Hello,
This is a reluctant advert being placed for my 1996 Rover Mini Equinox 1.3i SPI.
I bought this car earlier in the year after I realised that my MK2 cooper would not be completed in time for the mini events I wished to attend like L2B, IMM, MITP and some local shows. I didn’t want to miss out on the years events so I set out and bought the mini you see advertised for sale now.
With my other Mini nearing completion, a house move looming and a change in direction desired I have come to the realisation that I do not need two minis and one must go.
Basic Stats
1996 Rover mini Equinox 1.3 SPI (1 of 237 registered on the road today)
69,850 miles
MOT until December 10th
Tax until December
Full V5 Present and in my Name & Current Address
HPI Clear
Tracker Fitted
Some Basic Details
Like I say I bought this car to run the years events in, It has run them all very well and it has been a great car to get out and about in over the last few months. I have used it as a everyday car (not a weekend only kind of thing) I have used it to occasionally run to work, I’ve put the bike on the roof, along with the kayak and had a good few runs out in the car. It has started every single time without fail, to be honest it is one of the best starting cars I have ever owned! always driven, stopped and gone as it should with no problems.
This car was in fact bought off of a forum member, I drove from Kent up to Bootle in Liverpool To collect the car and headed home on the 265 mile journey. The car drove the distance faultlessly.
Mechanically
I would class this car as mechanically sound. There are no knocks, bangs wobbles or any concerning sounds. The car drives very well, pulls through the gears well with no crunches, pops or grinds. The car handles very well, especially with the wheel and tyre choice, it is very firm, planted and also responsive. I have no issues with the car and speedbumps (I know my other minis have always struggled). So like I say, no knocks or bangs, nothing that requires attention, I have always been on top of anything it has needed, and that has never been much.
Interior
The interior is complete and is in fair condition, the Equinox (and other limited editions so i believe) suffered from poor bolsters, after nearly 70k the drivers side bolster has started to wear, i spoke to my local upholster and they said that it would be a very easy repair coming in at under £100 to have the area repaired. This issue never bothered me enough to have anything done about it. Rear seat is very clean, passenger seat again is perfect.
Bodywork, Rust And Overall Exterior Condition
Well you are looking at a mini, rust is always going to be an ever present issue and here is a rundown on the state of this car.
PLEASE NOTE - No rust issues were mentioned on the MOT as fails or advisories.
PLEASE NOTE - All replacement panels are included in the sale
Battery box is not the best, looks a little ropey. replacement included
A-panels on both sides are looking poor, one is worse than the other. they would need replacing if you are that way inclined, never bothered me to be honest. A pair of replacement panels are included in the sale.
Scuttle Corners, The passenger side is worse than the drivers, I have sealed this temporarily to prevent water ingress and to hopefully prevent its spreading. Included in the sale is a full scuttle panel and Scuttle corners.
Front valance/Wing Join, there is a little bit of bubbling in this area, i don’t think it has gone too far and i believe it could be attended to and dealt with with no welding/panel welding.
Other Areas Worth Mentioning
Roof gutter above the drivers side is grotty
Where a MK1 Grill has been fitted and the later grill lip removed there is a bit of grot
Fuel filler neck has some signs round it
This car did have spot lights fitted, the mounting holes are still there, Spots will be included.
Front passenger floor pans. I have had at it with a screwdriver in this area, it would appear as though someone previously has had a some areas patched for MOTs, they are solid but not looking very pretty. The drivers side is worse than the passengers but I have since bought a pair of complete front floor pans for both drivers and passengers side. They aren’t needed as far as i am concerned, I just thought they would make things look a little neater up front.
The car has been painted in some areas, some areas are quite poor and could be improved very easily. I had every intention of replacing the A panels and changing a few things on the car and because of such I bought 5lts of High build Celly primer and 5lts of Metallic silver High gloss Celly. These will be included in the sale for the new owner.
Modifications
Since I have owned the car I have changed a few things, I do enjoy vehicle ownership and I like to get a little involved. Here is a quick rundown of what is on the car.
MK1 flat slat Grill and original MK1 mini mustache. These have both been on the car for around 15 miles, yep that is right, 15. The grill was bought from Mini spares for £80 odd quid. The mustache came out the back of a barn found van about 4 years ago, I also got a lot of other very early mini parts so I am under every illusion that it is a genuine item.
I do have the original grill, surrounds and spot lights, if you would preffer it with these items I can reinstall these for you.
Wheels and Tyres
The wheels and tyres currently fitted in the car are my pride and joy. I bought these in 2012 from Minisport for around £400 and fitted them on the 17th may 2014, they are 10X6 Ultralites with Anthracite centres and Polished outer lips.
The tyres fitted to these wheels are a pair of A032R’s, these tyres are by far the best things I have ever used.
These have covered 237 miles on the car so are virtually brand new.
Brakes
The car has a set of 7.5” Mini Spares brakes fitted, There were around £200 from mini spares, they are an excellent brake and I have been seriously impressed with them and their performance. These were fitted to allow the fitment of the above wheels and were fitted on the 16th May 2014 and have since covered a total of 237 miles.
Photos of engine and interior will be up shortly.
Price
Here are the options
With 10’s and 7.5 brakes, - £1,650
With original 12” wheels and 8.4” brakes £1,350
Over the recent months I have sold a few minis, I like to think this is reasonably priced genuine realistic offers are welcomed, a cash purchase will not entice me into knocking drastic amounts off of the asking price, so please don't use that one.
Every sale includes the following extras.
N/S Floor pan
O/S Floor Pan
N/S A-Panel
O/S A-Panel
Full Front Scuttle
Scuttle Corner
Battery Box
5Ltr High Build Primer
5Ltr Metalic Silver High Gloss
Contact, Collection, Other Details
Collection will be from ME8 area of Kent, i am happy to meet part way after a deposit has been paid.
You may have noticed that there are no phone numbers included in the ad. Please message me via the messaging system for my number. This is an attempt to avoid cold calls and time wasters.
I am not interested in swaps, straight cash sales please.
