The unbeatable Mini

THE original "Italian Job"style Mini might be history, but it's still a hugely popular secondhand buy. If you haven't experienced one yet, then you're missing out on a lot of fun.

Four decades on, nothing can quite match the original Mini for its agility and responsiveness, which makes even standard models feel faster than they really are. But age has certainly taken its toll on comfort and refinement - never the car's strong points.

There are essentially two types of Mini buyer: those who want to acquire an affordable, collectable classic and those who want an alternative to a more user-friendly, but bland, hatchback.

Kent-based Mini specialists GC Motors says it has more than 150 for sale, from coveted 10,000 Cooper and Cooper S models, to clean, ten-year-old 1.3i Sprites and Mayfairs for 2,000.

You can pay a lot less and buy privately. A good, standard Mini with an MOT can be bought for 500, but at this price there's also a lot of rubbish, so beware.

Late-model Minis don't rust as terminally as they used to around the rear floor and subframe which attaches suspension and wheels to the car, however, always crawl underneath with a torch and prod with a screwdriver to be sure. But there can still be rot along the front windscreen, doors and particularly in the headlamp area.

Listen for rattly engine timing chains and tappets, worn rear suspension arms and noisy transmissions. Dud fuse boxes still afflict all but the latest models. These can have troubles of their own. Rover recently issued a recall on almost 6,000 built since P- registration for a check on suspect wheel bearings. The good news is that Minis are cheap to fix, spares are plentiful and DIY is possible but cramped.

Coopers are proving the most popular buys: early, fuel-injected H- J registration models are a good bet for around 2,500, while the much improved 1996 models, featuring higher gearing for more relaxed cruising and an airbag, sell for around 4,000 privately.

There's also increasing interest in the square-nosed 1275GTs (built until 1981); Countryman and Traveller estates of similar vintage are in demand too, while good vans and pick ups are very sought after.

Don't expect modern comfort, good insulation against noise or great crash protection with an old-style Mini. But if you want practical, budget-priced fun, this car is unbeatable.

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