12 replies to this topic

[1275UK]

Hi folks

I've currently got a 1998 Twin Cam 2.0 16v Astra, Fuel Computer, Leather Wheel, ABS, 138BHP, 42MPG, Recaros etc etc with FSH & 1 owner from new (and pretty much as new) but am hankering after a 1275 Mayfair a friend has. It's rusty in all the usual places and awful around the drivers headlight. It's 1995/6 and carbed. Should I make the swap ? (+ a bit of cash) Head tells me no way but really like the Mini and it drives great but can't garage both.....

Would I regret this swap !

Thanks

[Purple Tom]

hmmmm, good question.

It depends what you use it for! I recently sold a lovely 1991 1275 Cooper with some nice mods, in favour of a 1991 VW Polo GT. I needed a car that was practical and better for commuting.

But if its pure driving experience then I'd have gone for a G40!!

No, in all seriousness, if you want a Mini then go for it, but be aware of how 'hands-on' they are in terms of maintenance, driving, and general day to day fettling.

There's loads more I can put, but I think you'll get the general idea! If you're a Mini fan you'll know the pro's and con's I imagine, maybe you just need a gentle push in the right direction!! :grin:

[1275UK]

Well fortunately I don't have to commute to work, it's within walking distance (but things can always change I guess) so I rarely use the Astra/a car except for the odd Sunday blast around or to go to a Show of some description (oh, and to fetch the Indian Takeaways as necessary :saywhat: )

I suppose at the end of the day it would depend on the actual deal as with everything, but I wouldn't have to rely on the Mini for everyday transport and do have another car available to me if necessary.

And I do miss the tinkering and like the simplicity of (some) Mini's, all contact breakers, batteries, bulbs etc, not sure where all my imperial spanners have gone though.

I'll sleep on it (again) and thanks for the advice

Here's the actual Astra that would be swapped, just washed it and took a couple of pics to help me make my mind up :

[Ade]

Ah the old head versus heart debate! If your only using the car at weekends and for the old takeaway then the mini has got to be the one you need! The fun factor hugely outways the Astra!

Just think how much hotter the takeaway will be when you get it home italian job style :grin:

[998dave]

Buy the mini, fit the Astra engine, jobs a goodun!

Dave

[Dom]

Buy the mini, fit the Astra engine, jobs a goodun!

Dave

Well apart from the weight distribution but it is the cheaper option

1275UK talk to other members who have done the next step you might take, for example MiniSi went from a Modified Clio to a mini.

Personally, I cant give you an oppinion on the matter.

[austin68]

Depending how much and how you use it i would say the mini. ie if its purely weekends for fun, and not for sitting in traffic for the weekly shop and a trip to B&Q.

If you have access to a bigger car if needed; definately mini.

[Pooky]

Buy the mini, fit the Astra engine, jobs a goodun!

Don't think the mini owner will want the astra if it hasn't got an engine!

[1275UK]

Getting tempted, I know it makes sense :grin:

I'm going to have a good look at it tomorrow, tis a dilema, it's a real straight one owner Astra, might not get one like it again, but buying say a better Mini at a later date leaves me with selling the Astra to free up the Garage and two simultaneous insurances, whereas this way it's "swaps" One in, one out, and if the deal is OK on the extra cash I will be tempted !

Thanks for the replies.

[Leonard]

Buy the mini, fit the Astra engine, jobs a goodun!

Don't think the mini owner will want the astra if it hasn't got an engine!

put the mini engine in it!!!

[philster]

look at it this way, if you could only have one car and you woned a mini and then sold it for the astra you'd always miss the experience of the mini, other cars just aren't as much fun and you wouldn't miss them.

My daily driver is a fiat bravo and although its a nice practical, relaible car its boring, when driving it i wish i was in the mini, when i drive anything else, i wish i was in the mini.

[pimpedmini]

i sold my saxo vt to get my mini and never looked back

[Add_Gee]

Astras are boring, get the mini ffs :tongue: