First Car

[harrysaunders]

I am approaching the age where i need to think about getting a first car, I have some mechanical knowledge and my dad has vast mechanical knowledge (can build an engine etc...).

So, is a minor suitable and if so which one and what condition (i have a while to fix it up)

I would like to maybe hear some points about:

-Is it safe enough to learn to drive in and for my first few years of driving
-Is it reliable enough for everyday use to get me to college or is it just for dry weekends
-any other points aroud first car suitibility

[MarkyB]

I think I know what the result will be asking this question here
I'd have to say its an ideal choice too.
Spares availability is excellent and this forum is a great source of information if you have a problem.
Reliability should be fine for everyday use and if something does go wrong you have a much better chance of sorting it out yourself than you would with a more modern car.
Safety raises the most interesting question.
Basically it is up to you to be safe driving a Minor.
It doesn't have an airbag , ABS , ESP or crumple zones.
It will teach you to be a better driver because you have to drive within its limits, mainly the brakes and skinny tyres.
Your budget is going to be the main factor in the condition of the car you can buy.
Given that you probably have more time than money a part finished project with the welding done might be a good choice.
Mark

[alex_holden]

Yes, back in the day they were commonly used by driving instructors.
Yes, they're reliable enough for everyday use (and rallies) if you keep on top of the maintenance.
Some good financial reasons to get one as a first car: insurance is relatively cheap, road tax is free, fuel economy is good, spare parts are cheap, and they don't depreciate with age.

An unmodified late saloon probably gets you the most car for your money.

[harrysaunders]

Thanks for that markyb, my dad said it would be great to get one for easy maintenance but was worried about safety.

Would it be possible to install any safety devices easily; seatbelts, airbags, abs etc? Also, as there is so much space under the bonnet around the engine, is that a crumple zone accidently designed?

[alex_holden]

You can easily fit seat belts.

[ptitterington]

Having just had my first try of a moggy with standard brakes with front and back servo assist I would recommend as coming from a modern car to a minor, you do have to push the pedal quite hard to make the brakes work.

Other than that they are strong and plenty quick enough.

[PFM]

is that a crumple accidently designed?

That's just one of those phrases that ought to be right but isn't quite
Safety obviously isn't to the standards of modern day crush and crumple zones but if you don't hit anything (and drive so no-one hits you) it isn't relevant.

Installing abs and airbags is a financial and practical no-no I'd say.

I learnt to drive in a Minor, in the dark after school. I'm sure it also taught me mechanical empathy and to be a better driver than if I'd had a softer option (Minis, 1100s, Mk 1 Escort were other cars used then). An advantage of starting to learn in the dark is there is no temptation to look at what your feet are doing.

[Gareth]

I learnt to drive in a Vauxhall Corsa, and I have to say that it made passing the test easier... Also, you cannot take a test in your Minor unless you have seats with headrests fitted, which requires a bit of modification.

However, my first car was Phyllis (see below). I used her every day to drive back and forth to uni and never died as a result.

[stevey]

However, my first car was Phyllis (see below). I used her every day to drive back and forth to uni and never died as a result.

yep still got my first un (see below here). I drove it to school and back with no problems. I prefer a minor over a modern car, but i would say that.

[harrysaunders]

Are there any aritcles on fitting headrests, seatbelts, maybe putting in some discs etc...?

I guess from what you are saying that these are best not for motorways, or am i wrong.

[stevey]

Discs are usually the standard mod, marina ones usually. For motorways it'll do ok as long as you dont expect mega speeds. In saying that 55 or so i find doesnt cause trouble.

[dalebrignall]

a moggie will teach you to drive correctly.the brakes are good enough if you keep them in tip top shape ,regually adjusted.driving in the wet you will learn not to go too fast or the back end will spill out.they are a very good drivers car ithink they are great fun and a great educator

[alex_holden]

I guess from what you are saying that these are best not for motorways, or am i wrong.

They're fine on motorways. I cruise at 70MPH (indicated) every day with an almost standard 1098 and have driven hundreds of miles a day on long trips. I do prefer more scenic roads when I'm driving for enjoyment, but you can't beat motorways for getting quickly from A to B.

[harrysaunders]

I would guess that the next step is to find a mechanics class night school type thing, to educate myself further! Would it be at the local college?

Also, are moggys front or rear wheel drive? (sorry for this daft question)

I totally agree alex, I live in the cotswolds so would try to stick to a and b roads, but I will need to drive to bristol and london etc... so will need to use motorway occasionaly

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

Brillant first car! Easy to work on and cheap to insure. I got my first minor at age 15 and restored it, with help from Dad and some very helpful guys from the local branch! I have now owned that car for 16 years and used it more or less continiously since.

Would recommend a late saloon, as they have indicators as standard, better wipers and a good heater/ demister, also seatbelts if not already fitted will just bolt into place. Parts for the later ones are also much more cheap and plentiful.

Dont rush into buying the first Minor you see, that are plenty available in various states of repair. Find someone in your local area who knows a bit about bodywork who may be willing to go and look at cars with you.

Happy motoring!!

[chickenjohn]

"Is it safe enough to learn to drive in and for my first few years of driving "

Yes! and the years after that too! Just drive the car sensibly and within its performance limits and a completely standard car is fine (as long as the drum brakes are working properly)- no need to modify.
Don't worry about ABS and air bags, the 60's cars come with seatbelts allready fitted. The Minor is made of thicker metal than a modern.

" -Is it reliable enough for everyday use to get me to college or is it just for dry weekends"
yes, as said above provided the car is maintained properly.

"-any other points aroud first car suitibility"
Its a lot more fun than a modern car, you feel in touch with the car whilst driving it- can feel grip and what the car is doing in corners etc (steering is great-but keep to narrow tyres to keep the easy steering and light feel)

Only buy one if your Dad loves them- he is more likely to help you and instruct in the ways of mechanics etc.

[ColinP]

Just to emphasise that you'll need front seats with headrests for the test (and for any instructor you employ).

You can't just add headrests (unfortunately) - they have to be part of the seat - ie the old "slot on" headrests are not suitable.

You'll need to look up (search) this forum for "front seats" - this will be an addtional expense.

I'd strongly suggest wing mirrors - partly to help you see behind, but also to let you see where the front nearside wing is! (it's hidden by the bonnet bulge).

Adding more sefety features really means re-engineering and re-design - it's just no practicable.
I'd recomment a later Minor (amber indicators), ready fitted seat belts, add halogen headlamps (cheap and well worth the money at night).
Keep the mechanicals in good condition and you'll learn far more than in a modern car.

The Minor is rear wheel drive - and on a damp road you can hang the tail out - more importantly, you can learn when this is going to happen (before the event), you can prevent it (lift the right foot a little) - or encourage it (more throttle + opposite lock) and go round sideways!
The great thing is that you can sense what's happening and control it.

Cheers,

Colin

[alex_holden]

Just to emphasise that you'll need front seats with headrests for the test (and for any instructor you employ).

When I learned to drive the instructor provided a car with dual controls and that was also what I took the test in.

I'd strongly suggest wing mirrors - partly to help you see behind, but also to let you see where the front nearside wing is! (it's hidden by the bonnet bulge).

I find door mirrors much more useful than wing mirrors.

[harrysaunders]

Thankyou everybody for all your help and advice. Every comment has been really helpful.

Harry

[Furrtiv]

Minors are indeed a great car to drive, and an excellent first choice, but my advice would be to learn - and pass your test - in a standard, modern, dual-control car. Then ease yourself gently into driving a Moggy. Then you won't have to worry about non-standard seats. Seatbelts are a must, though, IMO (having crashed in a Traveller at 40mph - which I walked away from, so there you go for safety). Wing mirrors and a driver's side door mirror are ideal, but I find I cope okay with just the wing mirrors, although the passenger side one is next to useless as it just shows the surface of the road to me!

Insurance is great, so very cheap even for fully comprehensive, and there have been a few discussions here regarding that very subject. A search should bring up the relevent threads for you.

I must admit that I'm rubbish at mechanicals and get everything done at a garage (you must find one you trust), but even so, I've found that it's certainly no more expensive to fix a Minor than any modern car, from my limited experience. And with somebody to help you do the work yourself, you'll be saving even more money.

Good luck!