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    Classic Mini Buying Tips

    We are regularly asked for advice from people looking to buy used classic Minis, and upon buying, where to find the most commonly required parts.

    We have put this page together as a rough guide along with links to the relevant sections of the parts finder to assist you. If you have any further questions or feel there is something else we could add here, please do get in touch.

    Tip   Relevant Parts
         
    1) First have a good look around the Mini - just about every panel is known to rust, with hot-spots including the rear subframe, (Page 175) sills (inner and outer) and floors, (Pages 182 & 183)   175 182 183
         
    2) It’s also important to pay close attention to the lower door pillars, hinge supports, (Page 179) wings,front panel under the headlights etc, (Pages 176 & 177) edges, door bottoms and roof gutters. (Page 179)   176 177 179
         
    3) The A Series engine is a solid unit that lasts well if well maintained – a full service history from a specialist is a very encouraging sign. Also take for a drive and check gearbox, especially on the later MPI Minis, the main problem Is 2nd synco (Pages 122, 123 & 124). Also check clutch for slipping (Pages 116 &117).   116 117 122 123 124
         

    4) Engine - Dip and check oil. If its milky, this could be a sign that the head gasket is going (Page 106) or overheating problems (Pages 109 & 125) Minis After 1991 (Page 126) MPI (Page 127)

      106 109 125 126 127
    5) Electrics on all Minis up to 1991 - they are pretty basic (Pages 155, 156 & 159) , but on SPI and MPI they get more complex (Pages 157, 158 & 159)
      157 158 159
         
    6) Fuel Problems Carburettor Models Pretty Easy To Sort (Pages 132, 133 &137) MPI and SPI This Is A Much Harder Problem To Sort (Pages 134, 135 & 137)   134 135 137
         
    7) Brakes aren’t likely to present any headaches as long as they’ve been regularly attended to; discs make a difference, as does a servo, (Page 152) compared to the older Minis. (Pages 149 & 150)   149 150 152
         
    8) Interior - you are looking for the original interior with no rips or burns -the more original and in good condition the interior is adds value, PLEASE NOTE WE DO A REFURB INTERIOR SERVICE - email [email protected] for details, (Pages 216, 217, 218 & 219) Headlining good as this is not easy to change, all windows need to be out (Page 202) and original clocks (Page 201)   201 202 216 217 218 219
         
      141 142 143 144 145

     

     


     

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