Morris Minor Owners Club

I'm considering buying the following vehicle listed on ebay. Does anyone know the car? I'm a complete novice with no mechanical aptitude and the car does have some rust spots and bubbling on the rear doors, so I'm not sure whether it's the one for me or whether I should go for something in slightly better nick.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330819055781? ... 1438.l2649

the description seems detailed ,price if as said seems very fair.

Why not state your location and see if any one is near you or the car to take a closer look.

If you haven't already read it, take a look at this thread which offers advice to those thinking of buying a Minor: http://www.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=37815

It's very difficult to judge the condition of a car, or offer advice as to whether it is the car for you, just by looking at a couple of photos. Minors can be real rust traps so as a 'complete novice' when viewing a vehicle please take someone with you who has previous experience of Minors / 'older' vehicles and will know the areas to check. You don't give your location but as the car you are interested in is in Huntingdon it might be worth contacting the Cambridge MMOC branch to see if someone would mind checking the car over with you. The branch contact is Jean Fisher: jean.fisher (at) ntlworld.com

In your initial post here you mentioned that you had a budget of up to £4,000 to spend. You should be able to purchase a very nice saloon for that price so take your time when looking to make sure that you get a good one.

(ps: I moved this thread from the 'for sale' section as you are seeking information rather than advertising a car for sale)

Agree with Jagnut the rims do look like they came off an Austin Cambridge - they're too deep and not shaped. Looks a good buy though.

It seems to have had most of the usual rust traps renewed - hopefully done correctly. No mention of any engine/clutch/gearbox/axle work - so that may be coming along soon. Even so - that's all relatively cheap compared to rust repairs! As mentioned - tell us where you are - maybe someone is near to it and willing to give it a quick once over. On the other hand - the buy now price is not excessive - and the car could be snapped up at any time. If possible - GO AND SEE IT - with the money in your pocket. If you like it - buy it!!

If hes asking £1.5k the odds are he has a lower negotiable price in mind.
As you need to tidy it up a little perhaps you could get a couple of hundred knocked off for work required
As suggested, Try to find someone local, a friendly mechanic perhaps to go with you.
Is it worth spending the money on an AA check? (wait for the flack at that suggestion)
Remember when negotiating, "who asks questions leads"

The AA won't have a clue about it -and will list all manner of frightening faults..... It's an idea though that the MMOC may like to follow up - a network of keen/ competent owners who could be called on (for nominal 'expenses') to inspect cars for sale and issue an MM report!!

Thanks for all your replies chaps and ladies, it is very reassuring to a complete amateur like myself that there are so many friendly experts out there willing to give advice.

Sadly the lady who owns this car has not got back to me with a location and I am either going to have to buy it blind or err on the side of caution, so although I am dying to own my first Moggy I will probably have to give this one a miss. I will definitely be keeping an eye on the forums though, and fingers crossed will have my perfect Moggy by Christmas.

Err on the side of caution, I'd say it's unusual for sellers not to communicate.

From the bid history I think she probably has at least two other people interested and it is creeping up to the 'buy it now' price so I am expecting it to go in the next day or so anyway. Still, you never know, and if she gets back to me tomorrow I will try to get out and have a look at it.

As a post script, this sold for £1501 in the end. I hope it's as good as it looks for the buyers sake.
Best wishes,
Mike.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330819055781? ... 1423.l2649

Don't worry and don't lose heart!! - there are still plenty of very good cars available and probably nearer to you than this one was. Keep looking on the classic car for sale websites too as these change regularly. Also don't forget to look in Minor Matters as well. Let us know where you are located so we can keep our eyes open in case we see one. You can edit your profile to include your location. Good luck

You can edit your profile to include your location

That's a good point actually, how do you edit your profile?
I've looked before and not seen how you do it.
Best wishes,
Mike.

Go into User Control Panel on Message Board home page, press profile tab and the scroll down to location and add - don't forget to press submit when you have finished adding stuff

Keep on looking
that car you want is out there somewhere
waiting for you with your name on it
but slowly not to rush into

How strange, this car is/was actually about 2 minutes from where I live - I've seen it around many times and I think I spoke to the owners daughter about it once.