How to spot a good fixer upper?
Discussion
Hola!
Well no matter how many other "sensible" cars I consider I always without fail come back to TVR! (must be British thing)
Anyway, browsing the classifieds how do you go about spotting cars that need a bit of fixing up and those that should be avoided at all costs?
I have the cash to buy a pristine example, however I like the idea of getting a slightly cheaper one and putting a bit of blood sweat and tears into it.
So my question is, what jobs can a well equipped home mechanic do, and what things should be avoided at all costs?
Cheers,
P
Well no matter how many other "sensible" cars I consider I always without fail come back to TVR! (must be British thing)
Anyway, browsing the classifieds how do you go about spotting cars that need a bit of fixing up and those that should be avoided at all costs?
I have the cash to buy a pristine example, however I like the idea of getting a slightly cheaper one and putting a bit of blood sweat and tears into it.
So my question is, what jobs can a well equipped home mechanic do, and what things should be avoided at all costs?
Cheers,
P
If you're competant just about anything on a TVR can be fixed at home. New chassis are available if you don't fancy welding or just replacing out riggers can be done by indies.
I'd suggest you need to make a list of what's needed to fix a particular car and use that information when negotiating.
There are cars of all types out there at rockbottom prices if you go in with your eye wide open. I know someone who has just bought a MKI Tuscan that's been standing for 10 or so years for less than £3k, needs a lot of work but he knows what he's doing.
Go for it.
I'd suggest you need to make a list of what's needed to fix a particular car and use that information when negotiating.
There are cars of all types out there at rockbottom prices if you go in with your eye wide open. I know someone who has just bought a MKI Tuscan that's been standing for 10 or so years for less than £3k, needs a lot of work but he knows what he's doing.
Go for it.
verminator said:
My friend, do not deviate from the golden rule of car buying.
always buy the best you can afford!!! It usually works out cheaper
in the long run.
I disagree.always buy the best you can afford!!! It usually works out cheaper
in the long run.
The more you invest the bigger your potential loss if there's a catastrophic failure.
Buy a 'fixer-upper' and your losses are contained and your costs are under your own control (assuming you do your own work).
The others have pretty much covered it, but speaking from a personal experience, you just need to be aware that costs can pile up once you start; I bought a 4.5 with a very good chassis and body but mechanically it was trashed. Head gaskets were gone, I pulled the engine, and before it was back on the road it ended up with manifold repairs, fuel lines, coolant pipes and hoses, clutch, flywheel, wiring repairs, timing chain, oil pump rebuild, two new wheels and a wishbone. Not trying to put you off going down this route, just make sure you have a decent budget for the "while you are in there" items...
i agree....buy one in good nick that is likely to be trouble free!
i paid 10k for mine, did 40 miles and cams + buckets, startermotor needed replacing then 40 miles later the oil pump drive gear broke so major engine failiure and new built engine was fitted by andy at apm
so around 6k later out of pocket i wished i had paid more money at the start and saved myself a load of grief lol
like women one way or other these cars will grab your money
i paid 10k for mine, did 40 miles and cams + buckets, startermotor needed replacing then 40 miles later the oil pump drive gear broke so major engine failiure and new built engine was fitted by andy at apm
so around 6k later out of pocket i wished i had paid more money at the start and saved myself a load of grief lol
like women one way or other these cars will grab your money
Gassing Station | Cerbera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff