Is a Morris Minor really a practical daily?

[aij29]

Hi Guys

I`ve been offered a 1955 Morris Minor with later 1098cc running gear for a
great price,
I`m really keen on buying it but it would have to be as a replacement to my
daily driver (1000cc Toyota Yaris)as i can`t afford to have it just for the occasional
sunny day jaunt to the countryside,

Would it really be a sensible alternative to the dull Yaris or is a 60 year old car
not really suitable for the daily grind of 10 miles each way every day?

Or would a few basic changes alternator/halogen lights etc make a big difference?

Thanks
Adrian

[richdx]

It might sound obvious.. but Morris Minors weren't designed as a weekend car, they were designed for daily use.
I had a Uncle who drove to Italy in one years ago.. However I will admit modern technology has improved and the traffic and infrastructure we use daily has changed a great deal.
Whilst you would enjoy the first few weeks of ownership- there's a lot to be said for the comfort and design of a modern car- no matter how (may I say boring?) your daily is...
It's all about your passion and desire- I walk past a nice modern Mercedes CLS every day and use a 1991 Mercedes SEL - but I have the option, I suspect once the novelty wore off I'd miss the modern one....
Give it a go- you could easily revert back... don't go through life regretting things you haven't done, only the things you have!
Rich

[MrSpeedy]

What sort of journey is it? Pottering through town traffic or a thrash down duel carriageways?

A few modern upgrades and there's no reason why it's not viable.

This like an alternator conversion, bigger battery, halogen lights, electric radiator fan and maybe some more modern seats would all make it easier to live with on a daily basis.

I use our 1962 Ford Thames 400e daily, both for the commute (5 miles of A road) and for general haulage through the day, but we modernised it a bit with a more modern diesel engine, 5 speed gearbox, halogen lights and a brake upgrade.

[hairyjohn]

 hey a car is what you make it the morris is a car with more carizma than the yaris buy then modifi fastist one i had 145 mph on rollin road go for it man??

[steveo3002]

with proper maintenece and repairs theres no reason it cant be used every day , expect it to be a shock compared to the yaris - slower and heavier on fuel , not really suited to lots of motorway jaunts

and you will need to be keeping on top of repairs so expect to get your hands dirty often

[composimmonite]

I ran a 100% original one as a daily a few years ago. No serious problems. Economy worked out at mid 40's when driven sensibly. Reliable & maintenance needed not excessive - weekly check and maybe monthly mini service greasing. 1098 is quite quick so you don't get left behind in normal driving
For me biggest negative was small boot and wished I'd got a Traveller version otherwise "go for it"
BTW I also ran a 1956 Austin A35 as a daily for many years and preferred it to the Minor but only because of character rather than anything mechanical.

Paul H

[quantum stop]

thousands of midwives cant be wrong they used them everyday

[chrissyb]

I suppose they have their charms - I drove one for a while a few years back, and frankly hated it. On the plus side they are simple cars easy to work on.

[dodgerover]

Expect to have it serviced (or do it yourself) more often than the Yaris (but it would probably cost less overall anyway), I would guess at a 3000 mile oil change service interval. An alternator conversion is probably a wise move, along with an electric fan and electronic ignition to do away with the points set up. I don't personally know what the heaters are like but adding an auxilary water pump from a modern vehicle in the heating circuit has made a big difference on a couple of vehicles of mine.
Other than than I can't think of any reason for it not to be able to do reliable everyday service. At least it won't depreciate like a modern vehicle either and with the original skinny tyres on it will probably be better in the snow than a modern vehicle

[moggyman]

It depends what you want it for. The 1098 engine will keep up with the traffic no problem. It's on the open road that you'll miss a modern car. If you can live with going a bit slower (they'll cruise at 60 quite happily, but they're a bit 'busy' at 70), then you'll be OK.
The later 8" drums fitted to the 1098 models are OK if you keep them in good order, but you need to be aware that they don't stop as well as a modern car. As long as you drive with this in mind and don't 'tailgate' you'll be fine, if not there are numerous upgrade options.
A spin-off oil filter conversion (£20-30) will allow you to extend oil changes to 6000 miles/6 months. other upgrades such as an alternator, electronic ignition (there have been issues around the 'quality' of points etc. being sold nowadays) will make it a bit more usable. The stock seats on split-screen models are more comfortable than those on later Minors. However you need to grease the front trunnions at least every 3000 miles/3 months (this takes about 30mins).
Most importantly the rust is the most serious issue. PM me and I'll give you a list of what to look for.
In summary, they make for a charismatic and engaging form of daily transport, and you'll always have people coming up to you at petrol stations, supermarket car parks etc. to tell you about the one they or their parents owned.
I'd say go for it, but be aware they need more regular TLC than a modern car

[baggabones]

I don't see any reason why a 40 year can't be used as a daily....I always have I run a '81 924 now and that is a "new" car to me keep on top of the maintenance and all will be well

[jonk]

I had one with that engine as a daily a year or so ago. They make every journey an occasion and brighten up a daily grind.

They're not horrifically slow but they really aren't fast either! Pulling out of busy junctions, roundabouts on dual carriageways and motorwAys are considerably slower than a normal car. In town they feel pretty nippy as they're quite torquey and on a and B roads when you get them going, they're great fun. You will be driving your car at,say, 80 percent when the diesel 3 series in front of you is at about 30 percent - much more interesting.

Mine was at the lower end of the market and I spent lots of time chasing problems like lights flashing at random, etc. all good fun if you have time! General servicing and greasing has to be done pretty regularly, so it's a hobby too.

Fuel economy - 30 mpg ish but really cheap insurance and no tax.

In the end I did sell the Morris and buy a golf tdi estate as I needed to carry heavy stuff and wanted to go quickly on the motorway, which it wasn't up to. I have had a yaris too, though,and if I need another local runaround I'd choose a Morris over one of those any day! I doubt you'd regret it if your commute isn't too taxing and you won't loose money on them if you do change your mind.

[alolympic]

Sounds like you have nothing to lose by trying it. If you decide it isn't for you then just buy another daily. No risk unless the Yaris you will have to move on is irreplaceable.

[bobblegut]

Get one ! People will let you out of junctions !! And get electronic ignition for it .

[aij29]

Hi Guys

Thanks for all the positive replies and advice,

Moggyman I will send you a pm later this evening for some advice

I`m going to try and get to see it tomorrow I`ll let you all know how it goes

Cheers
Adrian

[elpresidente]

Hey

Just wanted to say I'm currently running a morris daily covering 16,000 miles a year

I travel to work 30 miles away every day on A roads and I wouldn't ever swap it for a characterless eurobox

There are some vital upgrades to make such as alternator halogen lights and electronic ignition, but after doing this it is very reliable

With a 1098 engine it can bumble along nicely at 60, but overtaking is out of the question, the acceleration leaves a lot to be desired.

The main reason I bought it was because its so damn cheap to run £120 for insurance, free tax and even the spares are cheap

I'd say go for it, if its not for you just sell it on! But at least you can say you've tried it!

One thing that does wear thin is everyone over the age of 50 telling you they learnt to drive in one, no matter which supermarket or petrol station your in.

[MrSpeedy]

Sept 6, 2014 16:13:26 GMT elpresidente said:

One thing that does wear thin is everyone over the age of 50 telling you they learnt to drive in one, no matter which supermarket or petrol station your in.

Every bloody journey!

They either learnt to drive in one or their dad had one.

[elpresidente]

[/quote]
Every bloody journey!

They either learnt to drive in one or their dad had one. [/quote]

Or they learnt to drive in their dads!

[composimmonite]

The only thing to be careful about is 1955 means it'll be MOT exempt so to be safe I'd recommend you take it for a test if seriously interested in buying to see if any problems that the current owner has overlooked. They can rot badly and last thing you want to do is buy something that is really a restoration project yet is on the road due to the MOT exemption.

[moggyman]

Sept 6, 2014 17:54:38 GMT composimmonite said:

The only thing to be careful about is 1955 means it'll be MOT exempt so to be safe I'd recommend you take it for a test if seriously interested in buying to see if any problems that the current owner has overlooked. They can rot badly and last thing you want to do is buy something that is really a restoration project yet is on the road due to the MOT exemption.

All very true, but the 1950s cars were built out of better quality steel than the later ones. A Series 11 car (Split screen with A-series engine) with the later 1098 engine really is the best of both worlds. I'd obviously recommend one, they're proof that a car can be fun without being fast (they're a bit like the 2CV in that respect- but easier to improve performance-wise). The reason why they're still popular is because they were a good car in the first place.

By the way, I learned to drive on one and I'm not 50 yet!