This 1997 Rover Mini Cooper was inspected for a client at USS Tokyo auction on 24 November 2016.
Average body and engine condition for a Mini of this age. Interior condition was above average. 22,000 kms noted on the auction sheet but based on the condition these were not genuine.
Rust noted under the doors, battery tray, and rear bumper attachments.
Left front fender faded, rest of the body also faded but not as bad as the fender which needed paint.
Air cleaner modified, as well as muffler, otherwise standard. Muffler had scrapes.
Oil leaking around the head cover gasket at the top of the engine.
Interior was nice, minor wrinkles and scuffs and some small cracks here and there but pretty good overall.
Passenger side dash near heater switches had holes drilled through at some point.
This 1997 Rover Mini Cooper was eligible for import under the SEVS import regulations for Australia.
It sold for 776,000 Yen FOB which would have been approx. $18,400 complied in Australia at the time (at 83 Yen to the dollar).
View other Japanese Classic Collector Car Auction Inspection Examples
Whether you’re looking for a 1997 Rover Mini Cooper like this one, or any other type of vehicle we can find it for you in nice condition with a bit of time, effort and of course the right budget.
The pictures are typical of the information we provide prior to auction for each vehicle of interest, with any faults shown so you can clearly see the condition before we discuss whether to bid, and your budget.
It is vital when sourcing your vehicle to use an agent that takes the time to physically check each vehicle and looks beyond the auction pictures and report to confirm condition. Some vehicles may have an unpleasant smoke or other odour, rust underneath, or other faults which are impossible to know without inspection.
View Auctions to search for available vehicles and research 3 months of past auction sale prices for any make or model.
See What We Do to fully understand our car import service.
Our Import Cost Calculator sets out all the costs of importing a car from Japan.
Hi Geoff,
Just letting you know that I picked up the Nissan Leaf on Monday, and I am absolutely blown away by the car, it’s incredibly fun to drive.
After receiving it from the compliance workshop I was able to top it off at the mall in Rhodes, and it drove back to Port Kembla with no trouble. It’s so fast off the mark, silent, and I haven’t yet paid a cent for any fuel.
I did get a first-hand feel for Australia’s EV infrastructure after initially going to the NRMA fast charger to find it faulty, then driving to Sydney markets to find that one faulty as well.
If you recall the SOH was 81% but it still gives me 180-190km for a full charge with my regular driving. I’m using L1/2 chargers only since getting it home.
I haven’t had the language changed on the infotainment and it doesn’t pick up local FM, but I can pair my phone for online radio anyway.
Your service was excellent and the process beats buying from a local dealership. I’m sure when I’m looking for my next EV you’ll be hearing from me!
Regards, Ian