14 replies to this topic

[kemp596]

Hi All,  after nearly 10 years without a Mini the time has come to get another, prices have certainly shot up in those last 10 years     

I have seen a nice 1996 Cooper SPI, The car had a recommission 4 years ago with all rust cut out, some new panels, full respray, new rear subframe, and the bodywork is still rust free, with no underbody corrosion mentioned on the MOTs since the recommission. 

 

I was wondering what a realistic price should be for the car ?  as I think the seller is asking quite high, but that may well be the going rate now as I have been out of Minis for so long. 

 

https://www.carandcl....com/l/C1760551

 

Thanks

Edited by kemp596, 08 January 2025 - 04:05 PM.

[beardylondon]

I would put your request in the valuation section and add some pictures.

Prices did shoot up, but have tumbled in last 2 years.

[Cooperman]

Considering the work done, that looks a very fair price for a tidy and solid car.

[DeadSquare]

Hi All,  after nearly 10 years without a Mini the time has come to get another, prices have certainly shot up in those last 10 years     

I have seen a nice 1996 Cooper SPI, The car had a recommission 4 years ago with all rust cut out, some new panels, full respray, new rear subframe, and the bodywork is still rust free, with no underbody corrosion mentioned on the MOTs since the recommission. 

 

I was wondering what a realistic price should be for the car ?  as I think the seller is asking quite high, but that may well be the going rate now as I have been out of Minis for so long. 

 

https://www.carandcl....com/l/C1760551

 

Thanks

BUY it.

 

Before someone else who has read your post, beats you to it.

[viz139]

If the quality of the bodywork stands up four years later on what appears not to be a trailer queen I would be happy that its a quality job. Tasteful modifications tend to add value . Long term ownership suggest the car wasn't just tartted up for a quick sale.If it drives as good as it looks I would think its about right. 

[Chris1275gt]

Get your cheque book out that looks a very nice tidy car.

[beardylondon]

I’d say more like 10k, especially in winter.

Also all those mods actually make it less desirable, imho originality is king for most these days, especially with regards to resale in a few years. It would take quite a bit of money to correct all the mods, ie get decals and genuine sports pack wheels and tyres etc. Also that number plate is a bit naff, fooling nobody, it would look better and period correct with its original registration number and plastic plates.

Edit: when I say period correct plates, I mean using pre 2001 font, these guys make them:

https://www.instagram.com/retroplates/

Engine bay looks a bit untidy and unloved, good bargaining point.

Fair to say most MPI’s are now rot boxes if unrestored, so it’s good it’s had the work done.

Not sure of legality/ insurance implications of the removal of the airbag steering wheel? Someone might know.

Edited by beardylondon, Yesterday, 08:24 AM.

[MiniJosh92]

That's a £10k car in the current market. I had an SPI Cooper last year that had a £20k professional restoration, was not modified and £10k was all I could get for it, and even that was not a quick sale! That car has been advertised for a few months now...

Edited by MiniJosh92, Yesterday, 07:27 AM.

[beardylondon]

Also isn’t the engine bay layout incorrect, shouldn’t the rad be at the front in an MPI, as per this example?

https://www.carandcl...om/car/C1822629

[kemp596]

Thanks for the replies all, I initially thought it was maybe a £10-11k car, going to view the car so we'll see. 
 

 

Also isn’t the engine bay layout incorrect, shouldn’t the rad be at the front in an MPI, as per this example?

https://www.carandcl...om/car/C1822629

The car im looking at isnt an MPI,  its an SPI so just before the MPI came out in 1997?

[beardylondon]

Apologies, most 96 minis are MPI, but yes can legitimately be an SPI, so cool and ignore what I said about the airbag

Thanks for the replies all, I initially thought it was maybe a £10-11k car, going to view the car so we'll see.

Also isn’t the engine bay layout incorrect, shouldn’t the rad be at the front in an MPI, as per this example?

https://www.carandcl...om/car/C1822629

The car im looking at isnt an MPI, its an SPI so just before the MPI came out in 1997?

Edited by beardylondon, Yesterday, 10:26 AM.

[cockney21]

Maybe an unpopular view but for £13k I would be tempted to get 60/70s, historic status carb car. Unless you are wanting to do serious miles or everyday use as I think they will hold their value better if things turn for the worst with low emission laws and maintenance is certainly easier. I agree £10K if current trends are anything to go by.  

[beardylondon]

@cockney21, I think you’re right, depends what the OP wants, but yes older cars do hold their value well, I think there’s a lot more later cars around, as people tucked them away in the 90s hoping for big returns.

Edited by beardylondon, Yesterday, 12:25 PM.

[kemp596]

That's a £10k car in the current market. I had an SPI Cooper last year that had a £20k professional restoration, was not modified and £10k was all I could get for it, and even that was not a quick sale! That car has been advertised for a few months now...

 

with that level of restoration i'd have thought you would have people would biting your hand off for it. 

 

Maybe an unpopular view but for £13k I would be tempted to get 60/70s, historic status carb car. Unless you are wanting to do serious miles or everyday use as I think they will hold their value better if things turn for the worst with low emission laws and maintenance is certainly easier. I agree £10K if current trends are anything to go by.  

 

 

I have looked at 70s car but struggling to find anything that is rust free or doesn't need much work for similar money. 

[MatthewsDad]

I have an spi and that particular one looks really nice. Only thing I'd add is that the engine bay looks quite neglected. I'd be asking what specific work has been done on the engine / mechanicals as that could add onto near term costs.