Thread: Buying...what to look for

Hi reubsrover,
I love an optimist, I suspect that you would spend more than a grand to put things to rights here. You are right about finding out why the vehicle doesn't run well on petrol which would have been its primary fuel when it was made. I'm not sure where to start really, corrosion, front wheel arches, the floor both drivers and passengers, the fire wall behind the front arches, both sides. Rear window frame, seats, roof lining, steering for oil leaks. When you get to drive it clonks and bangs when you change from forward to backward motion, oil leaks, they all have them just make sure nothing is free flowing.
I've just bought a nice 83 cost a bit more than $600 and I've spent more than $1000 getting it to where I wanted it to be, new tyres were over a grand.See how you go, good luck, this might not give you the right impression when you come over from another camp.

Check the sills under the doors for rust as well. Oh and did someone mention oil leaks, suspension rubbers, Boge unit, rear A-frame ball joint, etc, etc. I dont want to put you off, but a 600 quid rangie is really a spare parts car.

Hey if it's cheap and runs it's worth a shot. The main thing after stuffed running gear noises is to look at the coolant situation. If there's yuck in the cooling system just walk away...

And did anyone mention rust? Door pillars are a funny one for rust in some RRC's

The gas tank might be out of date too, expect $100 to $300 for the test and refit.

Thanks for the tips guys. I'm no longer interested but if anyone else is let me know and I'll get you the contact details.

We are always interested!

Well I could take a photo or two if you think it's worth while. It's only just up the road.