My MINI CITY

[Tanuki]

I found a car on craigslist and based on RAZR Quality images 750 miles away and flew out to buy it.

Got to Spokane, Washington around 10:30am MST paid for the car, and left directly from the airport to head back to Utah.

This car is old, and extremely slow. Also I knew I had a long drive ahead of me, so I really had to stay light on the pedal.

Now we all know that the drive times on Google Maps are usually very conservative, but I was able to somehow take 3 hours longer than what Google Maps had said the trip would take.

Car ran great, and is a champ, but is slow (998cc Engine, 4 speed).

Anyway, here are a few more pics...

I cleaned out all the junk, though the car still needs cleaned.

Scraped all of that weird cloudy tint film stuff off the back window:

Also found this gem under the front rug (in case the GB plates weren't proof enough):

 

[Basil]

I just saw a cute little classic Mini in the parking lot at Home Depot. Took some pics with iPhone which I'll post in "Spotted" forum and here later. Yours is a real looker!

 

[Bruce Bowker]

With a 998 engine your gas mileage may only be in the low 40's!!!

 

[Tanuki]

We measured it the whole way from Spokane to Utah and it was consistently right around 50mpg. I don't know if the previous owner did anything to influence that or not though?

Oh, and...

I am legal!

 

[Tanuki]

Thanks Basil!

 

[Tanuki]

I took a couple of pics today for the sake of it. Also ran out of gas at the point of the mtn. They guy that picked me up on the way to the gas station tried buying it from me and gave me a business card for when I am ready to sell. I guess Draper is a good place to break down haha.

 

[rosalind]

looks very nice indeed I think its the same colour as my mini? I like the chrome arches. It has a Mini Mayfair interior. the X in the number plate indicates it was registered 1981/82

It might be slow due to the weight of all those speakers! Is that board supposed to be under the rear seat?)

Seriously though, both of my unmodified minis (998cc) will sit on the motorway at 70 to 80 mph and are quite nippy through the gears too (even the auto) It takes longer to get from 50 to 70 though (but I thought the limit was 55 in your area?) Maybe it needs a good service or the timing is a little out?

 

[Steve]

Nice little car! As Rosalind pointed out your car was registered in 1981/82. The wheels have spacers on them, they weren't like that as standard. They're cosmetic only, the car's performance doesn't warrant them... The chrome arch extensions would have been fitted in order to make the car legal for UK streets.

Yes, you should be good for 50mpg or so, but the car should not feel slow. It's small, light and nippy.

Well done, good find!

 

[racingenglishcars]

Great looking car! Congratulations. You're a lucky guy to have one over there.

I guess slow is usually just a feeling compared to other rides. If you've been driving a newer car you would certainly think the Mini is slow, but for some others the Mini is fast enough.

 

[Roger]

Your Mini shouldn't be slow. If you're not accustomed to them, it may be you're babying it, and that's born out by your fuel consumption.
A 998 should cruise quite happily at 75mph, and easily outdo Google map times. Thing is though, it'll let you know things are working inside. You won't do 75 in peace and quiet, but that's OK, no need to be alarmed.

 

[Vlam]

Nice car,
My daughter also has one, a britisch racing green of 1989.
Are there a lot of mini's over there??

 

[racingenglishcars]

Hi Vlam. Come and say hello in the " New Member Introductions"

Nice to have European members here. I am also particularly fond of the TR4, having been my first car (back in 73, and my brother still has it). I saw on your profile that you have a TR4.

Welcome

 

[rosalind]

You won't do 75 in peace and quiet

With those speakers in the back he shouldn't hear the engine noise even at 75

 

[Tanuki]

Sadly those speakers were put in by the previous owner. I guess not having a tach, I get worried about driving the car over 70mph. It will do 75-80 on a flat road. Has a hard time doing more than 50-65 on hills (Range varies depending on slope of hill).

Car has been great so far. I did order a slip on conversion for the oil filter though, so I will be doing the oil change tonight hopefully.

I would like to tidy up the interior a bit and freshen up the paint. Eventually I will blast the whole thing and make it green I think.

I am very happy with the little beast so far.

 

[Dino_V]

nice Mini!