Am I Mad?

[badger]

Hello all,

I have just joined the club and forum for some advice before I buy my first Morris Minor!

Having driven for 20 years and only had 3 cars I thought that, as my current trusty 1994 Corsa is on its last legs that I should buy something a lot more interesting. I only use my car to go back and forth to work in and occasioanlly at weekends so probably only do 150 miles a week, I have a garage to keep it in, my wife has a company car in case we need to do any serious motorway mileage, so I thought that a Minor might fit the bill... I have my heart set on a traveller as a friend restored one years ago and I think that it will be slightly more practial for me, as with two small children to ferry about there's usually something crammed in the boot.
I am a joiner, NOT a mechanic, although will be happy to get stuck in when needed. I have very little spare time as my wife and I both work and we have a 2 year old and 5 year old to run around after when not at work.

So the question is: Am I mad? Will I be able to buy a decent Traveller that I can rely on day to day to get me to work and back without me spending lots of time on the roadside trying to fix things? Will it be practical for me to use on the school run (seat belts, safety)? What should I look for/avoid? How much would I need to spend?

I know that's a lot of questios for a first post, but I thought I'd get them all in at the start!
I live near Usk in South Wales so if anyone is nearby and willing to help with advice or willing to let me come and see their car and find out what's what I would really appreciate it...

Thanks

[Kevin]

Hi Badger and welcome aboard and no you are not mad and a well maintaned Moggie will more than cope with that sort of mileage, as for being a joiner Dennis will probably reply as he is also a joiner and has used Moggies for transport for years.
A Traveller will be more practical and I assume looking after the woodwork would not be a problem for you a half decent Traveller will cost £2,500 - £4,000 and as long as its serviced a couple of times a year they are very reliable.
You may be lucky as regards some local advice as there are a couple of posters from the South Wales area and the local branch is
Wales South
Meeting Day/Time: First Wednesday, 8.00 pm.
Location: The Barn, Llantrisant, Glamorgan.
Website: http://sites.google.com/site/swmmoc/Morris Minor Owners Club
And there should be someone there who can offer local guidance, if you look in the technical tips section (its in the l/h column) there are some pointers as well.
Good luck with your search and welcome to the wonderful world of Moggies

[MColes]

Hello Badger and welcome to the forum.

I'm a member of the South Wales Branch and I'm sure there are plenty of people there (including myself) who are willing to help you. As Kevin says our meetings are the first Wednesday of the month down at The Barn in Llantrisant although we do tend to meet nearer the 7:30 mark now as some members have small children.

Next week is our AGM so I'm not sure how much "car talk" will be going on but it would still be worth your while popping along and asking any questions you might have. A member has recently bought a traveller which I think he uses as his everyday car, so should be parked outside the pub on Wednesday and hopefully someone will show you over it and give you some pointers.

[billlobban]

Yes you are - confirmed by the fact youve posted on this forum - were all mad as hatters around here some - more than others
Seriously though a Minor can and does make reliable every day transport, parts are cheap and everything is available and someone on here knows everything about them. Buy carefully preferrably taking someone from the local branch who has a good working knowledge of Minors along with you.
They are great fun so enjoy

PS Joiner?- If you are ever in the far north I need some help with my woodwork

[santadawes]

Hi Badger.
Another Welsh branch member here. Your not mad. You must be raving mad. What you doing driving a Corsa...

Your very welcome to attend any of our branch meetings at the barn. we meet in the upstairs part.
Where in South Wales are you from?
Santa.

[millerman]

PM sent

[bmcecosse]

Everyday care of the wood structure will be the problem - but not for you I assume ? Protect the timber well - and make sure the drain holes are kept clear. There is no reason why a Minor should be any less reliable than any other car - unless you neglect it of course. And yes - with the fold down rear seats - they are very practical vehicles.

[Kevin]

Hi Badger.
Where in South Wales are you from?
Santa.

Santa you are getting like me you need new specs, from his posting
I live near Usk in South Wales

[limegreen]

I'm in Chepstow and St Briavels, there's also a nice trav in St Briavels that is very well maintained, so I can ask the guy that owns it - if you'd like to have a look? Mine is always around the Chepstow and Monmouth area, so if you're ever nearby and fancy a poke at a 4 door saloon, do feel free to PM me.

[santadawes]

Hi Kevin. Sorry I did miss you too.
Santa.

[Kevin]

Hi Santa I know how you feel I often miss myself, although there are some that say its not surprising

[badger]

OK, OK I am mad!

Having only been around on here for a week I'd just like to say how fantasticly helpful and friendly everyone is!

I met a few of you at Caldicot Castle on Sunday, and the day before 'millerman' (who lives about a mile away), not only gave me a tour of his car inside and out and underneath to show me what to look for, but even came to Bath with me yesterday to look at a Traveller! Your expert opinion was MUCH appreciated Colin.

Am still looking for my traveller but fingers crossde it wont be too long before the right car comes up....

[millerman]

Thanks and for the pint in the Half Way

[badger]

I'm afraid I can't make the meeting tomorrow night so will have to wait until next month

You never know, I might have a Traveller by then

[santadawes]

Ok good luck with your search.