Buying my first classic car

[Lee96]

Hi all,
I will be going to look at a late 60s minor 1098 this weekend, and if all goes well I might be driving it 2 and a half hours home. I have watched and read a lot of buyers guides so know to look out for rust especially around the spring mounts and inside the wheel arches, leaks, and to make sure all the moving parts move as they should, the electrics work. Is there anything else to pay particular attention to or anything that doesn't tend to look bad but can be a major job to fix?

Also I have never driven a classic car before, so other than the obvious things like the brakes not being as sharp as newer cars, no power steering etc... is there anything to know about driving one for the first time? I have ridden some classic bikes but not for a while and never at more than 30mph, so I don't know how much help that will be to me.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[simmitc]

Until you get used to the car, don't believe the fuel gauge or the speedo. Fill up before a 2.5 hour journey and watch your speed in lower limits.

Check the tyres for date code and cracking. Check the oil and water before starting the engine. Ask the check the brake fluid level. A lot depends on how the car has been used before you buy it.

[Classiccars]

Take tools fuel water and phone numbers at least.

[Lee96]

Until you get used to the car, don't believe the fuel gauge or the speedo. Fill up before a 2.5 hour journey and watch your speed in lower limits.

Check the tyres for date code and cracking. Check the oil and water before starting the engine. Ask the check the brake fluid level. A lot depends on how the car has been used before you buy it.

Thanks for the advice, I'm very used to fuel gauges that I can't trust, or no gauge at all on bikes, so at least that shouldn't be too bad. I hadn't thought about speed though, I will have a sat nav so I will make sure to keep an eye on that.

[Myrtles Man]

Don't ever try to change down into first unless the car is stationary as only the top three gears have synchro. You can of course do it by double de-clutching but that technique does take quite a bit of practice (and strong nerves as you will crunch the gears while you're mastering it!).

[Lee96]

Don't ever try to change down into first unless the car is stationary as only the top three gears have synchro. You can of course do it by double de-clutching but that technique does take quite a bit of practice (and strong nerves as you will crunch the gears while you're mastering it!).

That's going to take some getting used to, I can do it on a bike, but that's after a lot of practice. I think ill just stick to 2nd, 3rd and 4th while moving. I have been told by family who have driven minis with the A series engine that 2nd is fine even for coming to a near stop and getting moving again, I assume that's the case with the Minor as well?

[myoldjalopy]

I rarely use 1st gear in mine, certainly not changing down into 1st. Normally pull away in 2nd unless a very steep hill.