100k on the clock

[SuzanneJ]

Hello all

I am looking to buy my first Moggie and have seen a possible contender, a 1964 salon which has 101K on the clock.

I am looking to use as an everyday driver -would the high mileage put you off?

Very grateful for people's thoughts. Many thanks!

Suzanne

[ManyMinors]

That is only about 1600 miles per year though isn't it? Hardly a high mileage. I have no idea how many miles my own car has covered but certainly more than that and I know of several Minor 1000 owners whose cars have covered between 200,000 and 350,000 miles, so I wouldn't think that mileage alone is much of an issue. The condition of the bodywork and underside structure is much more important on these cars

[SuzanneJ]

Thanks for your reply. I was probably in "modern car" thinking mode, so the mileage jumped up at me. Of course it's an older lady and the mileage would reflect that.

[svenedin]

The clock only reads 99,999.9 miles and then resets. The last digit on the clock is tenths of a mile.

That mileage is not high for a car that is 59 years old. Speedos are sometimes replaced so what the clock says is to be taken with a pinch of salt. My own car has had two replacement speedos and says 760 miles!!! Paperwork is much more important to show mileage over the years, service history and major work done.

Also just because a car may have 100K on the clock does not mean much if for example, it has had the engine and gearbox rebuilt 10K miles ago.

Mechanicals can be overhauled and rebuilt (at a cost of course).

I would argue that the condition, especially underneath, is more important. Minors tend to rust from the inside of the box sections out. This means that they can look quite good but they are very rusty inside. Major welding work is expensive.

Do due diligence, examine all of the paperwork with the car and you can always ask for a local MMOC member to help you assess the car.

Best of Luck,

Stephen

[SuzanneJ]

Thanks Stephen, much appreciated!

[svenedin]

Thanks Stephen, much appreciated!

You're welcome. I do hope you find a good car and join us in enjoying the Morris Minor. This is a very good forum and there are many people who will help you. 75th anniversary of the Morris Minor this year!

[SuzanneJ]

Thank you, I have been pursuing this for a while now and am determined! It would be a good year to become an owner!

[myoldjalopy]

I agree with the above comments but a word of caution - these are old cars, and require a lot of attention - servicing and the inevitable repairs.
Many get swept away with enthusiasm, only to find that waning when the car periodically goes wrong (this forum is littered with posts like 'Car won't start' etc.). Then the question is 'do I do my own servicing/repairs, or pay someone else to do this?' It would be a very good idea to have someone knowledgeable examine the car with you if you are not sure the major points to check for are. It really is worth paying more for a solid, well-maintained car than to buy a cheaper one in questionable condition. It also requires a certain, robust mindset to use these as 'daily drivers' - many do and,in fact, my Minor is my only car, but compared to a 'modern', they are noisy, rather tiring on very long drives, and top speeds and acceleration are relatively leisurely!
Having said that, a Minor in good condition is a pleasure to drive, people love to see them on the road, parts are plentifully available and they are relatively easy to maintain, so I hope you are lucky in your purchase and stick with it through thick and thin.

[Myrtles Man]

I am looking to buy my first Moggie and have seen a possible contender, a 1964 salon which has 101K on the clock.

I am looking to use as an everyday driver

Suzanne

Why? What exactly are you expecting from such a car?

Now, before anyone accuses me of rudeness and negativity, I would throw in a reminder that all users of this forum, myself included, are Morris Minor enthusiasts and, as far as I'm aware, (virtually?) all are also Moggy owners too. But 'myoldjalopy' makes some very relevant points and a trawl back through various postings will quickly reveal a few unfortunates from whose eyes the scales rapidly fell.

We quite rightly expect modern cars to offer trouble-free service for many years, always starting at the turn of a key or push of a button but very old cars such as the Minor are a different proposition entirely. Such things as understanding the workings of the choke mechanism and knowing how to use it properly, the absence of syncromesh on first gear and understanding that it can only be selected from a complete standstill unless the driver is adept in the art of double de-clutching (an arcane skill that can be mastered but isn't easy to learn and even the learning process can result in fairly catastrophic damage to the gearbox!), brakes that are, by today's standards, utterly feeble and demand well-developed powers of observation and anticipation etc. etc. I could go on but I think the point has been made.

I do hope that you go ahead with the scheme and end up with a really nice car, one that will become a hobby and treasured possession as well as practical daily transport, but it's absolutely essential that you employ very cool, clear-eyed vision in your quest and ultimate decision-making. Certainly, you will not lack guidance and encouragement from this site so please do not hesitate to ask questions and seek help with assessing the merits (or otherwise!) of specific vehicles. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[morris van]

My 1971 Morris van had only done 47000 miles and had old MOTs but it came from the Isle of Wight and thats not big. I had a 1968 A35 van which I got in 1996 and that had done 342000 miles and I knew it had as i had all the old MOTs and sold it in 2011 with 369000 miles on it and it is still going.

[SuzanneJ]

Thank you all for your advice.

This is something I have been investigating for about 6 months and I am taking my time in making a decision. I have looked at various cars with the advice of a specialist Moggie mechanic who has done full inspections for me before (not!) buying.

I appreciate that having a Moggie comes with its challenges and that this will be a learning curve. Still, I feel it's something I really want to do. I'm very passionate but not blinded by it! If the right car doesn't come along then I won't be dashing into a purchase. So fingers crossed!

Thanks again!

[jagnut66]

If the right car doesn't come along then I won't be dashing into a purchase. So fingers crossed!

If you are looking at an advert on eBay or Car & Classic, etc. then why not post up a link to it on here if you are after a second opinion.
Not as good as actually viewing it in person of course but we may be able to provide some 'pointers' before you go and view.
Also before you view you could try and get in touch with your local MMOC branch to see if someone from it is able to meet you and view the car with you.
Which County are you in? Someone reading this may belong to the local branch.
Good luck and best wishes,
Mike.

[SuzanneJ]

Thanks, I will do that. I'm in Essex. I have been in touch with one of the Essex members who kindly let me test drive his Moggie and ask lots of questions.

I'm in Southend, so if anyone on here is local, I'd be very grateful for their time. I've also been told that someone a few roads away is a member of the Club, so I'll go and doorstep them, too!

[myminor1969]

Hi Suzanne
On Sunday 16th July if you haven't been before, there is a classic car meet on Southend sea front opposite the Kurzall. There are usually Minors there including mine, worth chatting with the owners for advice and info on using and maintaining them.
Cars arrive from 8am and leave from about 4pm.

Alex