Make sure the oil has no signs of coolant in it and there’s no white smoke. Also check for coolant leaks and make sure it doesn’t overheat. The engine in these is actually surprisingly reliable once you’re past the cooling/head gasket problems. Keep in mind that they’re an old car now and will have things fail from time to time mostly due to age. Also check the suspension is pumped up to the correct height because that could end up being an expensive problem later on. Do you have a car already or will this be your only one? You should also consider that they’re quite loud inside and therefore tiring to drive over really long journeys. They are however an extremely fun car to zoom about in and I have absolutely no plans to get rid of mine any time soon.
verdegrrl
Also check in with /r/littlebritishcars.
MediumWild3088
You need to consider finding a good mechanic and parts supplier
![The M5 CS [3028X4032]](https://www.evshift.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/83j79s4rpydg1-770x515.jpeg "The M5 CS [3028X4032]")
![[Multiple] Kickoff for Car Week in Scottsdale, AZ](https://www.evshift.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ri7xe760iydg1-770x515.jpg "[Multiple] Kickoff for Car Week in Scottsdale, AZ")
3 Comments
Make sure the oil has no signs of coolant in it and there’s no white smoke. Also check for coolant leaks and make sure it doesn’t overheat. The engine in these is actually surprisingly reliable once you’re past the cooling/head gasket problems. Keep in mind that they’re an old car now and will have things fail from time to time mostly due to age. Also check the suspension is pumped up to the correct height because that could end up being an expensive problem later on. Do you have a car already or will this be your only one? You should also consider that they’re quite loud inside and therefore tiring to drive over really long journeys. They are however an extremely fun car to zoom about in and I have absolutely no plans to get rid of mine any time soon.
Also check in with /r/littlebritishcars.
You need to consider finding a good mechanic and parts supplier