1994 Rover - Austin Mini MINI COOPER 1.3i 1.3i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Brilliant, 90% reliable, fun, charismatic, ladies love it!!!

Faults:

Head gasket at 28k.

Blown diff at 29k.

Engine at 32k.

(all of the above above is only because I drove it like I stole it!)

Alternator siezed over winter.

Engine mount bolt sheared in engine block, helicoiled now.

General Comments:

This car is seriously quick for its age and engine capacity! It's the best car I've driven in a longtime!!!

Insurance was a killer when I was 17, £2500 for a year!!!

The car would have never failed if I had driven sensibly as I forgot they're not built for racing!!!

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

Review Date: 5th December, 2006

1994 Rover - Austin Mini Mayfair 1.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

My Mini has restored my enthusiasm for driving and brought all the fun back

Faults:

Just fitted a new rear subframe and the factory-fitted exhaust has been exchanged for a stainless steel system.

General Comments:

I bought the car knowing it needed two front wings and a front panel and this was reflected in the price. It was a one-lady owner and had very low mileage.

I had her converted to a rag-top professionally and they did a superb job. Over 60 feet of welding go into the body strengthening, but the extra metal is unobtrusive even though the car now weighs over 28 lbs more than she did as a saloon. I was furnished with a four-page engineer's report that detailed all the work done and stated it was done to a very high standard.

Inside the car I have a walnut dash, steering wheel, door cappings, gear knob, handbrake and door furniture. Of course, being a Mini, I have a mini-bar fitted in the glove box.

Outside all the black has been replaced with stainless steel including wheel arches. The stainless steel and silver paintwork is complemented by the black hood. The hood is only up at MOT time when my wimp of a mechanic collects it for its service and test. The remainder of the time it nestles under the hood bag and the interior is protected by a tonneau.

On the road the Mini has impeccable manners and the handling is outstanding. She loves to be driven and responds to adverse road conditions favourably. The bog standard 1000cc engine is very economical, but if the exhaust ever wears out I intend to go for a stage one tune up which will give me extra power, even better fuel consumption without affecting my insurance premiums. Seat adjusters give me another few inches legroom and I find the car very comfortable to drive - even over long distances. Buzzing down the country lanes on a summer's evening with the top down has to be experienced.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th April, 2006

1994 Rover - Austin Mini Sprite 1.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Dodgy heating system.

Problems with fuel tank.

General Comments:

Good runner, looks good - many compliments!

Looks sporty and goes well.

Parks well.

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

Review Date: 14th December, 1997