Help Choosing Mini
#1
Posted 26 December 2023 - 09:06 AM
New to the forum and would please appreciate some knowledge and advice on choosing my first Mini..
The car will be used quite often by the family, so a bit of comfort is necessary, but I also want something that goes well and is done to a fast road spec.
At the moment I am leaning towards a 1275GT, as this seems to tick the most boxes for me. I am quite mechanically minded but am searching for something already restored and done well. I would prefer with carbs.
I have also been looking at the old 1275 Cooper S's.
Can anyone please shed some light on what the differences are between these two? And which would be better for what I intend to be use it for? Is there much in it?
Any help's appreciated.
Thanks,
Joe
#2
Posted 26 December 2023 - 02:51 PM
I am fortunate to own a 1275GT which has been totally restored (thanks to Ben at Mill Road garage), it has a Bill Richards 1293 engine, which after running in runs like a dream, and is easy for me to maintain, the ride with 12" wheels and Hi Lo's is reasonably good.
I also own a 1968 Cooper S, which is a totally different animal, the engine is also a 1293, but has a much hairier cam and needs to be kept above 2000RPM to keep it driveable, it has dry suspension and 10" wheels and Hi Lo's, even though the car feels much better in corners the general ride is harsher, so much so that my wife who has a bad back is reluctant to travel in it.
So to summarise IMO, the GT is much more driveable especially long distance, maintenance is easier due to more space under the bonnet, it is also quieter inside.
.
Edited by JXC Mini GT, 26 December 2023 - 08:37 PM.
#3
Posted 26 December 2023 - 03:34 PM
#4
Posted 26 December 2023 - 03:44 PM
The MPi is, probably, the most daily driveable.
You may want to consider the advance of ULEZ type zones impact on ownership, though.
If it's a risk, plump for a Historic Vehicle (forty-one, or more year's old). Saves on VED, too.
#5
Posted 27 December 2023 - 02:57 AM
Of course if you buy one now most will have been rebuilt to some extent and modified, so each car can be quite different
My best advice would be to go to your local club events and have a look, ask questions and go along for a drive. Most mini owners are very helpful and happy to help you out
#6
Posted 27 December 2023 - 09:32 AM
I think like Timmy said, at this stage a restored one of these cars will have been done a certain way, and likely a bit divergent from the original.
Good shout on going to a local club event, please can you tell me where it's best to look these up? I'm in South Somerset.
#7
Posted 27 December 2023 - 09:37 AM
I own a 60s Mk1, in Cooper Spec and a 1990 Rover Cooper. Both have their charms and pitfalls, it would be hard to choose between them, also it’s my personal taste.
As a word of caution, a friend of my Dad always wanted a Lotus Cortina, and in the 00’s he had some money, now in his mid 50s, thought he’d treat himself.
Found a minter in a dealer, right colour and everything. Took home, drove it a few times and was throughly disappointed and sold it a month later at a loss. I’m sure this happens a lot, just to hammer the point home the need to drive whatever it is you want on an extended test drive!
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