Possible Purchase? Thoughts please...

[Tilley31]

Hi guys,

I'm still on my search for my first moggy (& first ever car!) however being new to this whole process and still learning what I can about this car I am unsure of what's a good deal and what's not.

I have found this one (albeit quite a way away from me) hence the reason I need to be sure before viewing.
Is it a good price? I've been told they'd let it go for £4500 (after fitting another wing mirror).

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221262055289? ... 1438.l2649
(lots of pictures supplied further down on the ad).

Any help appreciated
Tilley x

[dalebrignall]

looks a nice shiney car but whats it like underneath thats the place you need to look for rust take someone with you to look in all the places they rot ,the structure must be sound first ,shiny second .

[busguy]

Surely someone not too far from Leeds can check it out for you. If I were nearer I would have cast an eye over it for you.
The car looks very tidy, but as the previous post stated, it is the underside rust that is the main issue to look out for. The price is a garage 'retail' price, and might be a little high, but values are rising. If it is what you are looking for, and will give you a few years trouble-free motoring, then it might be the one for you.

On the face of it, it does look a professional operation that is selling it. Most of their 100% feedback scores are ex-fleet cars and they were honest about that in the text, but I spotted a 1953 Minor in there with a positive comment.

Good luck with the purchase.

[lambrettalad]

Body work is 100 times easier to fix against ROT, you need to see the underneath the carpets and the car ,wheel arches etc.

body looks good ,from afar

remember under the law it's "buyer beware" and these people are experienced dealers ,not your friends etc they want your money.

I can't see their feedback %

and would like to see their pictures of underneath

well worth a visit

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

It looks swell but the only problem is it is at dealer price - thus a good grand or more expensive than it would be in a private sale.

I trust you are aware of the need for daily oil level checks and regular maintenance?

As lambrettalad says these dealers are out to make money; the ideal is an enthusiast maintained car, but you might be waiting months for the 'right' one.

[bmcecosse]

Doesn't look too clever in the underbonnet pictures... Dynamo is running out of line/battery fitted dangerously wrong way round/rust only too obvious/engine looking 'sad'. And tellingly - NO pictures of where it really matters -UNDERNEATH the car- or under the carpets - or in the boot floor area..... Personally - I would avoid...I think it is way overpriced for what it is. They 'would let it go' hahahahaha. Is this the Co who buy off ebay and then a week later advertise them for twice the price?

[Tilley31]

Thank you to everyone for your kind advice - I really appreciate it. I think in light of what everyone has said I'm going to leave this one. I just can't take the risk and not sure it's worth travelling all the way to Leeds to view.

I would much rather purchase through this site from a trusted enthusiast.

Thank you guys
x

[mike.perry]

beware fresh underseal

[irmscher]

looks very expensive try your local mmoc branch

[moggiethouable]

You really shouldnt be paying more than 2.5 to 3k for a good 2 door.
In my opinion of course,
geographically where are you?
your local branch members will put you on to a good vehicle.

[Tilley31]

Hi folks,

Thanks for the new advice

I'm Northampton based and can't get around easily (I'd need to train/coach to any viewings if a lift wasn't available so ideally will view to buy). I'm looking for a MM 1000 2 or 4 door in porcelain green, light blue or maybe the biscuit/grey/peat colour. I'll be a first time buyer and driver so my reserve of cash for any repairs will be pretty low; hence the need to get the purchase right.

Any recommendations & pointers very welcome!
Also, any idea how much it will cost me to insure? I'll be 32 by the time I've passed (I don't have a garage either, I have a space slightly off road to park next to my flat currently).

Thanks,
Tilley x

[Tiny]

Hey Tiley,
I found the Guide on this site to purchasing a Minor was a life saver. Gave me the pointers of exactly where to look for the rust on the underside / cross-member / chassis legs etc.
For insurance, its cheaper than you think with a classic, Try calling Footman James explain your situation and ask them to give you a quote (also ask them what discount they would apply if you were to become a MMOC member - worth 26 quid i say) at least that way you have an idea on price.
Dont forget though with some classic insurance policies you don't accrue no claims bonus (which is fine as the price tends to start fairly low), and lets face it once you have a Moggie why would you want anything different

[lambrettalad]

Another benefit of membership is the big discount the RAC give you by being a member ,worth the membership alone

[Tilley31]

Thanks guys

All this info is helping a lot!

[Tilley31]

Another one for consideration?
Thoughts please

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

Thank you,
Tilley x

[busguy]

Looks expensive.
Small item, but painted hub caps put me right off.
Underside is what matters. What's the 'restoration' hidden?

[DaisyMayFozz]

Nice, but for that money I would want a better presented engine bay, rattle canned engine and grotty inner wings, not to mention the rather tatty air hose, and as said, the painted hubcaps are rather tacky.

[Dominic]

Tilley, for insurance try RH Insurance. I found them way cheaper than Footman James, at £80 for the year (ok I'm an old f*rt at 58) when I had my Minor last year. The price remained the same when I swapped over to an MG Midget, then reduced to £70 upon renewal in June! (you also retain the salvage if it's written off - very important for a classic car)
Dom.[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

And you don't need to waste money on RAC membership - since roadside and recovery are automatically included with RH insurance.....

[Tilley31]

Thank you Dom!! Great advice