Hi Tom,
$6M--don't rush to rule this car out because of that asking price. It
Has been for sale for a month, and the daughter doesn't want it.....both
in your favor.
When you see it, put the starting handle(crank) in and see if the
engine turns. Look for anything strange in the radiator and on the
dipstick.
Above all, look for rust. These cars ride on a real chassis, but do
check it well with your poker and screwdriver. The body is fixable; so is
the chassis but it's hard.
Look for service records, or at least for the notebook that hte owner
should keep, and for his receipts from parts vendors over the years. See
what was going on when the car was last running.
And then check back with the list, report your findings. Some of these
guys know MGAs better than the factory did. Most of the A owners spend
more time with their cars than with their spouses.
Bob
On Fri, 7 Nov 1997 20:17:37 -0500 (EST) CyberKermi@aol.com writes:
>Hello!
>
>Thanks for all the nice responses to my introduction letter...You guys
>make
>me feel at home :-) Now I can begin my search for the perfect
>car....Though
>my research, and your thoughtful opinions, I've choosen the MGA!! ha!
>I'll
>say it again, as it sounds so sweet...the MGA!! shaaaawing!
>I've located a 1959 MGA Roadster 1500. I just spoke with the owner on
>the
>phone...a female. She said that the car is at her *husband's* house
>(they
>have seperate houses, and being the polite guy that I am, I didn't ask
>why!)
>She said they have owned the car for more than 20 years, but the car
>has now
>been garaged for seven and not running. Other than that she didn't
>have a
>great deal of info, he's supposed to call me later tonight. The
>asking price
>is $6000..outta my price range of $4K and under....but I think that's
>a high
>price for a non-running MGA! I thumbed through my back trading
>magazines,
>and found it has been for sale at least a month (the earliest issue I
>have is
>the beginning of Oct)..maybe longer. She claims that they had given
>the car
>to their daughter, it didn't take (I don't know why...don't chics like
>cars
>that aren't running?), now she's getting married and they want to
>sell. The
>question is: Do I want to even bother with a car that's not running
>and a bit
>pricey! The only real plus it has, is the length of time they've
>owned her
>(and she thinks they purchased from the original owner) and the fact
>she says
>the car isn't altered and is all original
>( well..besides being painted Blue by the PO and then back to red by
>them).
>What is the difference between a "Roadster" and the standard 1500?
>also, I
>looked at a MGA buying guide on the net...it read like stereo
>instructions!
> Can someone please give me a simplified check list (one that the
>average
>non-MG owning person can understand) to help me do a real pre-purchase
>inspection?
>
>Any suggestions or letters greatly appreciated :-)
>
>your friend,
>
>Tom
>
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