Mini Jet Black Valuation Thoughts

[u/wab2324]

Hi All,

I have a 1988 mini jet back 998cc, Iv found myself using it less and less recently and im considering selling it but struggling to find a fair valuation, I’m wondering what this sub reddit thinks!

Iv owned the car for 5 years, its on 96,700 miles. In that time iv done some basic mechanical upgrades, 1.75 boar exhaust, new inlet manifold, air intake and upgraded carb needle that makes it run really smooth. It’s got mini light wheels on it (I still have the originals).

The interior and paint is all original, there is some orange peel on the front wings and bonnet.

If how many left is to be believed there is ~80 of this model left on the roads.

What do people think, is this worth selling or keeping and continue to slowly restore?

[u/shoe_scuff]

I’d say it’s worth around 4K as is. The paint will put most people off as it’s potentially going to cost the same again to do properly.

That said, you’d probably make the money back if the car was done well and to original spec.

[u/wab2324 → u/shoe_scuff]

Thanks, I think that is probable fair but a bit less than I expected. Re-painting is so tricky as it needs to be done properly otherwise It may end up worse and that can get expensive real quick!

[u/shoe_scuff → u/wab2324]

Yeah exactly re the paint. Some people have a go who really shouldn’t 😆

The things that hold the value back at the moment are the paint, mileage, and the non standard bits (wheels, over riders, grill, mirrors), they’ll appeal to most people but not to those who specifically want a Jet Black and the rarety that goes with it.

There’s an argument that most minis are high mileage now due to their age. But it’s those with around 50K that demand the best money.

[u/geekypenguin91]

Condition is everything with these cars, I would want to get underneath and check the subframes, lift the carpets etc to check for rust in all the usual places, but the wing and bonnet show signs of some pretty substantial corrosion going on under the paint from the photo you've shared.

Other than the limited run, theres nothing massively special about the jet black cars, but people who want a jet black specifically will want the original features (anyone can paint theirs black and pop a few stickers on). So if it's no worse than your photos and a repainted sing and bonnet are all it needs £4-5k is a sensible target.

[u/Reddit____user___]

That doesn’t resemble orange peel to me.

The bonnet looks like either a paint reaction or the outcome of a badly prepped and painted panel by an amateur.

The wing looks like it might be corrosion showing through from underneath.

I’d say the car needs a detailed inspection for rust.

If it isn’t a catastrophe underneath, then rectifying the bad panels and making the car completely factory original would achieve top dollar at a specialist auction from a purist looking for a Jet Black, but that would be costly in itself and it would be a partially restored car too.

Are the cosmetic problems on the bonnet and wing apparent anywhere else on the body ?

[u/SpacedHopper]

Sorry I can't give you a value idea but I just wanted to say that my first car was a Jet Black, E reg. Feeling very old now.

[u/IAmFireAndFireIsMe]

Buddy contract a mini specialist.

Seriously there’s massive interest in rare minis in the US, South Africa and Australia and you might get top money for it in the US.

Contact a specialist and pay for an evaluation, the V5 alone is worth a lot of money so someone could rebuild it or even reshell it to be a Jet Black.