I'd say look out for either an enthusiasts car which has been very well looked after and continue the theme, or look out for a car which has been properly rebuilt or restored and not just patched up to look shiney........ lots of chrome and fancy wheels look nice but probably hide lots of bodges and nasties.

Probably the best but most expensive option would be to look for a project car, nothing too rotten, and have it rebuilt to your daughters specification by someone who will do it right.

Phil.

[PH5121]

There is a seller of mini parts in Huddersfield, who used to sell cars as well.
They go by the name of Huddersfield Spares, may be worth a look as close to you.

[alant]

P&L Minis are on the outskirts of Doncaster.

You will pay a premium but they specialise in mini's and sell cars.

I have no idea what the quality of the cars is like as I have only ever used them for parts for my mini based kit car.

They advertise in te mini magazines.

[hotrubber007]

hi sir,
having dealt with PL minis stay well clear is my advice, huddersfield is worth a look
but otherwise qhving traded some 300 + minis since 2000 i can assure you a mini is just like wine.
Year is paramount - the older the better, 70 's great, 80 's can be good , 90's rust is everywhere
Condioning or ageing - get a well cared waxoyed one, one that's not been supposedly " in a warm garage" - they are usually the worst with plenty of " condensation" and rust creeping through from the inside out.
Comfort is also higher ( 8O profile °) in older cars, space is greater, and easier to tune and keep on the road. Brakes are lacking though - but easy to upgrade. Parts for sportspack cars are now thin on the ground ( post 96 )- no indicator stalks, ignition barrels, NLA
ideal propsition?
1978 belgian built 1100 special , black vinyl roof, 10 inch alloys, dark brown tainted windows, thick velour seats, special sound insulation and perfect steel, never rusts. sadly havavn't got one in stock
good luck searching

[5318008]

Get a car which someone else has restored. Pay more for it and don't have to worry about that rust hole getting bigger, get one where you make sure it doesn't rust.

I'd avoid the later cars as they are sluggish. Ignore whether it has been modified, look to see it has been welded properly without bodging.