New Member - saloon buying advice sought?

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Shed_Jensen
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New Member - saloon buying advice sought?

Post by Shed_Jensen »

Gents,

Been perusing the site, thought I would introduce myself and ask for some assistance at the same time!! :D

I’m used to classics, but more of the larger engine variety!! I drive the following Rover P5B as an everyday classic with a Jensen Interceptor as a my pride and joy (and money pit :))

I’m looking for a 2 or 4 door minor saloon, as nice as possible for my girlfriend, I would prefer a few modern upgrades (perhaps discs and a 1275 engine? Anything else worth having?) What sort of budget should I be looking at? What will I get for £2.5-3k. I liked the idea of a traveller, but that's been vito'd I'm afraid...

And does anyone know of any for sale in the London area?

Cheers,

Steve.
Last edited by Shed_Jensen on Wed Apr 23, 2008 1:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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aupickup
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Post by aupickup »

you should get a very good one within that budget
1275 are good and with disc brakes a perfect set up
of course you can get a 1275 later on and put in and also a very good disc brake set up from jlh
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bmcecosse
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Post by bmcecosse »

Nice cars! I'm guessing you want something that's ready to go - and not a restoration job. So - you may need to pay a little more than your budget. Wouldn't worry too much about the 1275 engine - a 1098 is perfectly adequate and puts less strain on the other parts. as I'm sure you know - rust is the enemy - so inspect very carefully before buying.
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Kevin
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Post by Kevin »

It might be a good idea to contact the local branch which postal area of London are you in.
Cheers

Kevin
Lovejoy 1968 Smoke Grey Traveller (gone to a new home after13 years)

Herts Branch Member
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Shed_Jensen
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Post by Shed_Jensen »

Hi All,

Thanks for the replies so far, I'm looking for as good a car as I can get, I thought 3k would get me a fully restored, or excellent original saloon? or am I too over-optimistic.

I'm in West London.

Cheers,

Steve
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ASL642
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Post by ASL642 »

I think that perhaps £3,500 - £4,000 would be a more realistic figure if you're after a fully restored and upgraded car, only my opinion though. We have a North London/Middx branch based around the Enfield area. They may be able to help in your search or at least show you different cars and what to look for. The contact is Roger Burrows email christine burrows at btinternetdot com.

Hope this helps :)

Lou Rocke
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StaffsMoggie
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Post by StaffsMoggie »

Welcome! Lovely cars there, I have had a few P6Bs but never a P5 sadly!

Minors are perfectly happy with the 1098 engine, they have the best combination of performance and economy. 1275 conversions can be fun if done well but as you have a couple of high performance classics there I expect you will be happy with a Minor to standard spec.

The drum brake system is fine on a standard car, but relies on regular adjustment. Do this and disc conversions are not required. An alternator can be a good idea, but I have found the standard dynamo to be fine until they need replacing, it can be cheaper to fit an alternator.

For 3000 quid you will be able to get a superb car if you look around, there are many sound ones around for half that but be careful and check the structure of any potential purchase very thoroughly. Worn mechanical components are no problem if the car is priced well.

Personally I prefer the 4 door car, but thats just my opinion of course.
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LouiseM
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Post by LouiseM »

The London South / Central branch are probably nearer to you than the North London / Middlesex one.

They meet at the Telegraph pub, Telegraph Road, Putney Heath SW15 on the first wednesday of the month. Contact Lucy Brown 0208 392 1119


Eric - 1971 Traveller
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ASL642
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Post by ASL642 »

Thanks Lou - couldnt work out which was nearer!

Lou Rocke
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Lou
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Post by Lou »

The Chertsey Branch are probably a bit far out...
(That's what people say, anyway :D )

3 Lous in a row - reminds me of the National Rally... :o
Lou
Runnymede (Chertsey) Branch Contact
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ASL642
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Post by ASL642 »

Hopefully those really nice designer ones with steps!!! :D

Lou Rocke
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rayofleamington
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Post by rayofleamington »

£3k should get you a VERY good saloon, but certainly not a concours car. In that price range you can find anything from a wreck with shiny paint to a very very good car. Whichever car you think of buying, you really need it checked by a Minor enthusiast - there are a lot of not-so-obvious things that can be costly in the long run.
Ray. MMOC#47368. Forum moderator.

Jan 06: The Minor SII Africa adventure: http://www.minor-detour.com
Oct 06: back from Dresden with my Trabant 601 Kombi
Jan 07: back from a month thru North Africa (via Timbuktu) in a S3 Landy
June 07 - back from Zwickau Trabi Treffen
Aug 07 & Aug 08 - back from the Lands End to Orkney in 71 pickup
Sept 2010 - finally gave up breaking down in a SII Landy...
where to break down next?
2013... managed to seize my 1275 just by driving it round the block :(
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Shed_Jensen
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Post by Shed_Jensen »

Thanks for all the replies. I am looking for the nicest car possible so if anyone knows any good cars around please send me a message. Cash waiting (and burning a hole) for the right car. Would consider a traveller and convertible (obviously for a few more quid :)) :D

Cheers,

Steve
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ASL642
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Post by ASL642 »

Try Practical Classics - saw a nice Class 1 in that, you may have to travel a bit to find the right one - one iI saw advertised was in Yorkshire

Lou Rocke
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bmcecosse
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Post by bmcecosse »

Here's a nice looking Traveller on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Morris-Minor-Trav ... dZViewItem
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