Hello from Bella Napoli!

A gent who claims to be the second owner advertised this car as a '98. But, looking at the VIN, I'm skeptical. To me it looks like a 93. I've been able to decipher all the other characters in the VIN, and his registration (in German) appears to show it as a '98. The car is in good shape, and I want it; but I also want to be certain that I'm not being bamboozeled....

Thanks,

Jeff

 

look for 4 digits stamped on the boot latch and/or the wiper motor

first two digits are week of the year I think, the last two are the year. Here's the boot latch of my 79, the same digits appear on my wiper motor.

 

VIN link:

http://www.minimania.com/web/SCatago...9/ArticleV.cfm

 

answer my question. I'm looking at the numbers at the top of the VIN plate in my original post. It shows something like 11/93 (NOV 93?). Thats where I have the question....

Jeff

 

THOSE are LITTLE THINGS. if it was a 93 it would probably be Spi, But yours looks like it's MPI

 

But, being new to the Mini scene, in other words a newb, I'm quickly gathering information on this car. I'm not certain when the MPI motor started being produced - another lead to track down the model year....

Thanks again,

Jeff

 

Could someone along the way have miss read the 3 as an 8? In small print or bad handwriting it would seem common to make this mistake. Shouldn't it have the build date on the inside door?

 

It looks like a 98.
The Mpi started production in late 1996, the easiest to spot signs would be a front mounted radiator, an airbag steering wheel and that roof aerial.

 

indicated that the car was built in '97. Based on the fact that the VIN indicated an MPI motor, I'm now looking for typical problems w/ these engines....

Thanks for the assist....

Jeff

 

it doesnt really matter what year it is, except for the engine in it. welcome Andy and welcome Phoenix, you will like this place.

 

I'm not sleeping well because I'm anxious about this purchase; it's a gift for my wife.

Jeff

 

Thanks for the welcome.

I've over 105,000 miles on my Mpi and its still going strong.

Weak points can be the gearbox, the worst is the normal Mini problem of rust.

Check the scuttle panel carefully (the bit between the bonnet & windscreen) as the joint where this meets the bulk head & top dash rail is a nasty place for rust and all to common on the Mpi Minis.
Rust bubbles under the windscreen rubber are a tell tale sign.
The other weak points are the usual front wing to front panel joints, A-panels, doors, sills, rear valance & boot floor.

 

Andy,

I'll take your advice and check these areas. The sad truth is that I'll probably own this car for a couple/few years while I'm stationed in Europe. We did own an '03, but sold it because of the crime and crazy driving in/around Naples; we regret selling that car immensely. Depending on what I find online (regarding MPI motors) I may call on you again for tune up tips, etc...

Ciao,

Jeff

 

Minis are known for there rust. if you find it in one place, its most definitely hiding in others.