Buying a mini...

[SPUD]

Hi all,

Firstly, i did do a general forum search and found little along the lines of what i was looking for, so sorry bout that :)
Secondly, i wasn't sure what the best section of the website to put this thread was, so apologies there as well.

As you all know, i'm new the forums and generally to the world of minis.
I am currently looking to buy a mini on a budget, looking for anything around £300-400, as i want a car which still has tax and MOT but also 1 which may still need a little work doing to it.

Do any of you have any suggestions as to dealers, classifieds, car auctions or anything along those lines? I (/my pa) am/are willing to travel a fair distance, which would obviously vary with the state of the car...

Cheers

[Tommy Cooper]

Well the winter is a good time to buy a mini as the prices tend to dip and people sometimes offload them after a breakdown or two in the wet/cold

The Haines guide has a good section on general points to look for when buying a mini... I could photocopy it for you if you like

I found mine on ebay (set search to 25 or 50 miles from your postcode) and then went and looked at it before bidding ... you could take a BMC member along who knows what they are looking at (so not me ;) )

Theres a JC converted mini on ebay thats in Worthing you might be able to get it for a couple of hundred but it needs lots doing:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1991-MINI-998cc-John-Cooper-Conversion-No-reserve_W0QQitemZ280046985543QQihZ018QQcategoryZ18 262QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Michelle]

Although no MOT or tax I think that could be a really good project car, especially if the only bad bits are the ones listed. I suspect it may sell for quite a few quid.

Spud - i'd advised not to rush into anything no matter how tempting the first car you see may be. As Colm above says, look before bidding etc and get as much knowledge beforehand as to what you need to look out for. I'm sure a couple of the more knowledgeable members can tell you what things to avoid etc. Good luck

[SPUD]

Hullo,

Thanks for the quick replies :)

As tempting as that mini is, i'm not sure i'm quite ready for a "project" as of yet. I have neither the garage space, nor the knowledge or funding to do so yet (haha). As you say, i shouldn't jump into anything quickly when what looks like a semi-decent motor comes along - don't worry, i will make sure i take a look first and check it all out before i even consider buying it (obviously with someone who knows what they're talking about with me).

Really, all im looking for at the moment is a car thats running (and as i've mentioned already, is MOTd and taxed), so i can run it around n gain a few months experience (as im sure it'll be breaking down enough to keep me busy (lol)). That way i can learn things about it at a more steady pace, and can eventually add to it when i feel i have the money and the time to do so.

It doesn't have to be in a very good condition (low budget), but anything thats running is cooool.

cheers again :D

p.s. more money will be coming in every month and im working on the basis of "i save until a really suitable mini pops up", so the cost and time could vary alot..

[Tommy Cooper]

theres one for sale here on the forums

http://www.brightonminiclub.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=1078

might be able to beat him donw to £500

[SPUD]

Hot daangg, its a clubman n all! I luv them!
Better ask him some questions!

Cheers dude!

[Tommy Cooper]

spud did you go to the meeting ?

[SPUD]

No im afraid not. I wasnt aware i was sposed 2 b there lol...

Is it the meeting @ the pub? Sumthing inn?

Chars

[Tommy Cooper]

just that the clubman was there for people to look at... might be going up on ebay this weekend