Ben where abouts in Manc do you live? Didnt you have any problems with yours? Im sure I rememeber a thread on here where you had the engine out?!
Trafford.
Engine has never been out of the Mini - but I stripped most of the front-end replacing the inner ball joints when I got it. Its due a spot of maintenance now - its up for a clutch (eek). I knew the clutch was on its way out when I got the car, but its due a new one within 2k. Which from the dealer is £650 + £300 for a flywheel (which are dual-mass almost consumable poop).
I love it, but in saying that - I did drive a 25 year old car for ~4 years, which was on ramps every other weekend!
Cheers for that! Your only 15 mins away then!
I have spent the afternoon reading up on them! where you having the clutch done?
My bad I must have made the enigne out bit up!

Im torn between paying the extra insurance on a 1.9tdi 130 A4 (of all things) and the cooper s. Pretty sure the cooper S will keep me smiling more!
I will need to find a buying guide if there is one for the earlier models as I dont wants any problems for at least a year
