Doug,
What does the car smell like? If it is musty, chances are there's been water
sitting on the floor boards. If water got behind the seats, check the rear
doglegs for rust. Check the entire body for rust. Use a strong magnet.
Don't be gentle.
Sight unseen, I'd offer him $300 and the promise of a good home. Rust is the
MGB's worst enemy (and SUVs, but that is a different thread). The more you
find, the more you knock off from the $300. The 1980 engine really detracts
from the value (lower compression, non-maching numbers, other subtle
differences), ask if he still has the original engine around and make sure
you get it if he does. Chances are you will put more than $5000 into it if
you really get attached to it (sometimes much more).
It sounds like the guy likes MGBs (or else he wouldn't have bought another
one). Tell him you will give it a good home and keep it warm and dry at
night.
Good luck!
Steve Sanchez
1977 MGB Roadster
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