Bodyshop near Newcastle?

[Extra 300 Driver]

I am thinking of buying a damaged car, just because it looks in great condition and its the right colour and spec - and I have been looking for a while now. Anyway, I know the people who have it for sale are not the most respected types, so I am looking for a decent bodyshop near Newcastle who can firstly inspect the car, then repair the car to a high standard. As I am in Essex and the car is near Newcastle I would need them to project manage the entire thing so, I hope, I only have to pay them and collect it.

Any thoughts?

[The Surveyor]

Honestly, unless you're able to do the repairs yourself, repairing a damaged car isn't going to be any cheaper than just buying one which has never been damaged. Even if it's repaired perfectly, it'll never be worth as much as a non-damaged car.

If you do need somebody in the North East who properly knows his TVR onions, speak to Tony Abrams at Hexham Horseless Carriges.

Best advice would be to just take a little time and find a non-damaged car which meets your specification though

Paul

[Extra 300 Driver]

The Surveyor said:

Honestly, unless you're able to do the repairs yourself, repairing a damaged car isn't going to be any cheaper than just buying one which has never been damaged. Even if it's repaired perfectly, it'll never be worth as much as a non-damaged car.

If you do need somebody in the North East who properly knows his TVR onions, speak to Tony Abrams at Hexham Horseless Carriges.

Best advice would be to just take a little time and find a non-damaged car which meets your specification though

Paul

I dont know how long I need to wait, it's been 2 years so far!

[The Surveyor]

That's a hell of a wait.... Seriously though, if you started to add up the costs of getting the repairs and respray done professionally, along with a management fee for somebody to take on the risks involved in the unknown once you start to open up the damage, it will cost you the same as a non-damaged car and potentially much more. Then you have the reduced value associated with it's history.

If you have a specific colour in mind and have looked for 2 years, I would suggest buying a cheaper, 'tired' one with good mechanicals and then getting it re-trimmed / re-painted to the colour you're after. As a guide, a proper colour-change respray will cost circa £6k and a re-trim will cost circa £4k.

Paul

[Extra 300 Driver]

The Surveyor said:

That's a hell of a wait.... Seriously though, if you started to add up the costs of getting the repairs and respray done professionally, along with a management fee for somebody to take on the risks involved in the unknown once you start to open up the damage, it will cost you the same as a non-damaged car and potentially much more. Then you have the reduced value associated with it's history.

If you have a specific colour in mind and have looked for 2 years, I would suggest buying a cheaper, 'tired' one with good mechanicals and then getting it re-trimmed / re-painted to the colour you're after. As a guide, a proper colour-change respray will cost circa £6k and a re-trim will cost circa £4k.

Paul

Thanks, thought about that too but there are not many tired Tuscan 2s about

[Extra 300 Driver]

I have looked in to the salvage outfit which has the car. It seems that although there are plently of peeps who are saying steer clear I am not actually sure of there being problems, i.e first hand. I am sure its not too difficult to guess whom I am speaking about, and I accept that these cars are salvage, and not mearly scratched or dented. Does anyone have any actual first hand expeiences or am I being way too harsh?

[pringli]

Heaton Park Coachworks
www.heatonparkcoachworks.co.uk/
Can highly recommend following repairs caused by 3rd party to Lotus Elise
Also repairer of choice of Formula One Lotus dealers Newcastle

[Gazzab]

Extra 300 Driver said:

I have looked in to the salvage outfit which has the car. It seems that although there are plently of peeps who are saying steer clear I am not actually sure of there being problems, i.e first hand. I am sure its not too difficult to guess whom I am speaking about, and I accept that these cars are salvage, and not mearly scratched or dented. Does anyone have any actual first hand expeiences or am I being way too harsh?

I know someone who buys cars from them. He lives near me. He had a T350 from them.
His advice is buy with your eyes open ie have a proper look, work out the costings and you might end up with a good car for a good price.
He also says that they are actually getting good at repairing them themselves these days albeit I have heard some opposing stories as well.
If it was me I would get it properly inspected by a professional bodyshop eg Raceproved etc and ensure there are no hidden issues eg bent chassis. If the numbers work then get it done. Of course you may not have the chance to hear the engine running - that would always worry me as I doubt costs of a rebuild can be justified as well....?!