Minor Saloon Questions

Post by **Reece** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 9:19 pm

Intrested in buying a Minor saloon circa 1969-1970.

Typically what price are these fetching ? In runnable condition, MOT'd etc with no nasty body rot suprises, original engines well maintained. Milage around 30-50k.
I've view a few and these seem to around £2k although these I've seen had a few nasty body rot points on closer inspection. Those I've rejected on initial inspections. Last one I had a look at was parked outside in some alloments - had a different coloured bonnet, and wasnt in runnable condition and they said they wouldnt take less than £2k for it ! With 60th celebrations this year - would it be better to try to buy one next year as people try to cash in on this?

Also anyone know where I could test drive a minor - Im based in the East Midlands, sort of try before buying.
Thanks

Post by **ASL642** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 9:30 pm

Firstly - welcome to the Board Reece! Where are you in the country? This helps as we may be able to find someone in your area who could give you a bit of local advice on buying. Are you a member of the Club?

Post by **FrankM83** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 9:32 pm

Welcome aboard Reece can't help you very much im in Malta

good luck with your car searching! I'm sure you'll find the right one!

Post by **alex_holden** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 9:37 pm

Now is a good time to buy - when the weather warms up later in the year I would expect prices to rise. You should be able to get a pretty good saloon for £2000. Why limit yourself to 1969-1970? Anything later than 1963 should have a 1098cc engine, and a lot of earlier cars have been upgraded. I would pay attention to the actual condition rather than the mileage.

Post by dp » Sun Mar 16, 2008 8:36 am

Welcome

Plus the 948cc engine is nearly as quick as the 1098 and perfectly practical. Get the best body you can afford as the mechanicals are relatively easy to deal with but rust is expensive.

Post by **Peetee** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 1:28 pm

Get the best body you can afford

Couldn't agree more.
I'm now on my 5th Mog and this is the first car that is in an unpatched and/or unbodged state. I cannot tell you just how much difference that makes to me to know that this time I have a car that is not a house of hidden horrors. That, for the next few years, come MOT time, any fail will be minor and can be remedied by me and my simple tool box.
I don't mean to sound smug, see it as a good tip. If the best car out there for a given price is not the right year then go for it anyway. Every model has it's 'best feature' so go for the best car.

Post by **StaffsMoggie** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 10:26 pm

Welcome! As said, the body condition is your priority, as something like a seized engine or a gearbox that sounds like a sawmill can be changed in a couple of hours.

For 2000 quid I would want something very nice. Perfectly good saloons are available for half that.

agaood luck.

Post by **Kevin** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 10:34 am

Welcome aboard Reece

With 60th celebrations this year - would it be better to try to buy one next year as people try to cash in on this?

I dont think that will make a difference to values and as already stated £2,000 will buy a very nice saloon with full Mot ect. As Alex says the colder weather is the better (cheaper) time to buy a Moggie because once the weather warms up so do the prices as demand becomes higher, and remember there are some that think just because its a classic car in any condition it must still be worth a bit. At our branch we often have ones like you saw on the allotment offered for free.

Post by **aupickup** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 6:50 pm

it is a well known fact that classic cars sell better after easter, and also at shows

Post by **StaffsMoggie** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 2:35 am

My saloon cost 300 quid with a full mot. Sure it was tatty inside but the underneath had been well restored.

Minors have always been at the cheap end of the market, so 2000 quid should be at the top of the range available

Post by **alex_holden** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 9:40 am

The original poster seems to have vanished...

Post by **Reece** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 9:58 pm

alex_holden wrote:The original poster seems to have vanished...

The original poster hasn't quite vanished - Ive been inspecting some cars - although they didnt make it to my final examination stages Im still looking, quite right about getting the best example, and I'm sure will get something before June
Thanks for the replies !

Post by **RogerRust** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 7:38 am

Reece wrote:I'm sure will get something before June
Thanks for the replies !

Before June - cool, then you can bring it to the national rally!

Post by **Kevin** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 8:19 am

then you can bring it to the national rally!

Post by **aupickup** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 8:39 am

i think you will find a good one for that sort of price

of course a lot are overpriced beware of those

it may be shiny on the outside but rot underneath

there are a lot of cars around that are given a quick filler and blow over, just to sell