Acquiring an abandoned car (project) on neighbours driveway
Discussion
thanks for the feedback etc etc, really nice hearing of people either 1) keeping a sentimental car going or 2) trying to rescue something
taking the approach of befriending them and then the 'it needs to be saved but will take a small fortune' then leaving contact details seems.
tried to drop the idea of approaching the owners to the parents last night - didnt seem to go down well, seems i need to find a traditional lockup somewhere now! :/
taking the approach of befriending them and then the 'it needs to be saved but will take a small fortune' then leaving contact details seems.
tried to drop the idea of approaching the owners to the parents last night - didnt seem to go down well, seems i need to find a traditional lockup somewhere now! :/
CampDavid said:
Vehicle enquiryThe enquiry is complete.
The vehicle details for RMA 200P are:
Date of Liability 01 01 1991
Date of First Registration 01 04 1976
Year of Manufacture 1976
Cylinder Capacity (cc) 2994cc
CO2 Emissions Not Available
Fuel Type PETROL
Export Marker N
Vehicle Status Unlicensed
Vehicle Colour GREEN
Vehicle Type Approval Not Available
Vehicle Excise Duty rate for vehicle
6 Months Rate £121.00
12 Months Rate £220.00
Err, it's been off the road for 21 years or more. Actually, I think 1991 is just the point the database goes back to
Can anyone shed any more light on this at all please? as in when the database started? would be good to know - if its been off the road for 21 years then that is one hell of a projectThe vehicle details for RMA 200P are:
Date of Liability 01 01 1991
Date of First Registration 01 04 1976
Year of Manufacture 1976
Cylinder Capacity (cc) 2994cc
CO2 Emissions Not Available
Fuel Type PETROL
Export Marker N
Vehicle Status Unlicensed
Vehicle Colour GREEN
Vehicle Type Approval Not Available
Vehicle Excise Duty rate for vehicle
6 Months Rate £121.00
12 Months Rate £220.00
Err, it's been off the road for 21 years or more. Actually, I think 1991 is just the point the database goes back to
johnhenry said:
Can anyone shed any more light on this at all please? as in when the database started? would be good to know - if its been off the road for 21 years then that is one hell of a project
It's the car tax database, click enquirey under here:https://www.taxdisc.direct.gov.uk/EvlPortalApp/app...
Looks like at least 21 years off the road.
Personally, I'd look around at auctions for projects, you'll often get a better deal than someone's over valued P&J
I have left a not tucked under the wiper of a lazer green 205 GTI 1.6.
I paid £50 for it two days later. Two days after that, having discovered the beam was shot, the seats were made of mould the rear quarter was made of filler - a guy from scotland bought it blind for £580. I woudl have kept it but 11 times what I paid for it is not to be sniffed at in two days and a rudimentary inspection.
Note or face to face just come across as enthusiastic without being overbearing and (as many people forget this key ingredient), just behave like a normal human being and don't overthink it.
I paid £50 for it two days later. Two days after that, having discovered the beam was shot, the seats were made of mould the rear quarter was made of filler - a guy from scotland bought it blind for £580. I woudl have kept it but 11 times what I paid for it is not to be sniffed at in two days and a rudimentary inspection.
Note or face to face just come across as enthusiastic without being overbearing and (as many people forget this key ingredient), just behave like a normal human being and don't overthink it.
yeeh ive used the dvla stuff before, didnt know it started/only went back to 91 thats all - if so it really has been a long time off the road, its such a lovely car though, and stupidly -
auctions just tend to have everyone going after them, if this ones getable, it at least is a getable project.
plus its literally 1/2 a mile down the road, a family friends range rover could tow it to my driveway no problem
auctions just tend to have everyone going after them, if this ones getable, it at least is a getable project.
plus its literally 1/2 a mile down the road, a family friends range rover could tow it to my driveway no problem
Fleckers said:
my only comment on knocking is if its an old person and you look scarey or imtimidating you may scare or up set the old person
think how it would be it it were a old relative of yours and they were scared because someone knocked about the car even if it were for good reasons
My bets is that they'd be happy for the chat. How sthink how it would be it it were a old relative of yours and they were scared because someone knocked about the car even if it were for good reasons
t is the UK if you feel that it is wrong to knock on someone's door, say a cheery hello and then ask them a simple question?!johnhenry said:
yeeh ive used the dvla stuff before, didnt know it started/only went back to 91 thats all - if so it really has been a long time off the road, its such a lovely car though, and stupidly -
auctions just tend to have everyone going after them, if this ones getable, it at least is a getable project.
plus its literally 1/2 a mile down the road, a family friends range rover could tow it to my driveway no problem
I take it this would be your first rescue project?auctions just tend to have everyone going after them, if this ones getable, it at least is a getable project.
plus its literally 1/2 a mile down the road, a family friends range rover could tow it to my driveway no problem
Just "towing it with a friend's Range Rover" could potentially open up a whole world of pain, especially if you aren't using a trailer.
The car would have appeared to have sat for 21 years.
It will have siezed brakes, rotten tyres and most likely a rotten chassis.
If you try to tow it, it will fall apart, and if you do get it moving, you will probably not be able to stop it!
johnhenry said:
yeeh ive used the dvla stuff before, didnt know it started/only went back to 91 thats all - if so it really has been a long time off the road, its such a lovely car though, and stupidly -
auctions just tend to have everyone going after them, if this ones getable, it at least is a getable project.
plus its literally 1/2 a mile down the road, a family friends range rover could tow it to my driveway no problem
Hate to burst your bubble but a good scimitar can be rusty, one that has been off the road 21 years is likely to be seriously rotten. By all means make contact but have a look at the chassis before throwing money at them. Scimitars aren't rare and there are always plenty for sale. The owners club forum is well worth a visit. I do understand the wish to save it tho auctions just tend to have everyone going after them, if this ones getable, it at least is a getable project.
plus its literally 1/2 a mile down the road, a family friends range rover could tow it to my driveway no problem
Dad's got an old LT35 that has sat on the drive unused for a few years. A couple of times a year he gets people knock on the door.
My tips.
First thing you should ask, is "Is this a bad time to ask about the van/car?"
He has often had well-meaning people knock on the door when it's dinner time, and he hates having his dinner interrupted, occasionally people don't take the hint that he's busy and keep bombarding him with questions.
Take a note with your name and phone number and address, to give to them if they're busy, if they're interested they will phone you back. Just a first name and mobile number scrawled on something and my parents are always dubious, they take interest when someone includes their full name and address, they believe it makes you more trustworthy, I'm guessing people of older generations like this sort of thing.
Be patient. I put a note under the windscreen of a mint CRX that was parked up in the road, 3 months later I got a phone call and had a chat with the bloke, who seemed interested in selling and liked it that I knew about the car, but said it was his sons that he was looking after. So if they don't phone you back within a week, don't give up.
My tips.
First thing you should ask, is "Is this a bad time to ask about the van/car?"
He has often had well-meaning people knock on the door when it's dinner time, and he hates having his dinner interrupted, occasionally people don't take the hint that he's busy and keep bombarding him with questions.
Take a note with your name and phone number and address, to give to them if they're busy, if they're interested they will phone you back. Just a first name and mobile number scrawled on something and my parents are always dubious, they take interest when someone includes their full name and address, they believe it makes you more trustworthy, I'm guessing people of older generations like this sort of thing.
Be patient. I put a note under the windscreen of a mint CRX that was parked up in the road, 3 months later I got a phone call and had a chat with the bloke, who seemed interested in selling and liked it that I knew about the car, but said it was his sons that he was looking after. So if they don't phone you back within a week, don't give up.
johnhenry said:
yeeh ive used the dvla stuff before, didnt know it started/only went back to 91 thats all
That '91 thing is nonsense - the DVLA data goes back further than that. I keep databases of cars that are listed with tax liability dates in the early eighties. The cars I deal with don't go back much further than that so I can't tell you how early their records go, but it certainly doesn't cut off at '91.its the first rescue project, although i have fully restored (almost) a 205gti, so im not a novice, fair point about the agricultural nature of getting it home, it most likely would be utterly shot, so yeh approach with scepticism; most things will be ruined seized or perished
good point on the full name and address!
i have been told to "finish the maico and peugeot before another one ends up on the drive" ah parents. need to move out asap!
really enjoying this thread, good to see people in the same position, who did something about it or who are on the other side of the fence!
good point on the full name and address!
i have been told to "finish the maico and peugeot before another one ends up on the drive" ah parents. need to move out asap!
really enjoying this thread, good to see people in the same position, who did something about it or who are on the other side of the fence!
Porkie said:
Why not just knock on the door? what are you so scared of?
This!
A note will just get bundled into the rubbish, however a face to face conversation with a polite and enthusiasic car nut might get a better response.
Work on the assumption that it might be a family members pride and joy, or hold sentimental value - An elderly gentleman isn't going to let you take his Shad' that took his daughter to her wedding if you turn up and he thinks (knows!) you're just going to take it to a banger oval. Doesn't hurt to dress up a bit ... Imagine you're being auditioned to become the next guardian of the car.
Don't forget to mention that Princess Anne had one too!!
I got my first landrover by knocking on a door, being polite, well spoken, reasonably well dressed and by being interested/knowledgeable enough to chat about it for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes on the doorstep I was invited to have a poke around it, invited into the house for a cup of tea and then after promising to bring it back when for the chap to drive after I'd put it back on the road, made an offer.
It was the enthusiasm, interest and knowledge of the vehicle rather than the money that sealed the deal TBH - I probably could have got it for nothing if I'd tried!
After 15 minutes on the doorstep I was invited to have a poke around it, invited into the house for a cup of tea and then after promising to bring it back when for the chap to drive after I'd put it back on the road, made an offer.
It was the enthusiasm, interest and knowledge of the vehicle rather than the money that sealed the deal TBH - I probably could have got it for nothing if I'd tried!
I've done this twice, with no success!
First car - an old Skoda Rapide that I wanted to rescue (don't ask). It was actually sitting under a port thing so was at least covered - but hadn't moved in years.
Knocked on the door, to be confronted by a mental old boy. I started to politely ask about the car, to be met with a barrage of somewhat incoherent abuse, told to go away in no uncertain terms, and if I didn't leave now he'd call the Police. Weird!
Second Car - a late 90's Jeep Wrangler TJ on the drive of a huge house that I go past on my jogging route. This house has to be worth 7 figures...
Anyway, it hadn't turned a wheel in 10 years, and the aftermarket chrome sidebars had literally rusted away completely, so there was like two stumps at each end. The tyres were scrap, they had wrinkled and cracked completely through at the bottom. And as it was under trees, it was basically green with thick moss, leaves and muck.
This time when I knocked on the door, it was answered by a woman - who was polite and nice, but the inside of her house that I could see was furnished completely in a 1930's style - and she looked the same. 1930's dress, hair and make-up....was like stepping into a time warp!
Anyway, she said it had not started one morning 12 years ago, and had been left ever since
and that yes, she really should get round to selling it.
I gave her my number.
Didn't hear a thing.
Then a year later, I happened to be talking to a guy I knew who runs a landscape business. He mentioned that he'd done a huge tree and shrub job at a house near me, and as part of the job was asked to remove an old car and scrap it.
Turns out it was the same woman, and she'd just said to them 'can you get rid of that old car too for me - I don't care what you do with it, just remove it.'
So they just took it to the scrapyard! When I would have given her at last £500 - it was worth at least that in parts alone...
People eh?
First car - an old Skoda Rapide that I wanted to rescue (don't ask). It was actually sitting under a port thing so was at least covered - but hadn't moved in years.
Knocked on the door, to be confronted by a mental old boy. I started to politely ask about the car, to be met with a barrage of somewhat incoherent abuse, told to go away in no uncertain terms, and if I didn't leave now he'd call the Police. Weird!
Second Car - a late 90's Jeep Wrangler TJ on the drive of a huge house that I go past on my jogging route. This house has to be worth 7 figures...
Anyway, it hadn't turned a wheel in 10 years, and the aftermarket chrome sidebars had literally rusted away completely, so there was like two stumps at each end. The tyres were scrap, they had wrinkled and cracked completely through at the bottom. And as it was under trees, it was basically green with thick moss, leaves and muck.
This time when I knocked on the door, it was answered by a woman - who was polite and nice, but the inside of her house that I could see was furnished completely in a 1930's style - and she looked the same. 1930's dress, hair and make-up....was like stepping into a time warp!
Anyway, she said it had not started one morning 12 years ago, and had been left ever since
and that yes, she really should get round to selling it. I gave her my number.
Didn't hear a thing.
Then a year later, I happened to be talking to a guy I knew who runs a landscape business. He mentioned that he'd done a huge tree and shrub job at a house near me, and as part of the job was asked to remove an old car and scrap it.
Turns out it was the same woman, and she'd just said to them 'can you get rid of that old car too for me - I don't care what you do with it, just remove it.'
So they just took it to the scrapyard! When I would have given her at last £500 - it was worth at least that in parts alone...
People eh?
Ray Luxury-Yacht said:
Turns out it was the same woman, and she'd just said to them 'can you get rid of that old car too for me - I don't care what you do with it, just remove it.'
So they just took it to the scrapyard! When I would have given her at last £500 - it was worth at least that in parts alone...
People eh?
I've given my name and number to a couple of old dears in roadworthy classic mini's - one a woman of 75 who had a nice H Reg Cooper. So they just took it to the scrapyard! When I would have given her at last £500 - it was worth at least that in parts alone...
People eh?
I chatted with them and said "I'm in an owners club, so if you ever decide to sell, I'll happily ask around" and gave them a peice of paper with the Words - MR N POD, Interested in mini, if it's ever for sale,here is my address, and phone number.
johnhenry said:
Can anyone shed any more light on this at all please? as in when the database started? would be good to know - if its been off the road for 21 years then that is one hell of a project
I believe that date is correct, ie the last time the car was taxed rather than a database "start date".I've got an old bike which I've just checked on there, and it's showing a date which is even earlier, and IIRC matches the date on the tax disc:
The vehicle details for xxx xxxx are:
Date of Liability 01 08 1989
Date of First Registration 10 03 1976
Year of Manufacture 1976
Cylinder Capacity (cc) 408cc
CO2 Emissions Not Available
Fuel Type PETROL
Export Marker N
Vehicle Status Unlicensed
Vehicle Colour RED
Vehicle Type Approval Not Available
Vehicle Excise Duty rate for vehicle
6 Months Rate £30.25
12 Months Rate £55.00
[Kudos but no prizes for anybody who guesses what it is!]
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