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What should I watch out for when buying a used MINI?

A friend in her early 20s is looking to buy a small car and her 'dream' is to get a MINI. However, her budget is likely to be only £2000 initially. There are examples in this price range available online but they seem to be relatively high-milers.

Are examples in this price range alight, or to be avoided at all costs? What should be watched out for when looking to buy such a car? Alternatively, what small car would you advise in this price range?

Asked on 1 May 2015 by alexl92

Answered by Honest John
These old MINIs had South American Chrysler chain cam engines which are basically okay. My sister in-law runs one with about 125,000 miles on it. But there are lots of problem areas. www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mini/one-r50-2001/?s...d

Far safer to go for a Toyota Yaris.
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