New Member on the Mongol Rally

[Spinal]

I'm new here, and this is my first post.

First things first, I don't own a micra. Nor have I ever driven one for more than a few days rental.

That said, I do rally driving (endurance) and organize rallies (for charity), and a few days ago, signed up for the mongol rally.

So now I'm looking for a car, under 1.2l, with as little electronic gubbins as possible.

I'm thinking a MK1 Panda 4x4, a Suzuki Swift or a Nissan Micra... the choice will really be down to price.

The panda is too rare and too expensive... so really it's down to the other two

My budget is around £500 for the car...

Hence, I'm now here to have a look around, learn about the car (and what to look out for when buying) and generally get some advice.

My plan is to change the shocks/springs, brakes (pads/disks) and maybe the head gasket before leaving. Fitting a sump guard may be useful.... is there anything else I should look out for?

Thanks,
M

 

[Davegrout1]

I think the main thing you'll get told to look out for is rust really , these little micras are pretty hardy otherwise, earlier models will have less electricals to go wrong, the pandas got 4x4 in the name so is out straight away surely ?

 

[Spinal]

That was my thought, but then swmbo "convinced" me to look at a panda4x4 and a sj410...

A k11 seems like the most sensible, mad, choice... Going to see one tomorrow... do these things have belts or chains? Anything beyond rust I should be looking for?

M.

 

[MicraPRO]

That was my thought, but then swmbo "convinced" me to look at a panda4x4 and a sj410...

A k11 seems like the most sensible, mad, choice... Going to see one tomorrow... do these things have belts or chains? Anything beyond rust I should be looking for?

M.

All K11 cg engines are cam chain and relatively bullet proof engines.
Broken expansion tank is also normal... They get brittle and crack.

 

[Spinal]

I may change the radiator/expansion tank before going... do larger/thicker/uprated rads exist?

Similarly, am I stranded to make a custom sump guard/skidplate or are these easily found?

 

[MicraPRO]

I may change the radiator/expansion tank before going... do larger/thicker/uprated rads exist?

Similarly, am I stranded to make a custom sump guard/skidplate or are these easily found?

Hmm only rad I've seen that's bigger is off the auto k11s they also have a cooler in the bottom that could be modified to be used as and oil cooler
I'm sure there's a guy who specialises in rally parts for k11 he has a whole catalogue... can't remember for the life of me his name tho! Anyone?

 

[eiregti]

Matt humphries does all the rally gear, would probably worth as much as the car some of the parts though

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