1st gen Mini one
Discussion
I had a brief look at a 2003 today (didnt have time for a long look) as a possible first car for my daughter. I am just trying to decide whether it's worth going back to have a closer look.
mileage is low, MOT history looks reasonable, body work seems straight, alloys not too bad, but shod with 4 different makes of tyre, all with reasonable tread. cosmetically, the rear quarter paint seemed to have something going on - a slightly rough whitish residue and the rear lights are a bit milky - one much worse than the other.
is paintwork known to be an issue on this vintage? can the lights be returned to clear one they have gone milky or are we looking at new units.
I am presuming this car would have the "midlands" gearbox, are there any particular weak areas aside from this on 1st gen Minis?
mileage is low, MOT history looks reasonable, body work seems straight, alloys not too bad, but shod with 4 different makes of tyre, all with reasonable tread. cosmetically, the rear quarter paint seemed to have something going on - a slightly rough whitish residue and the rear lights are a bit milky - one much worse than the other.
is paintwork known to be an issue on this vintage? can the lights be returned to clear one they have gone milky or are we looking at new units.
I am presuming this car would have the "midlands" gearbox, are there any particular weak areas aside from this on 1st gen Minis?
I think with the mismatched tyres I would be swapping a full set of tyres at least
The rough/residue issue is paintwork, I guess it might polish up - with a bit of work
I wondered in the milky lights was inside - the outside seemed smooth. I thought it might be condensation but the pics on the dealers website when the car was inside are the same.
I was surprised that insurance for Minis seems to be less than fiat 500's
The rough/residue issue is paintwork, I guess it might polish up - with a bit of work
I wondered in the milky lights was inside - the outside seemed smooth. I thought it might be condensation but the pics on the dealers website when the car was inside are the same.
I was surprised that insurance for Minis seems to be less than fiat 500's
CarsOrBikes said:
Some Minis may have a corrosion spot or two, by the boot handle, some on the sill tops by the tread plates, but there are no paint issues, this issue you see I suspect is a poor paint repair. Putting it right can be more than just repainting if caused by some sort of reaction.
I think any car with all different makes of tyre indicates poor or no maintenance, and an anything will do attitude to keeping the car going. It's one thing having cheap tyres, but at least match them, they cost next to nothing in that size.
Change the oil in the gearbox. Check for oil leaks, they often have them but are not a problem engine, sump gaskets leak and are easy to renew. PAS pipes leak but it's more a seep over a long period and through cleaning and monitoring pays dividends, and prevents MOT failures if you keep on top of it.
The engine should be rattle free!!
Check the feel of the clutch, it should not feel heavy, if it is, have someone with you view the crank pulley when the engine is moving as the clutch is operated, you're looking for visible end float, if there walk away, it is what heavy clutches cause, and although repairable, you don't want the bill.
My view is try and find a 2005 or late '04 car which should be a facelift car. They still have similar lookouts but are a nicer car and will have the Getrag gearbox which feels entirely different. If looking at a One they have spare wheels under the car, make sure it and the tools are all there.
Often the battery has been renewed. Most by now will have a non genuine battery but the height is usually different and the battery may not be secure, this is usually easy to do with a piece of wood under the clamp but easy to check for.
Either smell for coolant on a hot engine or look for coolant staining left of the battery box/airbox on top of the gearbox, they leak from the thermostat housing, and easy job, and this time of year one to look for.
Can't answer the rear lights, may be affected by water ingress, check the boot, but by now maybe you've arranged to look at another haha.
The One may or may not have a/c, it's a nice option.
thanks for this, I may go and have a closer look at this car - it is fairly well at the bottom of the price range, there are lots about, so easy to walk away from if thres something amiss. I think any car with all different makes of tyre indicates poor or no maintenance, and an anything will do attitude to keeping the car going. It's one thing having cheap tyres, but at least match them, they cost next to nothing in that size.
Change the oil in the gearbox. Check for oil leaks, they often have them but are not a problem engine, sump gaskets leak and are easy to renew. PAS pipes leak but it's more a seep over a long period and through cleaning and monitoring pays dividends, and prevents MOT failures if you keep on top of it.
The engine should be rattle free!!
Check the feel of the clutch, it should not feel heavy, if it is, have someone with you view the crank pulley when the engine is moving as the clutch is operated, you're looking for visible end float, if there walk away, it is what heavy clutches cause, and although repairable, you don't want the bill.
My view is try and find a 2005 or late '04 car which should be a facelift car. They still have similar lookouts but are a nicer car and will have the Getrag gearbox which feels entirely different. If looking at a One they have spare wheels under the car, make sure it and the tools are all there.
Often the battery has been renewed. Most by now will have a non genuine battery but the height is usually different and the battery may not be secure, this is usually easy to do with a piece of wood under the clamp but easy to check for.
Either smell for coolant on a hot engine or look for coolant staining left of the battery box/airbox on top of the gearbox, they leak from the thermostat housing, and easy job, and this time of year one to look for.
Can't answer the rear lights, may be affected by water ingress, check the boot, but by now maybe you've arranged to look at another haha.
The One may or may not have a/c, it's a nice option.
Regarding the facelift, are 54 plate cars likely to have the getrag box, or is it strictly the 05s and onwards
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