So just the other weekend my wife Betty and I were on our way back from Erie PA when we stopped in to Gio's BBQ for a couple of their mile-high double cheeseburgers. And let me tell you it was every bit as delicious and tasty as it looks in the photo you see here. But that was nothing compared to the tasty tips I've got for you about purchasing a classic car. Read on...
A good client of ours, Jim, was looking for a classic Triumph. He came to us to ask for advice. I asked Jim what type of car he was looking for. He replied that he liked the Triumph TR6, but wondered if he could afford one. I explained to Jim that TR6’s range in price depending on condition, but can be surprisingly affordable. They can cost as little as $6,000.00 or $7,000.00 for a "driver" (a car that may not look so nice but will be fun to drive and get you there and back) and as much as $15,000.00 for a top show car.
Jim was encouraged by my estimate of the price range, so next we went over some of the things to look for when buying a TR6. I told him to check for five important points in the car's condition.
1. Look for rust on the rocker panels
Look at the body for rust, but not just from a standing position but get on the ground and look low on the rocker panels (the metal panels under the doors) and see if there is rust.
2. Make sure the drain holes are not plugged
Look to see that if any body work was done to these panels, especially that they did not cover up or plug the water drain holes on the bottom of the rocker panels. These are very important for letting the rainwater run out which prevents rust.
3. Listen for a smooth running engine
Start the engine and listen to it run. Is it smooth or does it stumble? A good engine, even a forty-year-old engine, should not have a “miss.”
4. Check the "Temp" gauge during a long test ride
Take the car for a ride, not just around the block but a good ride of 20 minutes or more. Many of these cars run hot, so look at the “Temp” gauge. If it runs hot this is not a big problem but you may need to add an electric fan after you purchase the car.
5. Listen for quiet shifting
While driving listen carefully as you shift. If you hear a banging noise you should suspect that the differential bushings are bad, or worse yet, that the brackets that hold these bushings are broken. If you hear the noise, you'll want to bring the car in so we can put it on the lift to see the condition of the bushings and brackets. We have found that this is an ongoing problem with TR6’s.
The remainder of the inspection should be common sense. Look at the condition of the belts and hoses. Visually look at the body for rust and dents. See that the lights work and the windows go up and down. Check the horn and the wipers. Most of all I told Jim to remember that the person that is selling this car either loves it and must sell it, or once loved this car. It was their baby. So when you negotiate to become the new owner, don't pick the car apart in front of the seller. Understand the motives of the seller, who in almost every case just wants to see his beloved car live on and be driven by a person who will care for her and keep her going.
Jim looked for a while. When he found a car that he liked, he set up an appointment with us to check it out top to bottom. We gave Jim a complete report. He deicided to buy his dream car, his very own Triumph TR6, and he is very happy with his choice today.
