I tried to find some info on this to no avail. I'm wondering if you can change out the different types of dashes. Something like changing from the dash with the center mounted speedo to the 3 gauge cluster behind the wheel. If so, what kind of work is involved?

 

I haven't done it, but yes, you can. People change them all the time. I suppose you'd need the new 3 clock cluster with mounting bracket (will require 4 holes to be drilled), a new speedo cable (longer) and possibly alterations to your wiring. Why not put in a classic 3 guage pod in the center instead? Less work.

 

That's true. I haven't looked too much into the different dash designs. I was just curious because I found a mini that I really like, but I'd really like to get a different dash. Oh well. I'll think of something. The only thing keeping me from getting it right now is getting a dang loan... being 20 years old and having just started earning credit SUCKS for getting loans.

 

I'd be surprised if you could get a loan on this old of a car anyway, regardless of your age or credit history.......

 

Well banks won't give me a car loan on a car older than 7 years old, but I can get a personal loan. The only problem is they don't want to give me anything for over like $2000 without a co-signer.

 

So does anyone want to just give me some money to go towards the mini? Hahahaha. I have Paypal... it's pretty easy to do. lol. Man... sometimes I wish I was rich like Bill Gates. Or that he would at least just hand me like $5000. hahaha. it's pocket change for him.

 

Did you try one of those places that specializes in classic car loans? I didn't have much credit history when I bought my new mini. Some places wouldn't touch me without a co-sign and others had no problems giving me a good rate on my own. Try a few different banks if you haven't already.

I wouldn't scrape up every last penny you have to buy one cause it's probably going to need some work regardless of how nice you think it is. It sucks hard having a new toy that you can't play with because you don't have money to buy a $100 part.

 

Well my income ain't the problem. i have the income ( a little over $800 a month) and I have plenty in the bank if push comes to shove. It's my lack of credit. I have some credit, and it's great.. there just isn't much of it. So the banks won't touch me.

 

Well, why confuse two separate issues, establishing credit and buying a Mini?

On the first issue, the only way to do it is to borrow some money (well within your financial comfort level) and pay it back as agreed. [paying off prematurely doesn't indicate your ability to fufill an agreement] Do this a couple times and you begin to get a credit rating. Yes, it is hard just starting out but everyone has to go through the process.

http://www.frbsf.org/publications/co...html#establish
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/debt/20021108a.asp

If you have sufficient cash in the bank, you could use it as the collateral to secure a loan for the Mini instead of a co-signer. Then make your payments as agreed.

As stratman977 says, don't go into hock or spend your last dime on a Mini. You will need parts and repairs. Save up some cash. Buy a Mini with the best body shell you can find. Don't worry about what size engine it has. A 998cc is a fine car. Use the car. Learn about it. Get your hands dirty on it.

 

I'm 19 and I got a loan for my Mini for $6,000 but my dad co-signed with me.

 

Well I'm not worried about building credit right now. I am concerned with getting a loan. I have a credit card with established payments, and a student loan that I have had for almost a year now as well. I have some credit, but not enough to get me a loan apparently. I'm still looking around at other banks and whatnot. I'm not down and out yet. lol. If I don't find one.. looks like I'll be saving my cash. Either way... the mini mission is on.

 

I hate to say it but your'e probably going to need a co-signer. Mainly because of the debt to income ratio. The payment is going to be around 20% to 25% of your income plus the student loan which is a little more than they like for something like a car.