Mini One Paint Issue Under Bonnet

[laurabond2002]

Hi There,

I am new to this forum and I am looking to purchase a used Mini One 2002. Everything on and around the car looks and sounds fine, however under the bonnet we noticed there is some discolouration with the paint on the metal work. Is this normal for this age of car or would this suggest that there is something not quite right with the vehicle e.g. been in an accident and paint work resprayed? I have HPI'ed the car and this has come back clean i.e. no write off but this does not mean to say it has not been in an accident. My other thoughts are it may have left the factory like this but as every other Mini we have seen, regardless of colour none of them have shown an issues with the paint work under the bonnet it has all been the same colour with no defects apart from this one.

I have attached some pictures and welcome anyones input.

Thank you in advance

Laura

[marque]

Hi
Ummm it looks like it has had paint work done but with out looking its hard to tell. May be bonnet or A pannel but with out looking its hard to tell.
I think you have two choices.
1) get a vehicle inspection done by the AA or RAC or similar and make sure you point it out to them so you are 100%
2) if you are anyway uncertain walk away there are lots of nice minis out there.

If you are a first time mini buyer have a look at the link below it will help you out.

http://www.mini2.com/forum/first-gen...first-gen.html
If you search mini2 you will find everything you need good luck and welcome I hope it all works out

[Acallahan]

Have someone who knows inspect it, I would also say there is alot of heat and corrosive materials used in motors , maybe something at some point got splashed all over the inside ? just a thought.

[mab01uk]

Looks ok to me like normal wear and tear, previously damaged cars are normally too shiny and prepared, most of the discolouration will probably polish out..........the underbonnet paint on Mini's is often dull/matt because it does not get the final factory applied high gloss clear lacquer coat like the outer body panels.

[laurabond2002]

Thank you all for your repsonses. One thing that has stood out to us the more we check the photos is the discolouration actually goes under the VIN plates, which makes me think even more that it's left the factory like this or has just deteriorated over the years, what are peoples thoughts on this if they take another look at the middle photo?? This is still the best of the bunch we've seen so far and actually just off to take another look now. thanks again.

[Hartge220]

Looking at the pics it could even be protective wax sprayed on at the factory?? If you get the chance run your finger over it & see if it feels a bit sticky

[laurabond2002]

Thank you everyone for your advice, it looks like I am an owner of a mini, can't wait to pick it up now