Rover Mini Saloon Cooper 1.3i 2d (1992/K) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
Fun, cheap, great image, but poor (relatively!) equipment and comfort... but it's a Mini!
Costs
Good early injection cars very, very cheap to run, but do need regular maintenance, just like the old ones! Price of new catalytic converter very expensive.
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On the road
Driving
Pure fun. Sheer grin factor. Causes kids to wave and old folk to smile as it goes by.
Performance
Pretty nippy, but it's the handling which really still sets them apart. There's still not much which that will hold them on a roundabout, short of Japanese 4 wheel drive rally derivatives.
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Living with it
Reliability
Needs regular maintenance. Less engine work needed than on early cars, but suspension must be regularly greased and frequent oil changes an absolute must.
Image
Classic looks, iconic status. Lord of the manor out shopping or simple student hack: no one else knows which.
Comfort
Outclassed now by pretty much everything else, but still bearable.
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Security and Service
Security
Not great. Probably best to supplement the standard kit.
Service
Main dealers who can really cope are surprisingly few and far between. Too expensive anyhow, given current value of car. Easily serviced/maintained by just about anyone with a cheap workshop manual.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
New water pump and new radiator.
Other
Normal serviceable parts, eg. suspension joints.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes