Help needed. Concerning value and reliability.

[2drToledo]

Ah, you're pretty close! I know Warminster well: I'm in Bournemouth.

I'll send you a PM with my number. If you'd like to take my Dolomite for a spin to see whether it'd suit your needs, you'd be welcome to try it.

[carlj12345]

Aww thanks man! That's so kind! I lived in Bournemouth for the past three years as I was studying there and moved back to Warminster 9 months ago. If you have ever seen a '85 Austin mini in Rover green driving around Bournemouth that was me!

[2drToledo]

Applejack Green Mini?! I think I may have seen the car.

I've sent you my mobile number, if you'd like to pop down for a Dolly roadtest give me a shout!

[Dolly-Nut]

I'm also pretty close near Shaftesbury. If you end up with a Dolly and ever need parts, let me know.

[carlj12345]

Thank you so much Dan! To be fair I am now just tempted to buy a dolly for the sheer fact that the online community here is so nice!

[Dolly-Nut]

You're also welcome to come and have a nosey around mine, albeit partly-stripped at the moment.

[carlj12345]

Awesome man! I might have to take you up on that!

[toryroger]

1300 Dolly o.k.
You can almost certainly get better value for your bucks with a bog standard one; with intelligent driving ahead she will keep up with the traffic, and only leave you feeling a bit behind on motorways - mine cruises happily at 60-65 (gives you time to enjoy the waving public), but have done London to Oxford etc several times.
Is it poss that insurance is a bit less ?
And keeping it going may be a touch easier (less to go wrong)?
toryroger

[Toledo Man]

I'm going to go along with those who've suggested the 1850. You will find a decent one within your budget. If you want to save yourself a couple of hundred quid a year get an early 1850 which has free road tax. Don't reject the autos. 1850 autos are quite nice to drive. I'd also recommend electronic ignition. It will save you much grief, especially with the quality of points and condensors that are available these days.

Welcome to the forum and good luck in your search.

[MIG Wielder]

Sorry I've missed replying up to now. Yes, another vote for the 1850. I bought mine for £875 4 years ago and has been my daily driver since. So for around £1500 you should get quite a good one. Don't rush the purchase and see if you can get one through the Club with known history. Mine was no trouble for the first 3 years , needing only a diff centre, then last year it was new gearbox, head job , battery , rear hub/ half-shaft, chassis leg section, alternator all in 2 months. This year its just been service items, apart from U.J.s for the prop. That's 44,000 miles so far.
Good luck with the search.
Tony.