Morris Minor Owners Club

Hello!

Does this seem like a good buy? The paintwork looks a bit tatty, I'm not sure how much re-sprays are but I can do that miles in the future I'm more concerned about the underside...

Owner says it has had welding work done and it runs ok but "needs some more touching up so needs a new owner who will consider this car as an ongoing project!"

I'm thinking of going to have a look at it, any tips on what to watch out for? I don't mind doing as much work as I can manage with zero experience but will probably need it on the road and running.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MORRIS-MINOR-1000 ... 500wt_1156

Thanks everyone!

Take a fridge magnet and screwdriver with you and check the sills, spring mounts bootwell etc. take it for a drive never buy without driving it, listen to it as you drive windows up and windows down, check the brakes stop the car and that it accellerates and decelerates through the gears with out difficulty or noise, whining from the diff.
You really want to focus on the structure of the car as the mechanics are so easy to sort out. definately contact your local branch if you are new to minors and ask if someone would be willing to see the car with you.

RobMoore wrote:Take a fridge magnet and screwdriver with you and check the sills, spring mounts bootwell etc. take it for a drive never buy without driving it, listen to it as you drive windows up and windows down, check the brakes stop the car and that it accellerates and decelerates through the gears with out difficulty or noise, whining from the diff.
You really want to focus on the structure of the car as the mechanics are so easy to sort out. definately contact your local branch if you are new to minors and ask if someone would be willing to see the car with you.

sills are the bits under the door aren't they? (the kind of "flick" bit? edit : or the "holey" bit when you open the door?)

It might be a stupid question... but can I drive it without insurance?? How should I get in contact with the local branch? They have some email addresses on their contact page http://www.manchester.mmoc.org.uk/page38.html would that be a sensible place to ask?

Thanks for the help, it is very much appreciated

remove the sill covers so you can see inside them they are the bits at the bottom of the door gap and poke underneath really you would want an MOT so you have some degree of confidence but any test is only a snapshot of a car and things can go wrong within weeks.
Assuming your in Manchester then pop along and meet them, Meeting Day/Time: 4th Tuesday, 8.00 pm.
Location: The Old Ship Inn, Altrincham Road, Styal, Cheshire but thats another few weeks away. so yes contact using their website info, probably Tony and 1 other incase away on vacation or something.
Read this http://www.mmoc.org.uk/index.php?page=310 and http://www.mmoc.org.uk/index.php?page=334 will be of help. If a branch member cannot view with you then hopefully you know someone locally who has a classic car that can help.

I'd be wary about poking around with a screwdriver... I'd be a bit pee'd off if someone bashed around my underside with a sharp object.. then walked off. Push hard with fingers and thumbs, squeeze chassis legs etc. Any crunching or weaknesses will need repairing.

Ask to see the last MOT certificate to see if there were any advisories. Be suspicious that they are selling now as they feel it won't get through another MOT.

You can check the MOT history online... ask for the relevant documents to enable you to do this check. You could do this with them present on their PC. Any genuine seller would co-operate quite willingly.

ONLY consider this car if they agree to put a NEW MOT on it. Never buy a car with less than 9 months MOT.. You absolutely must see underneath to inspect all this welding..... As it stands - it looks expensive, and that's with 'reserve not met'........

Be very careful this guy only bought it in november 10 so obviously its not that good and wants to clear it out . i also think you may find the seller has more than one account

irmscher wrote:Be very careful this guy only bought it in november 10 so obviously its not that good and wants to clear it out . i also think you may find the seller has more than one account

Good spot! Never thought about checking that. The seller has only ever bought 5 items too, never sold...

:/ maybe I should stay clear.


Cheers for the advice everyone

Also there are no pictures at all of the engine bay. I viewed one last week that had a full year's MOT - it had no air cleaner, and no oil in the dashpot and when started ran like a dog! The seller was a garage!! Check everything

I think you will find he is a dealer from home and not a very good one keep well away