Newbie with a Buying Question?

Post by **DuncanBeaumont** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 4:16 pm

I would very much like to buy a Minor, but don't know the first thing about the vetting procedure.

I have heard of a car which is for sale. Rather than ask, what may be private questions in a public forum, is there anyone I can email to find out if the car or owner are known?

Post by **rayofleamington** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 4:48 pm

I wouldn't worry about asking on the public forum.

If there's any 'negative' feedback that can be done by PM (private message). Private sellers are unlikely to be known unless they already use the forum - but you never know.

Post by **Jefftav** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 4:53 pm

HI, Don't know what you mean by "the vetting procedure" as far as I know knowone vets potential Morris Owners? There are companies that will do a vehicle inspection for you if you are worried about the cars condition or what the seller has told you. If you want to ask questions about a specific owner/car then that might be tricky on an open forum as even by PM you don't really know who is on the other end. This is quite a friendly site so you can post questions about the type of Morris you are after (Saloon/Traveller/Van etc) and how much you can spend if you want one that requires restoration etc... Then members can sometimes point you in the right direction of known cars.

If you are worried about a sellers reliability or what they have told you about their car then walk away as there are plenty of cars at reasonable prices available at the moment.

Say where you are based as your best bet is probably to speak to someone in a local branch to ask basic questions for the price a beer or three and they may even be able to help with an inspection.

Hope this is useful.

Post by **DuncanBeaumont** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 9:29 pm

Hi, by "vetting procedure" I actually meant the car, not the seller - of course, it could equally apply to the vendor couldn't it? I suppose the local branch is the logical way to go. I was really thinking whether anyone on the forum would know the car or the vendor.

I am in Surrey.

Post by **ASL642** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 9:39 pm

If you have any pictures of the car post them on - as you say someone may recognise the car.

Post by **DuncanBeaumont** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 7:08 am

I don't know how to do images. I hope this link works, it's a white convertible near Swindon.

http://www.morrisminorsforsale.com/car- ... d-509.html

Post by **wibble_puppy** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 8:09 am

Yeah your link worked - good job

Welcome to the forum, btw

I would ask to see a few more photos of the car, preferably including the underneath, and definitely including the engine bay. A genuine vendor won't have anything to hide, if they are asking the right price for the car.

"excellent condition for age of car" could mean just about anything - depends on your expectation of what condition a car of that age can be in. Some people would expect a 48-year-old car to be in pretty rough condition, not realising that if a Minor has been looked after properly then it can be in pretty good nick. At 98000 miles that car could be a good one. It looks very shiny but don't necessarily go on that as sometimes cars can be given a quick spray job to make them look cosmetically gorgeous, but are basket cases underneath.

Ask if it was a factory-made convertible or if it was originally a standard saloon and was later converted. A later conversion isn't necessarily disastrous, it depends how it was done and by whom.

If you know the registration you can do a quick check with the DVLA to make sure it hasn't been stolen (see the Useful Tips section of the forum for details).

Definitely say hi at your local branch if you can, or failing that I'm sure someone on here will be able to have a look at the car with or for you.

Good luck with your hunt and keep us posted!

wibble

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 8:56 am

Don't rely on the 'valuation' of that Reg number! Value the car as it is - assume nothing for Reg number. In these hard times I'm sure a good 'deal' can be negotiated - or walk away. Make sure it comes with a brand new MOT. And for that value of car - I think an AA inspection is justified.

Post by **Kevin** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:27 am

If you click on the branches link and go to area 6 your local branch is Runnymead (used to be Chertsey branch) one of the board posters Lou is a branch member, there are quite a few surrey posters.

Post by **aupickup** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 6:25 pm

it does say 11 months mot,

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 7:39 pm

Strictly - it says 11 months Tax and MOT. So yes one could assume 11 months MOT - but that's not exactly what it says. It would need to be checked!

Post by **DuncanBeaumont** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 8:26 pm

I have just heard from the vendor, the car is now sold!

My thanks to all of you for your helpful advice.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 8:48 pm

He who hesitates - is lost! Good cars sell well.