Overhaulin'

Mini Cooper Classic 1990 should i buy?

I have been looking around for a classic mini for a while as my first car now ive turned 17, i hav the money ready and i also have a part time job to help me with the finances invilved :) however... i was never able to find one local for the money i have got saved until yesterday, i went to the house were it was parked to ask the details they are; *1990 mini racing green 1275 engine (i think) *good condition (includign a sunroof lol) and original interior which is also in good condition *but 90,000 miles! they were asking £1200 for the asking price but they said the price is negotiable? i just want to know if this was a good buy and how long would you estimate the car would last me for if i did a maximum of 5000 miles a year? any answers would be appriciated :) as im determined to get a mini for my first car otherwise i would regret it :( many thanks, Donna

Public Comments

1. Donna, 90ks, really what you will be buying is someone else headaches............Think about it!! Good luck.
2. if your over 6ft dont bother
3. I understand why you want an original Mini, they provoke an emotional response and are great fun to drive. However, you've got to be sensible, otherwise you could blow a lot of money on a heap of rust, and be left in debt. Personally, I'd go for something newer than a 17 year old Mini. Have you budgeted for possible repairs? In that class, how about a newer Fiat Cinquecento Sporting? They're dirt cheap, so you should get a newer, more reliable car. For £1200, you should get a 1997 model.
4. Actually they are very roomy even if you are over six foot. The problem with the Cooper is that they are not a car that will last long. The parts and quality of the car deteriorate quickly with use. Several car mags have stated that they two year old model showed a drop off in performance as the car got the miles put on it. Make sure you really go over the car before purchasing it. Good luck.
5. Minis are a real case of being a car you buy with your heart and not your head, Donna. There's just something about a classic Mini which is so endearing, from the way you have to fold yourself double to get into it (it's not quite that bad really, but you'll really notice the difference compared to a Corsa or Fiesta), to the gorgeous noises it makes, to the fact that everything is so THERE, so close to you. The windscreen is very close, and the floor is also not far away. The Cooper is also not that fuel efficient, but if you can afford it, then why not? Bear in mind the Mini is a real rot box, and will rust furiously, so buy one which hasn't got much, and then have it Waxoyled (or the like) regularly. You've also got to bear in mind that the car was designed for a long ago time, and will be very different to anything else today. Personally, I love Minis, I always have, but my demands mean I cannot make such sacrifices anymore and I now drive a Mazda 2. It's efficient, but soulless, where the Mini almost talks to you. If you buy one, and you get a good one, you'll love it, and a Cooper will retain it's value if it's looked after well, but be sure you can live with the compromises it brings.
6. hi jion the AA and get them to come and look at it or take a good mechanic then knock that cost ,of the price you would like to pay for the car I loved my minis especially the cooper "S"