Early V8V Condition

[ian_uk1975]

Viewed a very low miles 56 plate V8V yesterday and noticed a few cosmetic issues. Namely, the driver's door seal was worn and the fabric surface had pretty much all worn away... just looked a bit scruffy. Also, the paint on both wiper arms was bubbling from corrosion underneath. Are these common issues? I've read about rust around the door lock and handle area and also on the wing mirror mounts, but these areas were ok on the example I looked at.

[burntout]

ian_uk1975 said:

Viewed a very low miles 56 plate V8V yesterday and noticed a few cosmetic issues. Namely, the driver's door seal was worn and the fabric surface had pretty much all worn away... just looked a bit scruffy. Also, the paint on both wiper arms was bubbling from corrosion underneath. Are these common issues? I've read about rust around the door lock and handle area and also on the wing mirror mounts, but these areas were ok on the example I looked at.

Common on early models....

[HBradley]

All pretty common, BUT a pretty good indication of how it's been looked after is to take a look at the tyres. If they aren't a well known make (OEM Bridgestones, Michelin or Pirelli) then the owner has skimped & is likely to have done so elsewhere less visible & potential more important! I'd immediately walk away, but that's me.

[bogie]

Wiper arms are common on cars that have lived outside most of their life. I touched mine up a couple of times over 10 years/83k miles.

It would be unusual to find an 80k miles/10 year old car without any signs of use anywhere unless the previous owner had everything touched up each year.

[BassFlyer]

Based on my limited experience of similar age, I would be checking door locks work as intended. Apparently they can go AWOL and I was told have to be done in pairs. Insurers picked up tab for me!