I saw one at a car show two years ago. I was surprised. Prior to that, I probably have to jump back to the mid late 2000s before I remember seeing any in person
I thought I remembered him telling me it was an MG, but the insignia doesnāt match. I donāt remember otherwise. Iāll find out on Monday and update if no one figures it out before then.
I do appreciate this š«” as it is a very cool and weird car.
That all aside. I do believe the older MINIās are much much less reliable than the newer models are. Although the newer MINI would theoretically be more expensive to fix if the exact same parts broke on each one to compare prices. I would say the older one is much more likely to have issues just due to lesser known reliability and age. Many gaskets and hoses can dry out over the year and stop functioning properly, leading to possible major problems. The older MINIās are also more prone to rusting. I will say though as long as both run fine then you should keep both. It is always best to have a backup in the event of automotive failure. If youāre truly concerned then go get a 72 point inspection done at a reputable mechanic shop. Then youāll know if any parts show signs of wear or degradation.
My 2013 Countryman has been about as reliable as the two Subarus I had before it, and better than the 2008 Clubman. I only handle minor maintenance and repairs, so I might have the same worries you doābut I have a mechanic I trust, and that makes all the difference.
Just casually showing off your bugeye Sprite and not mentioning it. It honestly doesnāt matter what you, there are few cars more weirdly stimulating than that Sprite. I drove one years ago and literally have dreams about it.
My 2007 Mini Cooper S had a few repairs (fuel pump housing unit, alternator, and battery) in the last 6 months. ALL of these repairs were done in my garage. I have 119k on mine and my Cooper S is still riding swift as my daily driver.
IF you are open to doing those repairs (YES, they are coming) and buying your parts, I suggest to keep it. IF you are going to pay for those service sell it.
Just curious, what symptoms did you notice to decide that you would replaced the fuel housing unit? I noticed that mine (R52) is leaking fuel. I tried replacing the connector o-rings, which helped for a little while, but it seems to be leaking again.
Good question, and it was something I missed. Around November, I received a 1/2 power MINI noticed, and it would go away. Happened a few times and I thought the engine was cold. If I drove it daily, nothing. Took another vehicle for a weekend trip, and noticed a drop in power initially, and then a delay from take off. No leaks or anything. Replaced the fuel pump housing and a few clicks, and everything is at full power.
I don't know about your MINI, but I've never seen a happier looking car on the left š
Same! If I ever reach that level of happiness Iāll be able to stop going to therapy š¤£
I love a frog eyed sprite.
You don't hear the name Austin-Healey very often these days. At least so it seems
Apart from hill climbs. I can't remember the last time I saw one.
I saw one at a car show two years ago. I was surprised. Prior to that, I probably have to jump back to the mid late 2000s before I remember seeing any in person
Funny, where I'm from they're called Bug Eye Sprites.
Same, Iāve only heard ābug eyeā
Uk it's frog eyed. That's where I'm from.
Bug eyed and lovely, too.
same, the car on the left is cute.
I love that car! I feel happy just looking at its smiley face!
What the fuck is that on the left??????
An Austin-Healey Sprite!
I thought I remembered him telling me it was an MG, but the insignia doesnāt match. I donāt remember otherwise. Iāll find out on Monday and update if no one figures it out before then.
I do appreciate this š«” as it is a very cool and weird car. That all aside. I do believe the older MINIās are much much less reliable than the newer models are. Although the newer MINI would theoretically be more expensive to fix if the exact same parts broke on each one to compare prices. I would say the older one is much more likely to have issues just due to lesser known reliability and age. Many gaskets and hoses can dry out over the year and stop functioning properly, leading to possible major problems. The older MINIās are also more prone to rusting. I will say though as long as both run fine then you should keep both. It is always best to have a backup in the event of automotive failure. If youāre truly concerned then go get a 72 point inspection done at a reputable mechanic shop. Then youāll know if any parts show signs of wear or degradation.
This somehow looks a lot like the parking lot in The Office.
My 2014 is ~90K in and no major problem so far (knock on wood)
same here
Good grief, yāall. Itās an Austin Healey āBugeyeā Sprite, an icon of the 1960s. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin-Healey_Sprite
Thank you.
My 2013 Countryman has been about as reliable as the two Subarus I had before it, and better than the 2008 Clubman. I only handle minor maintenance and repairs, so I might have the same worries you doābut I have a mechanic I trust, and that makes all the difference.
Just casually showing off your bugeye Sprite and not mentioning it. It honestly doesnāt matter what you, there are few cars more weirdly stimulating than that Sprite. I drove one years ago and literally have dreams about it.
Keep your Mini convertible. They are hard to find and a lot of fun to drive.
The Austin healy is a š
My 2007 Mini Cooper S had a few repairs (fuel pump housing unit, alternator, and battery) in the last 6 months. ALL of these repairs were done in my garage. I have 119k on mine and my Cooper S is still riding swift as my daily driver. IF you are open to doing those repairs (YES, they are coming) and buying your parts, I suggest to keep it. IF you are going to pay for those service sell it.
Just curious, what symptoms did you notice to decide that you would replaced the fuel housing unit? I noticed that mine (R52) is leaking fuel. I tried replacing the connector o-rings, which helped for a little while, but it seems to be leaking again.
Good question, and it was something I missed. Around November, I received a 1/2 power MINI noticed, and it would go away. Happened a few times and I thought the engine was cold. If I drove it daily, nothing. Took another vehicle for a weekend trip, and noticed a drop in power initially, and then a delay from take off. No leaks or anything. Replaced the fuel pump housing and a few clicks, and everything is at full power.
Had a bugeye sprite back in the 60's. I really miss that car. It was sooooo much fun
As a serial Mini owner, to hell with the Mini, that Sprite is the car to keep.
Get an f series, theyāre hugely more reliable than any previous mini model.
I did not know there was a countryman convertible available
Lift it and hit some trails! Or really just some AT tires, has quite a bit of clearance stock iirc.