7 replies to this topic

[surfbluejdm]

Hi All,

 

I'm in the final stages of purchasing a JDM 1997 Rover Mini. SPI with manual transmission. 

 

This is my first foray into the Mini world, although not my first "classic" car.  

 

I will be attempting to use the car as a daily driver, please wish me luck!

 

The car is getting an inspection tomorrow, hopefully making the purchase on saturday, then straight to the specialist shop for some maintenance to hopefully make it as prepared as possibly for everyday use.

 

 

[Ethel]

Welcome,

 

That's got to be an unnatural environment for a Mini - it'll be a real challenge for it to rust.

[bpirie1000]

Welcome to the manic world of the mini.

What other classics have you frequented?

[Blumeanie]

Hi All,

 

I'm in the final stages of purchasing a JDM 1997 Rover Mini. SPI with manual transmission. 

 

This is my first foray into the Mini world, although not my first "classic" car.  

 

I will be attempting to use the car as a daily driver, please wish me luck!

 

The car is getting an inspection tomorrow, hopefully making the purchase on saturday, then straight to the specialist shop for some maintenance to hopefully make it as prepared as possibly for everyday use.

 

Great news! Very exciting.

Welcome!

- Pictures Please! (Hit the "more reply options" button at the bottom left of the text box to attach picture files)

The mini in Vegas will not rust, but it may melt! 

Mini engines love a cool climate. Overheating is a common risk. Make sure the fan is installed the correct way around and I'd do a cooling system flush. I would replace with 70% water and 30% coolant (if not 80/20) for improved odds of cooling.

[Cooperman]

I suggest you fit a 6-blade 'Export' fan to assist with cooling. See the Mini Spares website for details.

[surfbluejdm]

What other classics have you frequented?

 

I also have a 1972 Volkswagen Squareback

[surfbluejdm]

 

Hi All,

 

I'm in the final stages of purchasing a JDM 1997 Rover Mini. SPI with manual transmission. 

 

This is my first foray into the Mini world, although not my first "classic" car.  

 

I will be attempting to use the car as a daily driver, please wish me luck!

 

The car is getting an inspection tomorrow, hopefully making the purchase on saturday, then straight to the specialist shop for some maintenance to hopefully make it as prepared as possibly for everyday use.

 

Great news! Very exciting.

Welcome!

- Pictures Please! (Hit the "more reply options" button at the bottom left of the text box to attach picture files)

The mini in Vegas will not rust, but it may melt! 

Mini engines love a cool climate. Overheating is a common risk. Make sure the fan is installed the correct way around and I'd do a cooling system flush. I would replace with 70% water and 30% coolant (if not 80/20) for improved odds of cooling.

 

 

The purchase is completed and the car went straight to a Mini specialist in Phoenix, AZ.  he is replacing the entire cooling system with upgraded components!  The climate in Phoenix is even hotter than Las Vegas and the owner says he has had good luck with daily drivers staying cool, so I'm trusting that he knows his stuff.

 

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[surfbluejdm]

Welcome,

 

That's got to be an unnatural environment for a Mini - it'll be a real challenge for it to rust.

 

Agreed, rust will hopefully be minimized but anything rubber, plastic, fabric, or foam is at risk in this dry, hot environment.  I'm having the mechanic change the vacuum lines just to be safe, along with many other preventative items.  about $7500.00 worth of changes.