Morris Minor Owners Club

I'll just tell you its crap

Do you feel that passionate about Tim?... Do you want another car?

Yes
Yes
No room

Yes
Yes
No Money

Keep your approach of "more fish in the sea" and I agree with the other posters go and view the car yourself as this is the only way to get a good look at what is required and whether the seller is genuine. Also if you can take someone with you - we are all the same and wear rose tinted specatcles - when it is a car we really want. A 2nd opinion might sway your choice.

Also you will get a lot of work done for £1500 especially if you can do some work yourself. I speak from experience as before I commenced my restoration I looked at several cars that had supposedly been "looked after with no expense" "careful owners" and some even had MOT's but they were all in a very poor state. With mine I knew what was wrong and now I have a structurally solid Saloon. Time has run away with me a bit but then it's my time

yes is agree you could get a lot done for £1500 to your car and like others have said you know the car well

Although I trust Louise's judgement not sure if I'd want to buy a car I haven't see myself.

I agree - never buy a car that you haven't seen yourself. I can obviously inspect it for you and point out the good and bad points, and highlight any potential problems, but I assume you would then make a judgement about whether to travel the distance to inspect it yourself.

Hopefully you'll get some better pictures tomorrow

As you are definately set on getting rid of Tim I'd get the chassis legs sorted first as it will be easier to sell a car that's in roadworthy condition than one that's not.

As you are definately set on getting rid of Tim I'd get the chassis legs sorted first as it will be easier to sell a car that's in roadworthy condition than one that's not.

I know it'd be better to get them sorted but I haven't got the time, skills or the money if I want to buy another car.

I'd rather sell him to someone on here but if I'm forced to I'll have to sell him to the guy who is selling the car I'd like to buy.

Also if you can take someone with you - we are all the same and wear rose tinted specatcles - when it is a car we really want. A 2nd opinion might sway your choice.

Spoke to one of the guys in out local car club. He's also willing to come with me to take a look at the car. His day job used to be fabricating parts and welding, he's restored quite a few cars in his time

So that will mean I have Louise's, his and my own (for what its worth) opinion. Hopefully between us we'll see any potential problems .

Well done a good move roping in a mate, make sure he doesn't let slip that he can repair/fabricate parts. If you have one or can borrow one take a trolley jack and two axle stands and a good torch to look at the underside and inner wings. If the seller will let you have a poke around with a scraper or screwdriver and make sure that the chassis legs, xmembers, floors (inc boot) sills, and spring hangers are in good order if not use them as negotiating points or walk away if you don't want this kind of work todo. Check all registration and MOT documents.

Dip the engine oil and check the coolant before starting the engine and the engine should burst into life fairly easily as long as the battery is good. Brakes should also be free and pedal firm.

Hope I haven't missed anything important and apologies if I am telling you stuff you already know. Above all don't apppear too keen, be prepared to walk away remember how hard you have to work to raise the cash when negotiating. Ready cash is always a good incentive if a seller wants to move quickly.

Finally whether you buy the car or not you will be owe your mate a bacon roll, sticky bun and a cuppa at least. Good luck

MColes wrote: Spoke to one of the guys in out local car club. His day job used to be fabricating parts and welding, he's restored quite a few cars in his time

Pay hime to fix Tim up

He's offered to do it for free. But he's recently had a heart-by-pass and is on light duties for the forcible future. Although he's offered I don't want to risk his health as he is worth more than any car

The seller is sending me photos via email, it's taking him a while but will upload them as he sends them. Here's what I got so far. There not brilliant as it was raining (as you can see ).

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Looks clean enough and the xmember looks good but can't say much else. have a good look and take photos yourself you can always post them up after you have been to see it.

The seller says that he replaced the xmember when he restored the car.

Some more photos...
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more...
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Looking at the photos am I right in thinking that the oil filter has been converted to the spin on type?

Yes it does look like the spin off type - no bad thing just depend on how orginal you want it.
I am guessing you aren't expecting a perfect car given the price tag but have a good look at the front n/s inner wing as there seems to be some rust in this area and the rear inner wings have been painted so check this isn't hiding anything. Apart from this it looks OK - no pics of the interior though?

The seller forgot to take pics of the interior. He wanted to get out of the pouring rain

How can I check if the rear wings are hiding anything?

Would you say it's worth the money? Obviously a personal inspection is required to give the full picture.

Morris wise you don't get a lot for £1500.00. If you and your mate are happy that the structural work done is to a good standard and that you are buying a genuine car that is roadworthy (don't assume anything from an MOT) and will fit your needs then you will have to make up your mind if it is worth £1500. At this price you will maybe have some work to attend to possibly a good service and some rust prevention measures and cosmetic tidying up.

A good tip is to have a checklist and stick too it as it is easy to forget what it is you want to check or any questions you want to ask. Don't let the seller distract you if he/she doesn't leave you to concentrate then just ask them for 5mins peace to look the car over. They won't leave you alone but let you geton with checking the car over. Also ask your mates advice on what work is required if any and would he part with £1500 for the car. Just keep your feet on the ground and don't be afraid to start negotiating even if you do feel the price is OK. £100 off will go towards something else. I don't know what you do for a living but like I said earlier remember how hard you have to work for your money and make sure you can walk away if the deal isn't suiting you there will be other cars.
Hope this helps and good luck