I love the looks of the old morris minor and i'm seriously thinking about buying one, but i have no knowledge about repairing cars etc.my question is..1 how much would it cost me to buy one that is not a complete wreck.and 2.. is it way beyond the normal person to maintain, i just fancy getting one as a nice second car, :confused:

You can pick one up that is 'tidy' but needs a bit of TLC for around £250, but the older 50's spilit screen ones go for much more. A basic 60's one that runs and does not need major overhaul, I reckon something like this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Morris-Minor-1000-green-4-door-saloon-1964_W0QQitemZ190252154529QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item 190252154529&_trkparms=39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A7|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

if I was to buy one I would go for this price range and gradually restore it, but beware the total rust buckets and BODGED restorations...there are MANY out there!

Thanks a lot..Just looked at the car on ebay, but i'm sure it will not sell for that price, it must go for over a thousand, time dont run out till 24th, Thanks for the warnings

I would give everything a good look over before hand!!!!!

I have had a minor for now for over three years. I got one with an MOT, had a look over it and a bit of a poke underneath, it seemed ok, but on getting it home found loads of issues, which I have now just about remedied. I have a 59 4 door, I would go for two door, less work, 1098cc is much more drive-able than the smaller engines. You can get loads of upgrades (brakes etc). I use mine as a main car, so have done a lot to it (made it to surrey for a wedding last weekend).

The Morris minor owners club (mmoc.org.uk) has loads of good info and the forum is full of useful info / help and some decent cars for sale (although they always seem to want a bit more).

They do take a bit of work, best if you have a garage (I'm still looking), but they are simple mechanically. The best bit is they are tax free and low insurance (mine is £150 -modified engine, alloys, I'm male and 26)

Thanks Luke, all that info is very very helpful, if i get one it will just be a weekend car, WOW, love the insurance at £150
Thanks again..

These cars are iconic and a big part of old skool England. They get lots of attention whenever anyone sees one on the road. Not my cup of tea personally, but never the less a total British classic....

Thanks a lot..Just looked at the car on ebay, but i'm sure it will not sell for that price, it must go for over a thousand, time dont run out till 24th, Thanks for the warnings

Its down to pure luck with Ebay. it all depends who wants one at the end of the auction as to the final price. It may leap up to 1000+ at the last minute, but it may not......its the same with any car..

I paid £255 for a car 3 years ago as no one was in the market for one at that time, but paid £1250 for exactly the same model, same condition and same year and colour a few months later as I wanted another identical one, but other people were also in the bidding this time.....its all down to pure luck sometimes....

i was after one but was put off by welding as mate bought one...looked near mint until the day he started under sealing it???cost him a lot..all was rotten..so i bought a austin a 35..but passing the garage on wolley wood bottom by the lights wincobank i called in their was a very early split screen,was solid as a tank 12 months mot,12 tax,1000 pound ono....hope it helps

What about this one it`s tested for a year tax exempt in Doncaster few days to view it reserve £750 worth a look http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MORRIS-MINOR-1000-BLUE_W0QQitemZ180287801145QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item 180287801145&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A7%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

you have to be carefull as they rot like crazy

i was after one but was put off by welding as mate bought one...looked near mint until the day he started under sealing it???cost him a lot..all was rotten..so i bought a austin a 35..but passing the garage on wolley wood bottom by the lights wincobank i called in their was a very early split screen,was solid as a tank 12 months mot,12 tax,1000 pound ono....hope it helps was this recently?
thanks for all the help everyone

They're relatively easy to work on, there are plenty of parts and a lot of literature to help you. I did briefly run one as my main car - it's definitely better as a weekend driver/project car unless you've got deep pockets to go for something really nice.

I don't know if you've driven anything of that age before but I would seriously recommend driving one before you part with anything. They are so very different to modern cars - they are relatively slow, structurally and mechanically relatively primitive and require a different driving style and a lot of patience and like most cars of that age, indeed do rust...everywhere, usually the most expensive and hardest to replace parts first. But they are lovely! In the end I sold mine on to more competent hands and ignored everything I've said above when buying an E-Type with some friends - not my best decision.