Should I get a morris minor (and how much should I spend)

[hanvyj]

I'm going to be starting a new job in September down in Bristol. Me and my girlfriend (soon to be wife ) were thinking of getting our first car - I've always wanted a morris minor and I have managed to persuade her.

I'm trying to find out as much information as possible before hand... Although this is probably the most bias place to ask if I should, I am in mind to get persuaded to get one.

So, I know tax is free mpg reasonable and insurance is cheap, but does anyone know what kind of money it takes to keep one healthy? It will be our only car - but I will probably live close to work and have my bike so if it is unusable for a few weeks or more a year it wont be too much trouble. I may not be able to find rent a property with a garage.

How much would be a good amount to pay, there seems to be four major classes you can buy. A wreak thats going to be a couple of years hard work to get on the road for a couple of hundred, one that failed an MOD and needs a little bit of work for up to £1000, passed MOT but will probably require work for £1-3000 and the ones which have had decent welding and are all shiny £4-6000.

I don't have a lot of money to throw about, so spending £2000 on a car is pretty big. Do people reckon I should wait until I have saved up some more. I'd hate to have some characterless normal car and then it end up costing just as much!

Thanks!

[beero]

You obviously want one so buy one in the 1K - 3K bracket and then spend out what you would have lost in depreciation on a modern car to keep improving it.

[TomLS]

I've just bought one for £4850. Its very shiny and totally solid, but from the extensive research I did the figures you quote seem accurate.
If you're handy the £3k bracket will see you something servicable but not pretty. It depends what you're after.
I already have a project car which is constantly undergoing upgrades and repairs, and I didn't want another one. If you're willing to put in the time I think you could spend £2k for a runner (read: MOT passer) but be prepared for some fairly constant maintenance.

Having said that, I'm no expert (yet) so others replies will confirm/deny my thoughts...

[bmcecosse]

You should get a perfectly serviceable car for ~£1000 - it won't win any prizes at shows, but it should give you transport. But make SURE you get a full new MOT with the car!

[RobMoore]

Having run a minor for the past 12 months as my daily driver I can tell you based on my experience.
You would not be likeley to lose much if anything when selling it on.
You have to keep on top of it, keep the underside protected.
They are very easy to work on mechanically and are also very very reliable.
rust is your enemy dont be afraid to poke about in nooks and crannies when looking at potential buys.
Focus on finding a car that is structurely in resonable nick and not falling apart, do not worry to much about mechanicals as these are really easy to maintain.
A minor is more than upto the task of being a daily driver. consider finding one with a 1275cc lump in will make keeping up with modern traffic easier.
You do not need to be spending any more than 2K for a road worthy example and the users of this forum and the other one are very helpful you find using the search function, just about any issue that you have will be covered. Do not assume shiney = good I know of several tatty cars that are in very good nick underneath and we have seen shiney examples of so called restored cars turning out to be structurley dangerous.
I would advise that you take someone along with you to any viewings and if you thinking about one thats far away contact the local branch to see if there is someone willing to check the car for you.

[hanvyj]

Having run a minor for the past 12 months as my daily driver I can tell you based on my experience.
You would not be likeley to lose much if anything when selling it on.
You have to keep on top of it, keep the underside protected.
They are very easy to work on mechanically and are also very very reliable.
rust is your enemy dont be afraid to poke about in nooks and crannies when looking at potential buys.
Focus on finding a car that is structurely in resonable nick and not falling apart, do not worry to much about mechanicals as these are really easy to maintain.
A minor is more than upto the task of being a daily driver. consider finding one with a 1275cc lump in will make keeping up with modern traffic easier.
You do not need to be spending any more than 2K for a road worthy example and the users of this forum and the other one are very helpful you find using the search function, just about any issue that you have will be covered. Do not assume shiney = good I know of several tatty cars that are in very good nick underneath and we have seen shiney examples of so called restored cars turning out to be structurley dangerous.
I would advise that you take someone along with you to any viewings and if you thinking about one thats far away contact the local branch to see if there is someone willing to check the car for you.

I was actually asking if yours was still for sale on the for sale board! I'm not too fussed about the look of the thing and I was worried about the engine size considering I may want to driver back home to Yorkshire every now and again.

How much are you asking for yours? Shame the MOT has run out, would it be possible to get it renewed? - not sure how I would get it back (to manchester at the moment!)

Thanks for everyones advice - I forgot about depreciation, makes the decision easier as its less of a gamble!

[RobMoore]

I was actually asking if yours was still for sale on the for sale board! I'm not too fussed about the look of the thing and I was worried about the engine size considering I may want to driver back home to Yorkshire every now and again.

How much are you asking for yours? Shame the MOT has run out, would it be possible to get it renewed? - not sure how I would get it back (to manchester at the moment!)

Thanks for everyones advice - I forgot about depreciation, makes the decision easier as its less of a gamble!

Ill be honest with you matey, I wont be putting any test on it unless the wife says I can keep him, I dont really want to sell but she who must be obeyed says I can have only 1 car. So I'm hoping she comes round soon hence I aint put it on ebay yet nor have I been pushing for a sale. Hopefully when were out in the 2 seater and the heavens open up and we both get soaked she will realise we need to keep the morris . that said if someone waved cash under me hooter I would have to let him go.

[RobMoore]

Oh and since it has note been mentioned in the thread yet.
Parts are still wideley available you can get just about anything for these cars be it new old stock, heritage, pattern or second hand.
I would say go for it, make sure you see plenty and when viewing always look for a reason to walk way. pop down to you local club branch and chat to the members there may well be something near to you in your budget.

[hanvyj]

I was actually asking if yours was still for sale on the for sale board! I'm not too fussed about the look of the thing and I was worried about the engine size considering I may want to driver back home to Yorkshire every now and again.

How much are you asking for yours? Shame the MOT has run out, would it be possible to get it renewed? - not sure how I would get it back (to manchester at the moment!)

Thanks for everyones advice - I forgot about depreciation, makes the decision easier as its less of a gamble!

Ill be honest with you matey, I wont be putting any test on it unless the wife says I can keep him, I dont really want to sell but she who must be obeyed says I can have only 1 car. So I'm hoping she comes round soon hence I aint put it on ebay yet nor have I been pushing for a sale. Hopefully when were out in the 2 seater and the heavens open up and we both get soaked she will realise we need to keep the morris . that said if someone waved cash under me hooter I would have to let him go.

Thats a shame - I don't know how I'd get it home.

[irmscher]

I have a lovely one owner traveller on the forum from today and only in Stockport or just come and have a look to make sure you want one you dont have to buy mine

[hanvyj]

I have a lovely one owner traveller on the forum from today and only in Stockport or just come and have a look to make sure you want one you dont have to buy mine

I'd rather had my heart set on a saloon, looks like a beautiful traveler though, I may consider taking a look anyway!

Cheers

[rayofleamington]

It's already been mentioned but I'll say it again. The shinyness of the paintwork bears no relation to how good the car is.

Engine, gearbox, brakes - you need a good drive in it to see if they're behaving properly.
Structural parts of the shell - you need someone who's fixed a few rotten cars to look at it to tell if it's good or bad. The reason I say that is people who've had & fixed rotten cars is that they really will know what to look for!

a 1098 engine and standard box is absolutely fine for an everyday driver. Upgraded brakes are not essential but safety is worth the money - on an everyday car you are going to have to deal with face more unexpected moments than a sunny Sunday car. Driving with standard brakes will teach you how to drive very well - you need to anticipate much more as you can't take braking distance for granted. However for commuting, it's the general low standard of everyone's driving that can make you want better brakes, not to mention the bad day if/when you aren't 100% concentrating.

it's not easy to get a garage with the house when you're renting - however if you don't have a driveway, then you're going to struggle much more. Brakes need adjusting and front suspemnsion needs regular attention with the grease gun (recommended 300 miles but 1500 miles is wghat I'd do on a car that does short journeys). Regular maintenance is needed to keep proplems away - unlike a modern car, a Minor is NOT maintenance free. Jacking up the car to remove wheels etc.. isn't something you should be doing often in the street, so you need somewhere to service the car.


For £2k you should be able to get a very good Saloon. However you'll need to see quite a few poor cars before you find the right one.

[robberred1993]

You obviously want one so buy one in the 1K - 3K bracket and then spend out what you would have lost in depreciation on a modern car to keep improving it.

Genius

[RobMoore]

Happy to say I am now keeping mine insured today test next week

[hanvyj]

Happy to say I am now keeping mine insured today test next week

I noticed, been watching the for sale thread with envy. Its a beautiful car! I've decided to wait till I have moved to bristol (hopefully in the next two months) before I get one. The insurance will be cheaper as soon as I leave this area of Manchester, and there are usually more sales down south, so I can go check out any cars which look good.

Can't wait