Hi Edwin,
Before you make an offer, have the car checked over by a specialist MG
mechanic. No reasonable seller would refuse, if they do, walk away - you
wouldn't want to buy a car that needs regular servicing from someone with
that attitude, and they may actively be trying to hide something.
I'm sure Ed and laurie could add to this list but you should check out:
1. under the car: rust in the sills, floor pan etc. Brake hoses. fuel line.
engine/transmission/diff leaks. U-joint. too-much play in the steering.
suspension. suspicious white spots on the bottom of the radiator. straight
frame.
2. engine: compression. non-stock timing (may indicate correction for
another problem). clean plugs? clean points? filters (indicates regular
maintenance). oil level. evidence of coolant leaks in the oil. coolant level
and condition. radiator leaks.
3. electrics. does everthing work? if you are insepcting the car during the
day, make sure all the lights work! including brake and reversing lights.
How does the harness look? basically clean, or dog-eared? any non-stock
alterations? If so ask why. Condition of the battery compartment. (ask the
owner where the battery is - if they haven't been doing regular maintenance
they probably won't know!)
Remember that you can tart up a mechanically rough car to look beautiful
with the minimum of outlay. It's better to buy a slightly scruffy car that
is mechanically sound. Scruffy interirors can be completed stripped and
refitted for around $1000.
As for price. I bought my 79 MGB from an 86 year old guy who used to show
it. it was garage kept with 66,000 on the clock. It was in excellent
condition with original interiors, tonneua, soft top etc. the soft-top is
pushing 21 years old and is a little worn, (but i've seen far worse on 5
year old mustangs so go figure). The paint job was good, but will need
re-doing in a couple of years to keep the car immaculate. No rust. good
compression. The mechanic who checked it out was very impressed (he said it
was the best non-restored car he had ever seen) but found a couple of small
things that would need fixing within the next year. the owner wanted $4600,
i bought the car for $4000 (which a couple of mechanics i know agreed was a
fair to cheap price). I have probably spent $800 in the last few months
fixing the things which needed doing, so that squared up. for other
estimates of price check out online trader.
hope that helps
cheers
Joe.
___________________________
Dr. Joseph Garner
University of California
Department of Animal Science
One Shields Avenue
Davis
CA 95616
USA
Phone: (530) 754 5291
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Edwin McCarroll [mailto:emccarroll@mco.edu]
> Sent: Friday, July 07, 2000 11:00 AM
> To: Mgs@autox.team.net
> Subject: MGB advice/opinions
>
>
> Just returned from looking at a 1980 MGB convertible with 7k
> miles on the clock. The car is immaculate, the only fault
> being that despite its low mileage, the trunk lid must have
> been forced a bit against the restraining strut, but barely
> noticeable. Tools have never been out of the roll. I
> have never owned a 'B' save for the '74 GT many years ago.
> This "B" seems to be a bit doggy (all the anti-pollution
> gear, I suspect). My life's navigator tells me that I
> don't need another car . She is probable right, but this
> one is so pretty. Any help on what would be a respectable
> offer for this car? Any input would be appreciated.
>
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