The original classic British Mini was first manufactured in 1956 in response to the fuel shortage at the time of the Suez crisis, which saw the return of petrol rationing. The result was the most popular British made car in history, manufactured the world over between 1959 and 2000. In its early days it was produced by BMC, British Motor Corporation, and throughout the years it became a phenomenon, inspirational for a whole generation of car designers. It went on to become a cultural icon and a fashion statement especially in the 1960s. Its success continued throughout the 70s and 80s, and it went on very deservedly to win Car of the Century award in Autocar magazine in 1995.

BMW and the green Mini
Production of the classic Mini ended in 2000, but it didn't take long for BMW to announce production of its successor, the new MINI, now written in capital letters. It is slightly larger than the traditional Mini - around 55 centimetres longer in the body, 30 centimetres wider, and weighing an extra 400 kg. Attitudes towards the new Mini vary greatly; some enthusiasts are opposed to the way production of the old model was halted to make way for the new enhanced model. But these critics are very much the traditionalists; the new MINI is an enhanced version that has moved with the times, bringing it into the fore with modern safety, manufacturing and green emission considerations in mind. In fact, when it comes to green emissions, BMW has taken giant strides towards addressing its environmental responsibilities and recently won What Car's Green Award for its EfficientDynamics programme, so you can be sure any new MINI will score low on carbon emissions.

The Mini icon
Both the classic and the new MINI have such a faithful following that a whole cult has grown up around them, with magazines and key Mini events such as the London to Brighton Mini Run in May, the National Mini Show and MiniWorld Winter Warmer held in November. Not surprisingly with such a following, a number of private companies have sprung up that offer special Mini-based services, such as the supply and fitting of performance parts, repairs, modifications, even the fitting of bespoke engines for your Mini. If you are considering investing in a second-hand Mini, you can certainly be reassured that if you ever need replacement parts, repairs or modifications of any kind, there is a whole world out there willing to help, and no other used car holds its value quite so unshakably. Another thing in your favour is that the used Mini market is beginning to reach saturation point, which means that prices are levelling out, although the convertible remains expensive.

Technical credibility
The Mini now stands proudly behind the BMW name, so its technical qualities speak loudly enough for themselves. It already upheld a constant reputation for superb handling, top performance and reliability even way back in the 1960s, and BMW have simply continued that trend, bringing in a little pazzaz with the endless mix-and-match 'salt', 'pepper' and 'chilli' options, the restyling, the ingenious extra cubbeyholes and safety features, sports suspension and new trims. The first of the post-2000 Minis was the classic model named 'The One', with its 90bhp 1.6 litre engine, electric windows and mirrors and four airbags. This was superseded by 'The Cooper', with the extra 116bhp, alloy wheels and sports suspension. Then came the Cooper S with its 163bhp, 16" alloys and a bonnet scoop. Since then we have seen a steady flow of enhancements, the four-speed automatic gearbox, restyling to the bumpers, fabulous new headlamps and child seat anchors. The Mini just gets better and better, but in general you can be reassured that whatever model you are considering, whether 1960s classic or avant-garde 2008, you can rely on its technical credibility.

Buying a Mini
Having said that, with a second-hand Mini the main thing that you must be on the lookout for are the tell-tale signs of ageing which are inevitable with any second-hand car of a certain age. If the car is particularly old, check the bodywork for rust, particularly on the seam below the front headlights, the door skins and frames, rear arches, sills and floor, including the boot floor. But rest assured that rust may not be a cause for alarm and remember those scores of spares companies and teams of enthusiasts happy to replace any bits that are less than perfect.

As a rough guide, �6,500 will buy you a Mini 'One' with around 35 - 40k miles or the higher spec 'Cooper' with around 70k miles. When considering the private ads, considering how cherished these Minis are, you can be fairly confident that a Mini with a history of one or two owners will be a sound investment. If you have access to a full service history, all the better.

Even with a sure buy, however, you still need to remain astute and try to secure the best deal. Always enquire of your seller why the car is for sale and what they intend to replace it with. Look for opportunities that put you in a good bargaining position. A car with no tax could indicate that it has been standing unused for a while and if it is surplus to requirements, the seller might just be in a position to accept an offer. Remember that if the car has no MOT, it probably means that it has failed the test and might need money spending on it to pass. Finally, always ask whether the seller is open to reasonable offers - only a very brave seller would say no to this question and it only plants the idea of doing a deal in their heads before you've even made an appointment to view the vehicle.
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20 November 2008
2003 53 Mini Cooper S Chilli Pack mint 4500..
Metallic blue. full mini service history, climate pack, abs, 6 speed gearbox, traction control, sports seats, half leather trim, alloy wheels, rds radio and cd, electric mirrors, electric windows, electric adjustable mirrors, lumbar support, power assisted steering, dr. .
£4,500
EC2V
10 October 2008
2004 Mini Cooper S Chilli Pack 1.6 - £4490..
Full service history, chill pack, half black leather, 17alloys, rear spoiler, air condtioning, abs, traction control, electric mirrors, air bags, alarm, remote central locking, pas, white roof with white mirror.
£4,490
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