evening all,

i've got a mate who has a crazy idea that she wants to do up an old austin mini (79-83) but she doesn't know where she can pick up an old mini on the cheap, and i mean cheap, like 2 or 300 quid. is anyone on here doing a mini build or restoration that could give her some help on where to start or where we could get our hands on a cheap as chips mini?

cheers

Those 'free-to-advertise' papers seem to be the best bet for such things. Any Mini that you get for £2-300 from Ebay or the Trader will be a POS. IMHO! Unless you know of one of those cheapy car lots. I know of a couple in Middlesbrough and I'm off there tomorrow so I'll have a looksy.

Any mini around that money will be beyond restoration!

I have owned a few minis and sold up because they were fetching ££££. Next door neighbour sold her A reg mini for £1800!!!! that needed a fair bit of welding done too

You'll be doing well to get something that doesnt need major work for that kind of money, Minis have such a following & rotted & got bodged so badly they're at something of a premium now.
But you never know, if you're keen & are patient something may come along.
I've got one I'm thinking of selling but although tested it needs a bit of TLC to the body. On the plus side it's got a mildly tuned 1275 engine. I'd be looking at much nearer a grand though.

just broke the news and she says that she wants a 205 gti or vaux nova now, , women! lol

get a good 205 1.9 gti top motor good fun

The first place to start would be with a local club. Did a quick search and found one in your area Central Mini Owners Club. To be honest £200-£300 will not buy much but don't let that put her off as there are bargains to be had if you constantly check all the for sale ads,Ebay etc. I did get a "good" 1980 Mini last year that had been stored in a garage for 15 years for £200 but its cost me £500 in parts just to get it on the road.
This is it when i bought it.

Cheers
Ronnie

Minis are great fun to drive but ptias to maintain very labour intensive.

My son is 13 and after a mini to do up (me) if any one knows of one around £200-£300.
Give me a shout.

Cheers