David,
I have a really nice TR8 roadster and I would trade it in a minute for a
nice early B roadster. I do get compliments on the TR8- sorta reminds me of
the nice comments I got on my MGA back in the late '60's. The TR8 hasn't
given me any problems, but having owned a TR8 ten years ago, I realize these
cars' imperfections. MGB's are far from perfect cars, but I do like the
looks of the B and its simplicity.
The TR8 is a blast to drive especially going thru the gears, but the
complexity of it does not compensate for this feature.
Don Scott
At 08:34 PM 10/05/2000 -0600, you wrote:
>Almost three months ago, I asked the list about the TR7, which is the
>wimpier version of the same car. I asked the MG list as well as the TR7/TR8
>mailing list their opinions while I was checking out a TR7 convertible.
>
> From the MG list, I got some pretty good feedback overall - some positive
>and some negative. And in the end, I did end up buying the '80 TR7
>convertible because I got it cheap and it needed a lot of work, mostly
>minor stuff. I figured if I don't like it, I should be able to sell it for
>at least what I'll have in it.
>
>The price mentioned, $3500, is actually a good price for a TR8,
>particularly if its the convertible. Values are quite variable, much like
>MGBs, although TR7s are worth a little less, a lot less if its the earlier
>buggy hard top versions. TR8 prices, on the other hand, are a bit higher
>than the equivalent MGB or GT. The TR8 website says the TR8 (a TR7 V8) is
>worth between $5k-$12k depending on condition.
>
>The TR7s and TR8s do not handle as good as an MGB, and the braking is not
>quite as good. The slope of the front is such that you cannot see the front
>end as well as a MGB and judge just where the front end ends. Parts are not
>as readily available as MG parts, at least in the US.
>
>Oddly enough, my TR7 gets more looks and favorable comments than my BGT
>here in town.
>
>Your best bet would be to take a test drive and judge for yourself. The TR8
>should be a good zippy car. You can also get more definitive advice from
>the TR8 mailing list as well as the World Wide Wedge -
>http://www.team.net:80/TR8/index.html
>
>There is also a buyer's guide at the web site that will tell you what to
>check. Although the TR8 is not as prone to rust as a MGB, rust is deadlier
>and can destroy the suspension of the car.
>
>One thing I have noticed about the TR7 and TR8s that may not be a good sign
>is that its not unusual to find low mileages. The TR7 I bought only had 60k
>actual miles on it. Compare that scenario to a MGB - its hard to find one
>that hasn't gone past 100k.
>
>So far I like my TR7, but I am still inclined to sell it next spring and
>get a pre-67 MGB. Its mainly just my winter project car.
>
>David Councill
>67 BGT near restored
>71 BGT rust bucket
>80 TR7 project car
>
>
>
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