Trying to find the first Mini

Oh wow, who thought this bit would be difficult?!

Trying to find the first Mini to work on. I have been loking for a few months, come close a couple of times but managed to miss out at the last minute. Searching through eBay, Facebook and Autotrader. Maybe I am missing a trick.

After looking for so long, I have found myself with a few requirements for want of a better word:

• Petrol (diesels of this age are not ULEZ compliant)
• Mini Cooper or Cooper S (want the extra HP over a One)
• Rear spoiler (prefer the look of the roof spoiler)
• Ideally newer than 2004 (due to 5-speed gearbox change)
• Straight bodywork (don’t mind laquer peel, scratches etc as would look at a wrap)
• Some MOT (so I can drive it home)

All of this, for less than £1000. I would like the ones that have timing chain issues, clutch issues, head gaskets etc … my problem is collecting these cars. These are the ones I would like to focus attention on but it’s getting them back that I am struggling with.

What’s gone wrong?

I found a Cooper S which wasn’t holding a charge, ideal. Photo’d just around the corner (as in I could push it home!). After inquiring it had been moved ‘home’ and transport was an issue. I have found another Cooper S, which the seller proceeded to roll off a list of issues, but ended up beaten to it. A Cooper, which managed to get the price right after highlighting a Cat-D status … but then someone else will buy. Another Cooper on eBay, I was beaten to after a last minute bid. I have found a Cooper S which looks inviting but it’s a LONG journey away. One which the seller didn’t really message back, ended up selling twice in the same day and being re-listed for £200 increases each time!

I’ve spent so much time checking car histories out as well using the likes of Car Check Free. It’s been hard work. The first car will be for me, figure out my way around the rather tight engine bay. I will then look to do more and hopefully save some of the MOT & mechanical failures from being broken for nothing more than parts.

If you’re reading this and have anything suitable, please let me know.