Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[62rebel]

theres a broker nearby specialising in the import of New Zealand-sourced Minis, Minors, and Land Rovers among other oddities, and i stopped by to peruse his inventory today (Monday) due to the (Memorial Day US) holiday. i was very interested in the little Mini and Clubman variety he had, several nice cars, but unfortunately no prices on them!

what might be something to look out for other than the usual rot in Kiwi cars? these look very sound, but without seeing them up on a lift....

and with petrol prices climbing faster than Sir Hillary, i'd be very interested in the economy of operation of a Mini right now!

[Old-Nail]

I think buzzy's into Mini's so would likely know what to look for, Fuel costs the equivalent of $11 a (imp) gallon over here now so you don't have to panic just yet in comparison!

[Penman]

Hi
For every 5 gallons US, we would have to buy 6 Gallons, because of the different sizes.

It would be interesting to know the difference in average cost per ml between the US and UK and Eu (would have to convert Km s and Litres for the EU figures but that is an easy calc.)

What would you say is an average MPG figure for the US, UK and EU possibly similar on the continent
I would guess at; UK 35 petrol and 45 Diesel or 8.07 L/100km and 6.28 L/100km

[bob2]

On a mini if there is superficial rust on the outside then most certainly the underside will be much worse!!
Check the jacking points in the sills which are a real rust trap, the rear subframe is also prone for rust especially check the underside where the subframe mounts are which is very tricky to repair, also check for oversills cause generally if there are oversills then the sills will be crumbling away!!
If it is a Mark 1 or Mark 2 with the outer hinges check the inner a panel which is also prone to rot.
However almost all of the panels are available for minis depending though on which model, for example an elf or hornet are quite tricky because although they share the same floorpan, most of the body panels are unique to them and not so easy to obtain.

Mechanical parts are quite easy, the a series is quite a good engine. If you want economy go for a 998 and maybe tune it a bit, a 1275 will be much faster and nicer if tuned up but is a heavier drinker
Usual checks pre buying include checking oil and water, and checking for that white cream in the radiator or top cover which would suggest head gasket failure. Check for oil leaks, very common on an A series and try knocking the price down a bit.

As I siad the engine can be pulled out in an hour or two the most and its very simple to work on.
Hope you find one you like, good luck!!

[xkjag-nz]

it seems that cars we as brits regard as classics are daily drivers here in kiwi land
i only came out last year but you see lots of neat classics in regular use and herds of classy stuff out on weekends and holidays
lots of yank tanks here petrol has just hit $2 a litre (80p) and as the average wage is about 2/3 uk wage is getting a bit expensive
plus side most cars have little rust and are in ok condition due to 6 monthly WOF (warrant of fitness) like an mot --- plus roads aren't salted here
go to my pics from kumeu for the sort of thing found here
(go to search and keyword kumeu)

[Scotty]