Are you a classic car tyre-kicker?
Discussion
It seems that the chap who's just bought a 356 (4sure) didn't mess about. I am the same. We have always been advised to take our time with classics and look at as many similar cars as possible and get them checked out blah, blah.
I have never done this. Over the past 25 years I have bought 8 classic cars out of the total of 10 cars for sale that I have arranged to see. Prices varied from 1k to 25k. Most of them were private sales. On arrival at the vendor, I can usually tell pretty much straightaway if I am going to make an offer. Several of these cars were driven away the very same day. I haven't regretted the purchase of any of them.
The secret for me seems to be sticking with low mileage cars in top condition, rather than chancing my arm on a rougher version of a more valuable car. In fact with digital photos these days you can usually sort most of the wheat from the chaff before you arrange to view. Of course, keeping them in tip-top condition assists greatly when it's time to sell, even if the buyer does insist on a forensic examionation of every component!
"First to see will buy" as the adverts often claim!
I have never done this. Over the past 25 years I have bought 8 classic cars out of the total of 10 cars for sale that I have arranged to see. Prices varied from 1k to 25k. Most of them were private sales. On arrival at the vendor, I can usually tell pretty much straightaway if I am going to make an offer. Several of these cars were driven away the very same day. I haven't regretted the purchase of any of them.
The secret for me seems to be sticking with low mileage cars in top condition, rather than chancing my arm on a rougher version of a more valuable car. In fact with digital photos these days you can usually sort most of the wheat from the chaff before you arrange to view. Of course, keeping them in tip-top condition assists greatly when it's time to sell, even if the buyer does insist on a forensic examionation of every component!
"First to see will buy" as the adverts often claim!
Sadly no. Bought some real rubbish because of it, I think I've only once taken a car for test drive and then not bought it. I have been a bit better recently, I turned down a load of cars before I found my Stag. In my opinion they where not described correctly over the phone or in the advert.
But yes; I usually know within a few seconds if I'm going to buy it.
But yes; I usually know within a few seconds if I'm going to buy it.
Yeah, must admit if I'm after something and go and see it, I generally do buy it. I also get the feeling straight away if it's right.
Travelling has never been an issue either, went to Cheshire for my P1800 (Lived in Brentwood at the time), and down to Somerset for the Vixen (whilst living in Leytonstone).
Oh yeah, and Sutton Coldfield for the XJ-S recently while living in Saffron Walden.
Can't think of any I've walked away from if I've actually gone to see it, apart from when an old girlfriend was looking at MGBGTs in the '80s and we saw a couple before deciding on the wrong one.
.
And a Plymouth Barracuda also in the 80s near Hounslow for £500 which shook the ground when it started.
Should really have bought that one.
Travelling has never been an issue either, went to Cheshire for my P1800 (Lived in Brentwood at the time), and down to Somerset for the Vixen (whilst living in Leytonstone).
Oh yeah, and Sutton Coldfield for the XJ-S recently while living in Saffron Walden.
Can't think of any I've walked away from if I've actually gone to see it, apart from when an old girlfriend was looking at MGBGTs in the '80s and we saw a couple before deciding on the wrong one.
.And a Plymouth Barracuda also in the 80s near Hounslow for £500 which shook the ground when it started.
Should really have bought that one. I'm the same, I've bought every car I've been to look at and in some cases probably made the decision before I'd even seen them. This has meant some expensive parts bills that could probably been avoided but it has helped with my repair and restoration skills.
The only car that has turned out to be a wise investment is my 356 which is of course the one car that I will never sell. Now all I need to do is finish it and get it on the road.
The only car that has turned out to be a wise investment is my 356 which is of course the one car that I will never sell. Now all I need to do is finish it and get it on the road.
I'm s
t at buying cars.
First car I went to view, gave it a good looking over, took it out for a test drive. Bought it. A week later found it had extensive crash damage repairs.
Second car I purchased based entirely on a chat with the dealership over the phone and some provided pictures. They drove it across the country to me and I paid in cash when it arrived. WAS THE MINTEST car I've ever owned!
Third car I purchased from a local dealer. Went to view car, test drove, purchased it. Found it had fked air suspension and had been rear-ended.
Although a bit of a blanket statement, I think the best way to purchase a car is to see if the dealer is prepared to drive it to you. Offer them a deposit of a few hundred quid and say "if you're so confident that the car you have for sale is as good as you say, drive it to me"
t at buying cars.First car I went to view, gave it a good looking over, took it out for a test drive. Bought it. A week later found it had extensive crash damage repairs.
Second car I purchased based entirely on a chat with the dealership over the phone and some provided pictures. They drove it across the country to me and I paid in cash when it arrived. WAS THE MINTEST car I've ever owned!
Third car I purchased from a local dealer. Went to view car, test drove, purchased it. Found it had f
ked air suspension and had been rear-ended.Although a bit of a blanket statement, I think the best way to purchase a car is to see if the dealer is prepared to drive it to you. Offer them a deposit of a few hundred quid and say "if you're so confident that the car you have for sale is as good as you say, drive it to me"
Edited by jimxms on Thursday 2nd February 10:52
Strange as it may seem I normally get a feel from the advert' as to whether or not I'm going to buy it. If after contacting the seller it still feels "right" then I'll arrange insurance etc. and go and get it unless it turns out to be a long way from described condition. I've actually bought both my last two vehicles sight unseen - a Subaru pick up on the word of a forum member (went to Halifax from N. Wilts), and my hot rod on vague memories from twenty years previous and a few fuzzy pictures, delivered by courier as not running... no regrets with either. I do normally ask all the right questions first and mentally prepare for the worst tho' and price accordingly (that way even if it's rougher than described it's probably still worth what I'm paying)...
Conversely when I sell I get folk who take up two hours of my time, ask me where the nearest good food pub' is and thank me for showing them my nice car "but it's not the sort of thing we are looking for"...aaaargh!
Conversely when I sell I get folk who take up two hours of my time, ask me where the nearest good food pub' is and thank me for showing them my nice car "but it's not the sort of thing we are looking for"...aaaargh!
When it comes to selling, I hate it. The times I've tried to sell the Vixen, people just gave me the hump and I could tell they were never going to buy it from when they first turned up. Which makes me just not want to sell it to them.
The last time, I had 30 odd emails asking things like "Does it have a full service history?" Err no, it's a 40 year old TVR FFS!.
Of all the emails, I had one bloke who turned up in the dark, in the rain so I took him out and he really liked it, but felt he wasn't brave enough to buy it.
What annoyed me the most though was the lack of any kind of response from the people who I sent a load of pictures to by email, not even a thank you, but no thanks reply.
Needless to say, it's not going anywhere.
The last time, I had 30 odd emails asking things like "Does it have a full service history?" Err no, it's a 40 year old TVR FFS!.
Of all the emails, I had one bloke who turned up in the dark, in the rain so I took him out and he really liked it, but felt he wasn't brave enough to buy it.
What annoyed me the most though was the lack of any kind of response from the people who I sent a load of pictures to by email, not even a thank you, but no thanks reply.
Needless to say, it's not going anywhere.
I was unsure of what I wanted at first, so I looked at and drove LOADS of cars. It was my first classic in the UK, and the rules were: British, 2 doors, two seats and no roof. I drove TVRs, TRs, Jensen Healeys and pretty much everything that was in my price bracket and a few that were above it, too!). I felt a bit guilty at first, but then I have issues with small British sports cars, being 'powerfully' built, so I was glad I did. I don't think I could have driven an Elan +2s for more than about 1/2 an hour.
I didn't really fancy an MGB, but I was looking at something else with her indoors and she liked the look of an early black one, so we took it for a drive and we both knew straight away that it suited us more than any of the others.
I looked at quite a few chrome bumper cars and then (similar to OP) decided that it was easier (and cheaper) to look at really good rubber bumper cars than to chance my arm with average (read: cheap) chrome bumper cars. The rubber bumpers don't bother me as much as they seem to bother everyone else.
It makes finding goods cars a lot easier if you look at good versions of cheaper cars, rather than cheap versions of more valuable cars (in the same price bracket). Stating the obvious, I know...
I didn't really fancy an MGB, but I was looking at something else with her indoors and she liked the look of an early black one, so we took it for a drive and we both knew straight away that it suited us more than any of the others.
I looked at quite a few chrome bumper cars and then (similar to OP) decided that it was easier (and cheaper) to look at really good rubber bumper cars than to chance my arm with average (read: cheap) chrome bumper cars. The rubber bumpers don't bother me as much as they seem to bother everyone else.
It makes finding goods cars a lot easier if you look at good versions of cheaper cars, rather than cheap versions of more valuable cars (in the same price bracket). Stating the obvious, I know...
This a timely thread as was chatting with a friend the other day on precisely the same subject. We both came to the same conclusion that over the past 20-25 years we've both been very lucky with both private and classic cars we've bought. We came to the conclusion this was down to 1. generally having a thorough idea of what we're looking at/for, 2. completing full background on the car, and 3. being lucky in buying from honest vendors.
Only once has any of my cars let me down - in fact I bought one of the Porsches with a known fault as was 99% certain of the electrical component causing the problem.
Inversely, it's the punters who are often the most difficult; the term time wasting muppets come to mind. Last year placed some posts on PH for clearing out a good collection of classic car magazines dating back to the 80's; a real good collection being given FREE to a good home. Had seven replies, all of whom said they wanted the magazines and would would collect on a certain time and date. NONE OF THEM, not one, turned up or called to apologise for not being able to collect
If anyone's interested they're still available 
Only once has any of my cars let me down - in fact I bought one of the Porsches with a known fault as was 99% certain of the electrical component causing the problem.
Inversely, it's the punters who are often the most difficult; the term time wasting muppets come to mind. Last year placed some posts on PH for clearing out a good collection of classic car magazines dating back to the 80's; a real good collection being given FREE to a good home. Had seven replies, all of whom said they wanted the magazines and would would collect on a certain time and date. NONE OF THEM, not one, turned up or called to apologise for not being able to collect
If anyone's interested they're still available I've bought 3.
Triumph Dolomite Sprint sight unseen on eBay, went all the way to Cambridgeshire to get it so wasn't going to turn around. Currently undergoing a full rebuild.
Triumph Dolomite 1850 with a known knackered gearbox. Seller asked for £100, I gave her £150 since the petrol tank was full. Currently undergoing a full rebuild.
BMW 316 bought sight unseen from eBay for £415. Utter shed, but took me to the 'Ring, round twice, and back without breaking too much. Spent £450 getting it through an MOT, sold for £350.
I'm really not very good at this.
Triumph Dolomite Sprint sight unseen on eBay, went all the way to Cambridgeshire to get it so wasn't going to turn around. Currently undergoing a full rebuild.
Triumph Dolomite 1850 with a known knackered gearbox. Seller asked for £100, I gave her £150 since the petrol tank was full. Currently undergoing a full rebuild.
BMW 316 bought sight unseen from eBay for £415. Utter shed, but took me to the 'Ring, round twice, and back without breaking too much. Spent £450 getting it through an MOT, sold for £350.
I'm really not very good at this.
LotusOmega375D said:
sort most of the wheat from the chaff before you arrange to view.
This is why you are successful. As another poster wrote, you can get a feel for the car and the seller from the advert. I am immediately turned off by descriptions like "mint", "showroom" and best of all "perfect condition for age" (uh?). Unless a car is literally in timewarp condition or fully and comprehensively restored, it simply cannot be as described.Which brings me to my iceberg theory. Whatever I find on inspection will only be 10% of the total issues. Unfortunately I still buy cars thinking I've spotted everything only to get a rude awakening when I do the first full / wheels off insepction. But hey it'as all good fun and a learing process.
I think the internet as well as allowing discerning buyers to turn down many prospective purchases through easy communications and digital photos has increased the number of browsers and time-wasters. It's must easier to send an email or message through ebay than actaully pck up the phone...
Speaking of which there's an ad in the local paper. "Silver Daimler, T&T, £600" (plus phone number). Thats's it. Now if that was online I'd be in touch to find out more. As it is I shall ignore the temptation to discover a one lady owner barn-find SP250 and live with the assumption it's a rusty V12.
I started investigating classics 2 weeks ago ready for a purchase in early April. Always takes me 3 montsh to choose a car, new, modern, used or classic. Its part of the fun frankly.
Worse this time roudn as I cant decide between pre war, modern or somewhere in between with various cars appealing to me. Main issue is time, I just havent had any to go physically look at the cars yet. Im sure once I do, and drive them, I'll quickly decide what I want and then I expect viewing 3-4 cars will see me parting with some cash. Thats usually the case.
Worse this time roudn as I cant decide between pre war, modern or somewhere in between with various cars appealing to me. Main issue is time, I just havent had any to go physically look at the cars yet. Im sure once I do, and drive them, I'll quickly decide what I want and then I expect viewing 3-4 cars will see me parting with some cash. Thats usually the case.
griffter said:
Which brings me to my iceberg theory. Whatever I find on inspection will only be 10% of the total issues.
Absolutely. I love the drive home in a new car, I hate the subsequent drivers over the next couple of weeks when you discover that the heater doesn't work, it pulls to one side under heavy braking and there are strange noises coming from the diff...Made a load of mistakes when a lot younger buying rubbish I should have never touched that subsequently turned into money pits ...
MGB - paid £750. First one I saw. One side was completely filler from the door back. Turned into a major resto and off the road for nine months.
Stag - the ultimate money pit. Second one I saw. The first was actually better. Paid £2650 - had a hardtop, which was on. Reason was: the soft top had enormous splits down both sides. Head gasket went after three months. Six months off the road. back on. Big end went. Full engine rebuild. Car ran fine for two months. Chnaged job, got company car, Stag sold for £2450. Cost me a bloody fortune.
Better now though, bought the Stang as a basket case off ebay - experience tells you you can make decisions without seeing it in the flesh as you know the pitfalls. And bought my previous one from enay in teh US - with no checks. It just looked 'right' ...
Was looking for a a car for my daughter - saw loads of 206's - some I travelled 50 miles to see - pile of ste every last one. Bought a cracker of a car privately for less ... it just read and looked right in the advert.
If someone has put a lot of effort into wording the advert and they can spell, I am going to take a lot more notice than one on ebay with two pics, in the dark, and txtspk in the wording!
MGB - paid £750. First one I saw. One side was completely filler from the door back. Turned into a major resto and off the road for nine months.
Stag - the ultimate money pit. Second one I saw. The first was actually better. Paid £2650 - had a hardtop, which was on. Reason was: the soft top had enormous splits down both sides. Head gasket went after three months. Six months off the road. back on. Big end went. Full engine rebuild. Car ran fine for two months. Chnaged job, got company car, Stag sold for £2450. Cost me a bloody fortune.
Better now though, bought the Stang as a basket case off ebay - experience tells you you can make decisions without seeing it in the flesh as you know the pitfalls. And bought my previous one from enay in teh US - with no checks. It just looked 'right' ...
Was looking for a a car for my daughter - saw loads of 206's - some I travelled 50 miles to see - pile of s
te every last one. Bought a cracker of a car privately for less ... it just read and looked right in the advert.If someone has put a lot of effort into wording the advert and they can spell, I am going to take a lot more notice than one on ebay with two pics, in the dark, and txtspk in the wording!
_Leg_ said:
I started investigating classics 2 weeks ago ready for a purchase in early April. Always takes me 3 montsh to choose a car, new, modern, used or classic. Its part of the fun frankly.
Worse this time roudn as I cant decide between pre war, modern or somewhere in between with various cars appealing to me. Main issue is time, I just havent had any to go physically look at the cars yet. Im sure once I do, and drive them, I'll quickly decide what I want and then I expect viewing 3-4 cars will see me parting with some cash. Thats usually the case.
This is very similar to my current situation. I have narrowed down my shortlist* to a few possibilities, but need to kick a few tyres to finally make up my mind.Worse this time roudn as I cant decide between pre war, modern or somewhere in between with various cars appealing to me. Main issue is time, I just havent had any to go physically look at the cars yet. Im sure once I do, and drive them, I'll quickly decide what I want and then I expect viewing 3-4 cars will see me parting with some cash. Thats usually the case.
ETA * Shortlist:
Rover P4
Riley RMA/E
Pre-war Riley, if I can find one cheap enough
Daimler V8 250
Triumph Stag
Edited by FarmerJim on Friday 3rd February 16:21
FarmerJim said:
This is very similar to my current situation. I have narrowed down my shortlist* to a few possibilities, but need to kick a few tyres to finally make up my mind.
ETA * Shortlist:
Rover P4
Riley RMA/E
Pre-war Riley, if I can find one cheap enough
Daimler V8 250
Triumph Stag
My tastes range from a Porsche 993/964 to an Austin 7 Chummy to a Willys Overland Tourer, also a Riley and right through to a Vw karmann ghia. The only thing they have in common is they are all 4 seat convertibles. My concern with the pre war cars is that whilst they look fantastic and I can imagine me and the kids tootling around York on a summers day I've no idea what they are like to own.ETA * Shortlist:
Rover P4
Riley RMA/E
Pre-war Riley, if I can find one cheap enough
Daimler V8 250
Triumph Stag
Edited by FarmerJim on Friday 3rd February 16:21
Example here http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C110460#
FarmerJim said:
This is very similar to my current situation. I have narrowed down my shortlist* to a few possibilities, but need to kick a few tyres to finally make up my mind.
ETA * Shortlist:
Rover P4
Riley RMA/E
Pre-war Riley, if I can find one cheap enough
Daimler V8 250
Triumph Stag
If price is a factor, go the P4. I have one that is rust free but not running if you want it for free. Its in Australia though, sadly. I dont sell cars as I HATE everyone complaining after buyers remorse sets in so it will just sit and sleep until I care. ETA * Shortlist:
Rover P4
Riley RMA/E
Pre-war Riley, if I can find one cheap enough
Daimler V8 250
Triumph Stag
Edited by FarmerJim on Friday 3rd February 16:21
I had a Morris Minor convertible sent on a transporter from Cornwall to London , paid the driver on arrival for the transport and the car. The seller was sure that on seeing it I would buy it. He was right. Luckily there are some honest sellers out there who will back their wares and not all buyers are messers .
Edited by DH01 on Monday 6th February 08:28
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