Would someone knowledgeable please have a look at this for me?

rev_henry

Hi, I'm intending to bid on this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1988-AUSTIN-MINI-MAYFAIR-WHITE_W0QQitemZ280409434660QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK?hash=item4149b46a24

Would someone mind having a quick look a it please? I haven't seen it in person, mileage 70k, I am a bit concerned by the steering column area, is that a sign of attempted theft? HPI is clear.
I've emailed the seller a few questions without response but that was only a couple of hours ago.

motorguy

rev_henry wrote: »

Hi, I'm intending to bid on this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1988-AUSTIN-MINI-MAYFAIR-WHITE_W0QQitemZ280409434660QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK?hash=item4149b46a24

Would someone mind having a quick look a it please? I haven't seen it in person, mileage 70k, I am a bit concerned by the steering column area, is that a sign of attempted theft? HPI is clear.
I've emailed the seller a few questions without response but that was only a couple of hours ago.

checking now

motorguy

it doesnt look well cared for at all.

it seems to be several different shades of red. The wheel arches are the cheapest type and dont appear to have been well fitted - and they're a different shade

Steering column - should just be a matter of picking up some bits in a scrappers.

Engine seems dry enough, which is good.

Rear bumper rusty, needs replaced.

No MOT, which is bad news.

Minis can need a lot of welding - i'd say the guy knows its going to cost a bomb to MOT.

Personally, there are cleaner about for not much more.

Hintza

It's 21 years old, so bits will be hanging off all over the place. Get the guys number and call him to have a chat and see what he says. If he doesn't get back to you then just leave it.

You did an HPI check on it...yikes!

motorguy

and drivers seat torn.

Minis are money pits.

rev_henry

Thanks very much for that guys. It has MOT till April 10, not none as it would appear at first glance. I did email him a couple of days ago, to which he replied, then again this morning to which he hasn't replied.

rev_henry

pgilc1 wrote: »

and drivers seat torn.

Minis are money pits.

I thought so at first but is it not just a reflection?

Lemonade_Pockets

As others have said it looks a bit "ropey" for want of better word to me. Always hard to tell from pictures tho as conversley i've seen plenty of cars that look 100% mint in pics turn out to be right garry glitters.

As others have said i don't know anyone that has owned one of these little nippers who a) hasn't had great fun b) sunk a shed loada money into it.

Seems to be rather expensive to.

But less than 5 minutes left to bid so make your bed and sleep in it.

This article and comments maybe of interest to you.
http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=20813

motorguy

rev_henry wrote: »

I thought so at first but is it not just a reflection?

definitely torn, over at front near handbrake

motorguy

Lemonade_Pockets wrote: »

As others have said it looks a bit "ropey" for want of better word to me. Always hard to tell from pictures tho as conversley i've seen plenty of cars that look 100% mint in pics turn out to be right garry glitters.

As others have said i don't know anyone that has owned one of these little nippers who a) hasn't had great fun b) sunk a shed loada money into it.

Seems to be rather expensive to.

But less than 5 minutes left to bid so make your bed and sleep in it.

This article and comments maybe of interest to you.
http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=20813

+1

I bought a quite reasonable 1992 Mini Cooper with a view to spending a little on it and having a bit of fun.... £2,000 of repairs later.... :eek:

Generally much cheaper to buy one that has had the work done

Hintza

pgilc1 wrote: »

Generally much cheaper to buy one that has had the work done

Aye but then you are assuming they have done the work correctly.

OP I wouldn't be too worried about things like seats and steering columns (obviously within reason) BUT I would be more worried about rust and/or hidden rust that is the real killer for a car like this.

PS I didn't think it looked too bad (from the photos).......