1992 Rover - Austin Mini Sprite 1.3 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

I think it's quite reliable

Faults:

It did have a fuel leak from one of the pipes or something else. Maybe the fuel tank.

Anyway, I took it to the garage so they could fix it. They said it was OK to drive again, and when I drove it back from my local garage, my second tank leaked once again, and I was very disappointed when it leaked again as I drove it back home, and after that I took it back a week later to get the 2nd fuel tank replaced; it was very disappointing.

General Comments:

What I like about the Mini is the way it handles like a dream. It starts OK, but it needs the choke on a little bit to keep it running, and once it's running OK, it's very nippy and a huge laugh to drive.

Everybody likes them because they are classics now, and they are very classless. I would recommend it to an enthusiast or a young collector.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th November, 2012

1992 Rover - Austin Mini British Open Classic 1.3 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Big grin factor

Faults:

Not much really, just service items; drive shaft gaiter and new leads, dizzy cap etc.

General Comments:

Totally fantastic little car that makes me smile every time I drive it. It's a summer use car only, and doesn't come out in the rain, just fine weather, and it's great with the roof open and half leather trim.

My car is totally standard and has led a very sheltered life, hence the low mileage.

I have added a set of front stainless nudge bars, it is in excellent condition inside, but there are some small rusty patches on the body, but Minis always rust, so I will have those panels replaced next year, then it will be perfect.

I have two Minis, but I have to say this one is really my favourite as the other one is one of the last Rover Minis made, and the seats in it are really too big for the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th July, 2009

1992 Rover - Austin Mini City E 998cc from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The original and best pocket rocket

Faults:

Brake cylinder seal started to leak at 51000 miles.

General Comments:

The mini is a very cheap small car that is easy on your wallet.

Performance is OK from the 1.0l A-series engine and will be satisfactory for most forms of driving, but a larger engine would be needed for regular motorway users.

Interior is a bit bland from standard, but many accesories are available to add some personal touches if required.

The level of comfort is what you would expect from a car with a very low center of gravity.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th July, 2003

1992 Rover - Austin Mini British Open Classic 1.3 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A fine example of

Faults:

Front exhaust pipe snapped.

Paint chipped off alloys rims is causing the tires to go flat.

Full length electric sunroof leaks in heavy rain.

General Comments:

I LOVE THIS CAR! Even with the above, this is the best car I have ever had. It has half cream leather interior (standard), 1.3 Cooper spec engine (standard), and is a real head turner. The reg plate on mine is K1 0PEN - I always get asked about it. This model comes highly recommended as it is of much better quality inside than previous models (and you get a cooper engine!).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th May, 2003

29th Jul 2006, 08:07

I'm not to sure about the first comment. I don't believe it to have the same spec as the Cooper engine, the Coopers have different cams allowing them to rev a lot higher and easier. I have a british open classic and love it to bits, although I appear to be lucky and have never had any leaks in the sunroof.

Troubles with rust, but that comes with all mini's I think.

1st Jun 2007, 05:35

I've the same in Poland :) My mini 1993 and I love this car. My sun roof doesn't leak, mini has no rust - is just perfect - like new from factory :)

14th Aug 2007, 06:49

My daughter has K9 0PEN which is superb to drive. Roof does not leak, but appears to have a tear inside where mechanism acts as a scissor. Son in Law also has one and that is torn in same place! Is this common? Both have rotten sills inner and outer (bad year for Rover?)

10th Oct 2008, 04:30

I have a mini 1992 "K". She's a 1275, and she's done 86000 miles, and the rear sub-frame I just removed well.. You would think the car has sat in water for the last 10 years, it's shocking for a Mini this new. Also you want to watch out for the dodgy electrics, they pick and choose when they want to work.

She has had a stage one tuning kit put on her, done professionally by a local classic car racing garage, cost over £1400, all receipts and spent over £6000 in the last 2 years.

I have to admit Minis are amazing, just watch out for rust and the ones owned by teenagers who think it's hilarious to rag them and skid them about, and basically ruin them, hope this helps!!

3rd Jul 2009, 11:43

Hi, I want to buy a new roof, any ideas where to get one from?

Thanks.