Austin/BMT/Leyland MINI! Review

Overall Rating

Image. These are easily the most recognisable and 'trendy' cars on the road.
Size. (yes they're small, but they're as roomy as a fiesta inside!)
Performance. Its dire but you'll be having so much fun your won't care!
Handling. Its a well known fact that NOTHING on four wheels can outhandle a mini.
Tough old engine.
Interiors. If you get a marfair or above you get quite a nice interior....coopers and specials even had leather!

Performance. They really are dire, even the cooper struggles to keep up with an old XR2.
Rust. You either get a rusty one or you don't. Most are rusty ones!
Noise. You sit about two inches away form the engine with nothing inbetween bar a sheet of thin steel. But this adds to the sporty experience.

Right... where do I start.
Firstly, if you're gong to buy one don't spend less than 500 quid.
They're incredibly easy to work on.
The clutch is hydraulic so most clutch problems are in the hydraulic system, you can unbolt components individually, clean them in the sink or replace them for cheap money.
The engine will carry on regardless no matter how knackered it is. Mine went fine on no water, no oil and no head gasket, and a knackered head!
When I did replace the head and gasket it was easy, no complex pipes just a few bolts.
(and I know nothing about mechanics)

Areas to watch are (a lengthy list!)
The floor, especially the corners where it joins ot the front wheel arches.
The boot, especially the wheel arches again.
The sills, although not too common because they don't collect water (due to their shape)
The panel behind the front wheel arch, these go rusty at the bottom.
And the door bottoms (doors are very easy to unbolt, chuck, and replace so no worries)

Engine wise:
White smoke is a BAD thing.
Check the oil and water.
Listen for rattles, especially the water pump (behind the radiator fan) There WILL be a metallic clatter from the timing chain so don't worry abot that.
Look for leaks in any water pipes, there a small rubbers one that goes between the head and the water pump on the righ hand side of the engine. (near the rad) Check this for cracks!

Other than the above, check that the heater works (its a myth that they're bad - they should be damn hot!)
And make sure all the electrics work.

Other than that, buy one.
They're cheap, low insurance and average around 40 mpg.
You'll feel like you're doing 110 and 30 mph and they drive like a go cart.
I loved mine to bits and am going to buy another.

PS: Buy a later (late 80's) one as they have disc brakes on the front, rather than rubbish drums!

Members' Comments ondunketh.'s Review

• kate87 on 11th Apr 2007

  I disagree with the comment that they are quite slow. We put a 1300cc engine into my 1979 mini and it goes like a rocket. Can easily do 100mph +!!!!!