Just starting my journey into MM land!

[busmanjohn]

I'm thinking about joining the MMOC as I have a deep-seated yearning to own a Morris Minor, but haven't taken the plunge yet! I hope to pick up a few tips and hints from the community here as I begin my journey.

I'm no stranger to classics - my first car was a Mk II Cortina (it wasn't a classic then, just old) and I owned a classic Mini for several years before it met its end in an argument with a 4x4. I loved the simplicity of the Mini but hated the lack of space in the engine bay! I don't have much in the way of workshop equipment, just the usual mechanical DIY bits and bobs so I'm not looking for a 'project' car.

Why do I want a Minor? Those who know me will say that I have a foot in the past, I suppose. I've always been interested in heritage transport and appreciate our great British motoring history. To have an active part in this scene is great therapy for someone who drives a computer all day long so, for the past few years, I've been a conductor on vintage buses in Somerset. I'm also aiming to take my bus driver's test this Spring.

As well as the MM's well-earned tag as a 'classic' I also love its simplicity, durability and relative affordability. The support network I see on this forum (I've been lurking for quite a while) is fantastic and I know where to come if I ever have a problem or need advice.

What have I done so far? Apart from browsing this forum, I've looked at Minors on Ebay, Autotrader and in the flesh at a certain MM specialist in Brislington, Bristol. I'm still saving my pennies at the moment so I'm not quite ready to buy, preferring to gather as much information as possible beforehand.

What am I looking for? A 2 or 4-door saloon, any colour except white. In good running order with tax and MOT. As long as it is structurally strong and mechanically fit I don't mind a few cosmetic blemishes. We are a 2-car family so this will be my 'runabout' and I'll use it for local journeys mainly as my wife's bog-standard Japanese car is best for long journeys and motorways.

Should I go to a specialist (like the one in Bristol) where, for more money I suspect, I can buy a car with a chassis guarantee or should I buy from Ebay? No, on reflection, that's not a good idea for a newbie. I could end up with something outwardly smart but with all kinds of hidden issues.

I'm looking for buying advice, as I'm sure you can tell, and I've already read the helpful sticky on this site about buying. Should I join the MMOC before buying and make friends with the folks at my local branch? I live and work in Torbay and I gather there's a group that meets in Exeter.

John.

[Neil MG]

my advice would not be to buy from a dealer as you will get MUCH more car for the same money privately. The most important thing is that you find someone who really knows their Minors to look at the car with you. Join your local club and let them know what you are after. By all means use the local dealer to look in detail at the cars and help you set a benchmark in terms of what you want, (but don't be fooled by the presentation or salemanship.) This will help when you look at potential cars to buy.

[bmcecosse]

Best buys are usually vehicles advertised on this forum - PROVIDED the seller has a goodly number of 'posts' against their name, and they haven't just come on here to sell a car. Some forums insist that folks offering anything for sale have a minimum number of posts under their belt - usually 150 or so. Not a bad idea and one that may be worth considering for this forum... Good luck with your search. Don't buy anything with less than a full year MOT...........

[busmanjohn]

Thank you for your prompt replies and good advice. I will join the MMOC and get in touch with my local branch.

John.

[mbo145]

Join the Morris Minor Owner's club first and get chatting to everyone at your local branch meeting!
As a member of the club you will be sent a Bi-monthly magzine, Minor Matters, there are lots of Morris Minors for sale in the magazine too!
My advise is to purchase a car that someone has restored, there are sometimes reasons why loved cars are sold. I have certainly known 2 and four door cars which have had £1,000s spent on them, for sale at around £2,000-£3,000.
If you are lucky there may be one in the Devon branch for sale.
Also keep an eye on ebay, as if you make friends in the local branch they may come with you to check out the Minors!
A friend of mine in Dorset sold his series 2 four door which was in great condition, for £2,500.
Good luck, I am sure you will find one soon
Phil

[beero]

Welcome to the forum. I wish you luck finding a car. When you join the club and meet the local members I am sure one of them will come and give any car a once over.

[LouiseM]

Welcome to the messageboard John Plenty of good advice here so best of luck with your search.

Some forums insist that folks offering anything for sale have a minimum number of posts under their belt - usually 150 or so. Not a bad idea and one that may be worth considering for this forum...

There are pros and cons to that approach Roy. You can end up with people posting loads of 'rubbish' messages - almost the equivalent of spam - just to get their message count up so that they can post an advert By the way, you've posted more than enough now if you want to advertise your traveller (not suggesting your posts are rubbish though, before anyone starts!)

I wouldn't necessarily dismiss a car out of hand just because the seller hadn't posted here much. I bought my current Minor from an advert on here and the seller had never posted on the messageboard before. Turned out to be a fairly long standing club member but it wasn't apparent from the advert, and not everyone is particularly internet savvy or the type who frequents messageboards. And we've also had posts here before from people who have been left a Minor following a bereavement so haven't had the need to frequent here previously. Best way to get a 'feel' for the seller is to ask plenty of questions and do the same when you go and inspect the car!

[bmcecosse]

Yes - I see the argument there - but I haven't seen any 'rubbish' posting on theminiforum just to boost post count. I suppode 'bereavement' sales could always be treated as special cases. Sell my Traveller?? Hopefully not - but SWMBO does suggest that (actually 'suggest' is not quite the right word....) more or less every week...........