Bought an R52 Convertible At Auction

[fightingtorque]

Just bought this in a Copart auction, not picked it up yet.



I was looking for a small car like a Fiat 500 or a Vauxhall Adam as a project for when my daughter can drive next year. I can't afford/ justify the market price for a decent one of these so I had in mind getting a lightly crashed one and repairing it. I've done a lot of resto work, engine swap etc. in the past but never repaired a crashed car and it looked like I was going to need to put in 1500-2000 quid to get one of these, seemed a big risk. So I broadened my search a bit and this came along, was going cheap so I put a few bids in and before you know it I'd bought it for £500 ( £605 after fees.... and then I've got to borrow a trailer and go get it).

Not sure whether the convertible is going to be a great option for a learner either - I think it will be great with the roof down as you will be more aware of what's going on, but with the roof up.............

Also, it's my first ever foray into Mini ownership as I was into Hillman Imps back in the day. Any advice much appreciated. Car has 93k miles and a current MOT but only just. I've ordered a door in the same colour off ebay for £80 but the rear quarter panel will need some work as well.

[E-bmw]

Sorry to sound pedantic but I am not sure what advice you are after, it looks like a simple fix, although it is the One rather than much more desirable Cooper.

Any service history?

What does the engine sound like?

Is it an insurance or 3rd party accident?

Can't really see condition/mileage etc.

[anonymous-user]

I'd check, but I believe the Mini convertible is one of the few cars you can't take your driving test in due to poor visibility. Probably not the best for learning in too.

[rednotdead]

We have a Cooper convertible - visibility is truly kak roof up or down. A fun car though despite the squeaks and rattles. The roof can be very expensive if it fails which is not unknown.

[Skyedriver]

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[fightingtorque]

Thanks for the replies, I can't remember what I was trying to find out at the time either. I've got it ready for paint now, it runs and drives quite nicely. Should get it on the road this summer.

[R53rider]

When you say "MOT just", it doesn't appear to have a current MOT looking at MOT Check. It expired on 26th January?

[E-bmw]

R53rider said:

When you say "MOT just", it doesn't appear to have a current MOT looking at MOT Check. It expired on 26th January?

That explains why he said "a current MOT but only just." on the 23rd of January, I did wonder why he said that.........