On the road

Like most modern classics, the Mini is a great car when it’s working properly, but can be a daunting DIY prospect when things go wrong. However, model expert – and former C&SC staffer – Dave Richards reckons that most jobs are within the capabilities of a competent home mechanic if they are approached in the right way. You simply have to spend the time to remove all of the panels and other components that are in the way before tackling each job – and remember to put them back on properly. Most cars will have missing bolts and clips from past dismantling, which affects their crash integrity.

Chipping a Mini One to Cooper spec costs c£300, and fitting a smaller supercharger pulley to boost the Cooper S is a cheap job, too – but servicing the car well to cope is vital. The supercharger has its own oil and few get serviced as they should, which involves taking it off and draining the fluid from both ends.

The cooling system suffers from a complex and often neglected bleeding procedure; a plastic thermostat housing that distorts and leaks (or even jams the thermostat); and a radiator that weeps at 10-12 years old. Problems here can lead to a failed water pump and head gasket, so look out for the signs of oil and coolant mixing.

The hydraulic power steering relies on an electric pump – when it starts whining, it’s best to replace it because it’s not unknown for it to overheat and catch fire. Secondhand, recon and new replacements are available, and it isn’t a huge job.