Advice for a COMPLETE novice

Post by **Martina** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 9:18 pm

[/b]Hello. I am new to this site so please be gentle with me. I am in love with Morris Minors and would love to own one, however not only do I know nothing about cars ( apart from how to drive and where to put in fuel, oil and water!), I also know absolutely nothing about classic cars. My knowledge to date has been from reading up on this site and browsing Ebay. Can any body advise me the suitability of using a minor for everyday motoring? I would need to use it all year round and do not have a garage in which to keep it. Should I expect to experience problems starting in cold/damp conditions? Also, how efficient are heaters in winter? I like my creature comforts, however could live without most except heat to fulfil my dream of owning a minor. Lastly, how much should I expect to pay for a reliable car. Thanks in advance for your time. Martina

Post by **FrankM83** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 9:35 pm

Hello Martina, welcome to the board, be sure to find all the help you need here, Morris Minors are the easiest cars on the planet to work on for many things, parts availability, cheap maintenance, plenty of friendly enthuasiasts, lots of litreture to get to know your car and many other things, also look around on Ebay to see what prices cars are going for but don't buy before you go and have a look with an expert, maybe if you tell members of the board where you're from someone nearby will help, also chose your Minor be it a 2dr, 4dr,convertible. traveller,pick-up or van, look around on websites for parts what you can buy, most creature comforts exist to make a Minor better then a modern car, I would recomment site like the East Sussex Minors, JLH minor restoration, DSN classics, Morris Minor Centre and many more also join the club it's very cheap and you get a bi Monthly magazine with lots of articles and classifieds where you can find you car, hope this helps and Happy Minoring

Post by **Martina** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 10:13 pm

Hello Frank. Thank you for your reply. I shall check out the sites you mention to improve my knowledge. I live in Shropshire and would appreciate help locally. Looking on Ebay, my preferance would be 2 or 4 doors or possibly a convertable. You are right about me needing an expert to look with me though. I'm a bit of a magpie, and if it shines nicely I would be tempted......... not a sensible approach I know!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 10:25 pm

I have to say - the cars are fine for all year use (although depends how fast and how far each day!) but the heaters are absolutely terrible by modern car standards!

Post by **Dominic** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 12:21 am

the heaters are absolutely terrible by modern car standards!

Not at all bad if the radiator and engine have been well maintained and regularly flushed though! (easy job)
If you are going to keep the car outside Martina, I'd suggest a saloon would be the most weatherproof choice.
As for every day use, the more they are driven, the more they seem to like it! I make fairly regular weekend trips of 700 miles in mine, with few problems!
Good luck with buying, just don't rush into the purchase of the first car you see!

Post by **dunketh** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 2:15 pm

Can any body advise me the suitability of using a minor for everyday motoring?

Its perfect, this is what they were originally designed for. Boot's a bit small to be honest but thats the only down side.

I would need to use it all year round and do not have a garage in which to keep it.

Niether do most people.

Should I expect to experience problems starting in cold/damp conditions?

Nope. As long as your ignition components are up to scratch. I had some damp starting problems and it was just worn ignition parts exacerbated by the damp. I replaced everything now she starts 1st time everytime.

Also, how efficient are heaters in winter?

Not bad to be honest. If you were to blank off the large air hose under the bonnet to prevent cold air from cooling down the interior radiator they'd be even better!

Post by **chickenjohn** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 2:38 pm

The best advice I can give in addition to the above is to join the National club- plenty of info there- and to join your local branch. You can buy good cars from the local branch members for resonable prices- they are less likely to knowingly sell you a duff car if they know they will see you each month at branch meetings and rallies. Plus a good branch is a great social club centred around the cars. I have been using my car for over 10 years as an everyday vehicle.