Still can't get into UK time, so up bright and early once again



I bagged this at a car auction I went to a few days ago. Was looking for a mini for my daughter. It's her dream car. It was purchased to do up over a year slowly, each time I come hone. Gives her a chance to get some no claims and also motivates her as she'll be using this for travelling to Uni. Not too happy about the 107 I bought her as a first car for use on the motorway. Little bit flimsy looking! Ideal for around town and local college though.



This one has a full (I mean full, last service at BMW 800 miles ago too) service history, mainly BMW with a few non BMW dealer shown in. Was owned by a lady and is remarkably free from stone chipping and paint damage. Of course all clear HP wise and generally in lovely condition. 104,000 miles.

Driving it home she drives spot on, love the supercharger whine and she definitely has a good turn of speed.




She's has a deep clean, snow foam, wash, clay bar, wash again and I've cleaned all the interior with a product to remove grime from all the trim (I'm a bit fussy about this aspect), but she was really clean in reality. However, I always deep clean the steering wheel, switch gear, etc when buying a new car.

Maybe start on the paint refinement today and add a coat of wax. Depends on the wind, it's blustery up here right next to the coast in Blackpool today.

Maybe post a few more pics later...

Looks a lovely car and hope your daughter enjoys and appreciates her "Christmas Present".

Nice buy that Phil.

What year is it, Phil? Ours was a 2008 and had the 1.6 turbo rather than the 1.4 supercharged...

It's a 2004 Jim. Supercharger for the win and it's a 1.6

Nice! I remember when the John Cooper Works first came out getting a scare off one in my old (chipped) 16VT...

I called Chips Away yesterday as there are three scratches on it that are too deep for me to remove. No one near Blackpool!! Scandalous!

I'll see if I can find someone...

Don't worry about it Jim, I am only here to the 28th, everyone will be on holiday no doubt. Will sort it next time home

OK, no worries. But give me a shout next time; I might be able to encourage someone to go out of their area...

Some after shots. Still loads I want to do to it over the next year. Will do so slowly a little each time I am home.

Basically done the body work to make it more how I like it and disinfected the interior. Need to treat leather and plastics inside but that will wait for next time.

Hers's a few shots anyways...

Nice colour Phil

I know, no ones really interested, but I added a few side stickers today.....

Think it really suits the car...

It reminds me of something that I was told when my kids were very young: spoiling your kids is just like spoiling yourself

I suppose thats right MRS, it's making a car fitting of what I would of loved to own when I was a young whipper snapper. I think it's more related to watching too many wheeler dealer episodes though

Yep they do work on the car/colour. Nice

I had one of these for 2 1/2 years until I replaced it with the BMW.

Check the resistor on the low speed fan, known for failing.
Easy to mod the wiring if it has failed and fit new resistor.
I've still got the tool to change the supercharger belt, must get that on eBay.
Coolant tanks can split too, it's where the top and bottom half meet. Obvious to see.

Actually still got the Haynes manual too

Mrs WMT got a countryman just before xmas. Its really nice and not as slow as you would think a 1.6d would be!

The dealer has been really good - I know they get bad raps but Lancaster Mini has been so attentive it makes me want want one (until I come to my senses)

Yeah, they are really fun cars and really do drive like a little go kart. Though I doubt the series 3 feel the same....

It's funny reading how some people say they are unreliable, blah, blah blah. Next time someone says something about a Fiat, mention this

Tuning possibilities are endless and spare parts are easy to come buy, whats not to like :))

Smaller charger pulley is a good mod.

Worth looking at 1320mini, their own does 1/4's in the 10's

Mine was good reliable fun.

Had a go in a friend's - impressed how quick it went (as was she ) but, man, the ride is brutal!!

Oh - and the engine failed the following week

We loved our '08 Clubman, though there 1 or 2 issues; the big one being the worn timing chain that the warranty company wouldn't touch with a barge pole - costing us £650.
Apart from that, we got rid of the run-flat tyres that contributed to the bone-jarring ride and tendency to skip on bumpy corners.
I only ever drove it with the "sport" option selected - it felt a bit sharper on the throttle, though it might just be psychological!

We still miss it, although selling it allowed us to buy... a Fiat Coupé!

The ride on this one is good, a little stiff, similar to my modified coops. This one has P Zeros on - run flats are long gone. The ride is fine. No one likes the run flats. Seems to be a total waste of time .... another manufacturer idea that did not work for the public.

The mini has a procedure and a button for figuring out whats happening with the run flats (air pressure - puncture/no puncture). It's a lot easier just to look like with normal tyres

Not looking to do the pulley Richard. Dont think it needs any more power considering it's meant for my daughter to use.