Thanks for all the help regarding the 850 purchase. Still not sure the 850 will be enough so am now looking at Clubman S.
What to look for when inspecting a vehicle ??
Which is a better model?
Do they come with both types of suspension and which is better?
Anything else which may be pertinent would be appreciated.
Having a serious look at one interstate so am having a friend take a look at it before I make the effort to go and see .t myself. Hence, the questions as to what he should be looking for?

Still havn't given up on the idea of the 850 though. Looks like I could get it to do the 8 - 10 km suburban M5 daily run quite comfortably with a few little mods.
Thanks again to all those who responded.
Will post pic's of the eventual purchase
Cheers

When looking at a Mini, rust is what you first look at.

The rust will be in the front floors on either side, boot floor under the spare wheel, in the battery box in the boot, in the sills. Other places like A panels, seams, roof gutters, etc. should be easy to spot.

Start the engine up... shouldn't blow much smoke, or any! You need to take it for a drive and feel what the gearbox is like. Shouldn't cruch going into 2nd gear, or going back into it. 3rd you don't have as much problem, but still check it out.

Those are the things that will cost you lots of money to get fixed.

_________________

if it crunches into 2nd and 3rd gear what does that mean??????

????????

thats what mine does...


sorry for the hi-jack

_________________

Synchos rings are gone most probably means you have to take the gearbox off and replace them (minimum) most people will take the oppurtunity to check/replace everything else(bearings) in the gearbox at the same time

_________________
---
Roads need more corners
A Deluxe(CG13DE), 2 Clubbies(998 and 1275) and 2 Morris 1100Ss