Buying a convertible

[Dylan]

Hello all,

We have decided to buy a convertible minor and I was hoping that I could pick up some advise on this board so as to not waste too much time. The site has been very useful for understanding what to look at when inspecting a car and what can go wrong.
I am looking for something that is fairly sound and wont require any major work. How much should I be looking to pay for this?
Prices online vary widely from 2-3k up to 14k, would I be able to get something fairly sorted for around 5K or is just asking for trouble.
Also there seem to be 3/4 dealers who have a good presence on web - is it better to buy from these types of business as opposed to a private deal as they seem to be offering 2-3 year structural guarantees.
If anyone can recommend a good car within reasonable traveling distance of Milton Keynes that would be outstanding. Ideally in white, blue or green.
Thank you in advance, and sorry for the basic questions.

Dylan.

[faversham999]

Be carefull there are few good cars and a lot of bad ones out there

[chickenjohn]

It would be a good idea to join your local branch.

Then ask around, there may be a nice car for sale within the club or someone who could come with you to view a potential purchase. Best being along a fellow club member who is experienced in restoration and knows how to tell a good repair from a bodge!

I went to see a nice traveller once for a friend, the car looked great on top- shiny paint, etc but the underside was all freshly applied sticky underseal hiding crunchy rust and dodgy welded repairs and bits of the boot floor literally hanging off.

The newest Minor is now 40 years old, so look VERY carefully, even at apparently nice cars.

[d_harris]

Hi Dylan

for 5k you should be able to get a well sorted convertible. If you are getting other people to have a look independantly then treat it as a reccomendation as to whether the car is worth viewing and make your own mind up before buying.

We have a properly sorted '63 conv which we will be selling in due course (doubt it will be in time for you though), probabally for around about that figure so keep your eyes open.

[Ondergard]

would I be able to get something fairly sorted for around 5K or is just asking for trouble.

Canterbury Convertibles seem to have a good rep, and sell what look like good, well-restored convertibles for that sort of money.
Otherwise, ask Jonathan Heap at JLH Restorations. He's not a million miles away from you, in the Daventry area.

[kjm]

Good luck with the search , Minor tourers are hard to beat on a summers day .

[Declan_Burns]

Good luck with the search , Minor tourers are hard to beat on a summers day .

Couldn't agree more!
Get the best bodywork you can find-it's first priority-the mechanics are simple.
Regards
Declan

[Dylan]

Thank you for all your comments. I'll certainly look into joining the club, which area does Milton Keynes fall into?

Also if anyone does know of a vehicle they think meets my criteria could you please let me know.

Many thanks

Dylan