1984 Rover - Austin Mini 1000HL 998cc from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Don't believe the Hype

Faults:

Head Gasket

Wheel Bearings

Diff

Water Pump

Alternator

Exhaust constantly breaking

The list goes on...

General Comments:

We've all heard the stories and read the hype in the magazines, but take it from me, Stay Away from Minis! I drove one daily for 6 months and I am not exaggerating when I say that something went wrong every single week. I now hate this car, very much, pretty to look at, and its true, good fun to drive, but be prepared to get your knuckles skinned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th May, 2005

15th Jun 2005, 08:43

I had a 1976 Mini 1000 as a first car. Beat the living crap out of it, crashed it twice and it still never let me down in the 18 months I had it.

4th Aug 2005, 12:40

You were lucky! Sounds like a piece of Monty Python.

1st Dec 2005, 08:21

Perhaps after driving a Toyota Corolla a Mini was an unwise choice?

23rd Dec 2005, 17:20

The mini is a CRACKING little car, but they need constant adjustment to keep them in fine tune.

26th Dec 2005, 16:36

The age and high mileage of the car were probably contributory factors.

1984 Rover - Austin Mini City E 998 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

It's been a cracking little car

Faults:

On the mechanical side my Mini has been very reliable over the years, and anything that has gone wrong has normally been due to expected wear and tear.

The cylinder head was renewed at 120,000 miles, followed by a full engine rebuild at 130,000 miles, together with replacement of the original clutch.

The main problems have been with the bodywork, which has rusted in most of the usual places, such as sills, wings, driver's side front floor, hinge panels, and rear subframe.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th November, 2004

1984 Rover - Austin Mini Mayfair 1.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Tracking, alternator, front wheel bearings, rust.

Sun roof leaks for a day or two if you open it!

General Comments:

Fun to drive, and very nippy for the engine size if you're on your own, but loses power drastically with 3 or more people in the car.

Wouldn't recommend Minis for long distance, i.e motorways. The bumpy ride is fun for a while, but I wouldn't want to go too far in it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 28th January, 1998

1984 Rover - Austin Mini Mayfair 1.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Rear subframe starting to go - not surprising for age, also suspension now poor (worse than it should be for even a mini).

General Comments:

Great runabout, very reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th December, 1997