998 vs 1275

[CrazyLegs]

It looks like today could be the day that I get my first Mini! I'm trying not to get too excited in case it's a complete basket case though.

I had plans to go and look at a '95 Mini Sprite, but the seller withdrew from sale at the last minute.

I've found this:

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121119113265?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Info is a little sparse, but I'm going to view today. I looked back at sellers feedback history and most of the recent stuff appears to be parts for doing up this car.

Up until now I'd focussed on the 1275 cars rather than the 998. Can anyone give me any "real world" pros and cons?

I've prepared by reading lots of stuff about what to look for when buying a Mini and you guys have been an invaluable source. Any last advice?

[minimanryan]

to be honest i havea 998 and its just as much fun only its a bit whiny when you drive but i was looking at getting a 1275 engine in mine but only so i dont have to overhaul mine and as i want a bit more grunt thatn 58 mph i want at least 65 mph but on a 998 slightly modified will do just as good as a 998 if i dont go for a 998 ima get some 1:5.1 rockers and rc40 on a lcb and a set of twin su's

[minimanryan]

oo just seen your getting a city e mines a city e aswell and with the same interior looks good but as with mine looks can be decieving and mine has 32000 miles
love the steering wheel and the rims
if you get it and your thinking of selling the rims and terring wheel let me know as i really like them
good luck

[CrazyLegs]

Sadly it wasn't to be. I phoned up the insurance company who had quoted me for the other car to amend the quote for this one. They refused to cover it on the basis that it was not original spec (wheels, exhaust and stereo). Trouble is, because it was sunday I wasn't able to find insurance that would cover it.

Called the guy and asked if I could come on Monday instead so I could sort insurance. Unfortunately someone else bought it before I could get there.

[shoutforjoy]

Sorry to hear you missed out.

The only significant difference between a 998 and 1275 is acceleration and top speed. Having said that a standard 998 isn't that slow and should still be capable of 70mph if it is serviced and set up properly.

[tony105]

I've owned automatic Minis with the 998 and 1275 engines. Most of the 998 Minis were quite an age by the time they came into my ownership but I only ever experienced slipping (increased revs when selecting fourth gear) with one of them. My 1275 slipped with relatively low mileage and seemed to have been an issue with another 1275 automatic Mini that I looked at some time ago. Now this could just be my experience - and since having the gearbox rebuilt over six years ago, my 1275 Mayfair has performed well. I do have the oil changed very often though. I tend to agree with the other contributor - in that fitting an lcb/exhaust and possibly twin carbs will give a huge increase in power to a 998. I have had a Maniflow manifold, a Maniflow cat back exhaust and a K&N filter fitted to my 1275 and this has transformed the car.
My advice would be seek out a Mini that is in the best condition that you may find irrespective of the engine size and if buying privately - as the vendor if he/she has the oil and filter changed regularly. One final point is that many owners tend to prefer the carb' set up as opposed to the injection system due to the latters limited tuning capabilities. For a short period, (in I believe 1992/93) the Sprite and Mayfair were available with a 1275 engine and carb' - If I were looking to buy an automatic Mini now, I personally would go for one of these. Good luck with your search and I hope you enjoy whatever Mini you settle on. Roger.