I am taking a business trip to the Northeast and there are a few MINI's that I am looking at in the area for my teenage daughter.

Looking at the online pictures of them, I've noticed that some have rusty bolts such as on the shock towers and on the bracket that connects from the shock towers and wraps around the front of the engine.

I have looked at many cars (online) around the country and noticed this on some of the ones up in the NE. I'm curious as to whether this is normal and what would cause this. I realize that cars driven close to the coast will be subject to saltier air and the winter road treatments common in the are, but how would that reach so high in the engine bay?

Is this a common thing for our NE MINI brethren? Is this something to be concerned about? Any other things to look for on MINI's coming from the NE?

Thanks.


Engine bay with rusty bolts.

 

Normal corrosion - you could easily replace those bolts with new, non-rusty ones.

Or, take them out, let them soak in Coca-cola or Oxalic acid, and then wipe them down with some gun oil and they'll be fine.

What exactly are you looking for, MINI-wise? Maybe I can help?

 

Looks pretty normal. Here's a few photos of my 2005.

 

Not always but rust can be like cockroaches. You see one on the floor but you have thousands in the wall. Get a PPI by a qualified mechanic.

 

My daughter has her heart set on one in Horizon Blue metallic. My research has shown that this was only produced '09 - '11. She definitely wants a stick and a pano-roof. Some features beyond that are nice, but not critical like satellite, HK radio, etc.

I'd prefer the '11 with the N16 engine, although the N12's weren't as problematic as the N14's. If it is an S, has to be the '11 N18.

Good to hear this is normal, guess I'm spoiled being down south and having my toy garaged when not ripping around the roads. Mine is clean as whistle inside the engine bay.

 

Wants a stick? Good for her!

I'll keep my eyes open, Horizon Blue isn't an easy find anymore.