More advice needed for 1980 mini

starrywalsh

Hi,

I am in the process of buying a 1980 mini cooper look-a-like, firstly I would like to thank the people who gave me advice on insurance on a previous tread. Thank you all.

Now, I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good garage/machanic based in Carlow who I could get to check out the car in question before I part with my cash.

I know of one problem with the car, the garage selling it informed me of a gearbox leak (its auto transmittion). Apart from that they say its "mint", and to me it seems perfect, but I still want to get it checked by a professional. Also does anyone know the cost of fixing such a leak?

Any other advice that you think will help me along the way is also welcome?

Thanks for reading,

Mark.

hi5

There's a big mini club in the Bagnalstown/Leighlinbridge area of Carlow,afraid I dont have any contacts:( .

macplaxton

starrywalsh wrote:

I know of one problem with the car, the garage selling it informed me of a gearbox leak (its auto transmittion). Apart from that they say its "mint", and to me it seems perfect, but I still want to get it checked by a professional. Also does anyone know the cost of fixing such a leak?

Mark, Gearbox leak could be all sorts, you'll really need to ask someone to look at it. The problem is, if it has to come out, the whole lump will have to be pulled. :eek: I've had an Maxi with an Auto that was okay (same idea scaled up), but make sure you get the autobox checked out and is in A1 condition. The can be a complete nightmare if they haven't had very frequent oil changes with the oil being shared with the engine. A-series engine automatics are great when they work, but if slightly neglected are a bottomless pit.

Rich

1275gt

hi again dude, http://www.minibitzdirect.com/ is based in Tipp. Nice fella called Chuck runs it. Give him a call.

On the leak, ive never owned a mini that didnt leak. Its usually down to a worn gearbox seal. If you're having it checked out anyway, i wouldnt be overly worried about it.

starrywalsh

Guys thats for all this advice, Everyone has been so helpfull, here is a link to the mini in question by the way, the link is - http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=Car&carID=754747&message=You%20searched%20for%3A%20Mini%20Cooper%2C%20Year%3A%201980%2E%20Your%20search%20returned%20one%20vehicle%2C%20which%20is%20shown%20below%2E&CFID=9186602&CFTOKEN=23608269

1275gt

nice lookin car man, CRAZY money for a 1980 mini if you ask me.
obviously theres been a new engine put in if its a 1.3 - minis of that year were all under 1 litre. you'd get a mint 80's mini from the UK for 1/3 of the money they are asking (even after VRT) id have a look at some UK classifieds before commiting to something you might regret :cool:

DaveCol

A couple of comments:

1. I agree with 1275gt, that is crazy money

2. If it is on 10 inch wheels with a 1300 engine you would want to be sure it has front disk brakes and not drums

3. At that price don't buy it with an oil leak. Make them fix it beforehand at no extra cost

Henry Ford III

Looks nice, but the price is mental. Import one. 1977 or ealier will mean minimal VRT.

Magnum

Definatly get them to fix the leak first, it is a garage after all!