Advice on buying a Classic Car

[land864]

We have decided to buy a Classic type convertible. That is , a 1995 MG RV8. Google them
We are actively looking around now with a view to buying early next year.
It appeals because it has beautiful lines and also just happens to have the Rover 3.9 V8 and an R380 Gearbox

The reason for the post is to get some considered opinion from the car buffs among us.

We don't need a concourse car but equally don't want anything that has been track dayed or is tatty.

Is it best to buy a cheaper , higher km car ( 76000) in excellent / near concours condition or a more expensive car with lower km( 39000) that needs a bit of tidying up? This is a summary of 2 currently for sale that we may be interested in. My fear with the lower km car is that I know it has done at least one Hillclimb and I'm not sure about track days history on it. The owner says no track days done and mechanically it seems to check out okay , although the 2nd in the R 380 may have been notchy Lets say the price difference is around $5000 , so $ 25000 and $30000.

Pete

[101RRS]

I doubt that an MG RV8 has done much in the way of track days - is more of a GT comfy tourer than a sports car.

I would be happy to own one as a nice regular driver - the last of the MGB line so a bit obsolete when sold, so you have a mix of old and new but easy to live with.

With all older vehicles - simply get the best vehicle you can afford - in the long run it is cheaper to buy a good vehicle that requires little work than to buy a poorer example and fix it up.

Cheers

Garry

[justinc]

Bloody aweful handling in stock trim, and very 'flexible' on rough road surfaces
I fitted a performance high lift cam, and a chip upgrade to one a few years back and blimey, was it a handful!! Easy to get into trouble with the woeful suspension and average steering feel.

Loved the exhaust note, especially at the lights with that great cam lope.. and then again at 5500rpm....

Great vehicle to own and drive around, but be careful with the right foot if the engine has been tweaked and the chassis is still stock

JC

[Jojo]

I've read an interesting article about this vehicle:
MG RV8
Seems there were not too many built of them, so spares may become an issue. Nice looking vehicle, though, and very British... Good on ya'!
Cheers

[The Cone of Silence]

Pete

I have owned a couple of classic British sports cars and still have one to this day....a '67 Austin Healey 3000.

The rule of thumb when looking at a car to buy is to be fully aware of what your problem areas will be - you need to study the car and the owners forums and find out what are the areas that owners have typically experienced issues with.

For most British sports cars it's rust, so check the chassis and the bodywork for telltale signs. Yours is only a '95 though so I'd expect less of an issue here.
how about the roof fittings? Do they leak? Worth giving them a hose as part of your assessment.

There might be other hidden things that you need to keep a lookout for though so find an MG R8 owner's forum and see what you can glean from there.

If you're worried about whether the engine has been ragged at track days and hill climbs, well fair enough. If both cars were identical I think I'd be tempted by the older vehicle with higher mileage that doesn't have a potential problem with the gearbox. Stay safe.

How many miles are you likely to do in this car on a regular basis?

Bobby

[solmanic]

In my experience, km on the odometer mean nothing when talking classic cars. It all depends on how well it has been maintained and what has been overhauled or replaced. (EDIT: Although 1995 is not really that old. I'm thinking more 1950-60s era.)

If you really want to enjoy a classic, get one that is just not quite perfect so you won't be afraid to take it out and drive it. You also won't then agonize about any little tweaks you want to do to it for fear of compromising its show-worthiness. If it hasn't already been done, upgrade the electrics (EDIT: again probably not an issue for a 1995 vehicle). I put electronic ignition in my Alfa and it runs like a new car. Starts easily even after sitting in the garage for three or four weeks.

[101RRS]

For most British sports cars it's rust, so check the chassis and the bodywork for telltale signs. Yours is only a '95 though so I'd expect less of an issue here.
how about the roof fittings? Do they leak? Worth giving them a hose as part of your assessment.

A very good point.

Check where the RV8 originally came from as the RV8 was never sold in Australia and I thought most in Australia were grey imports from Japan and if so the corrosion issue may not be an issue.

Cheers

Garry

[p38arover]

I'll ask a friend in the MG car club if you can contact him. He's an automotive engineer and has worked for LR (now works for another manufacturer getting cars complianced).

He's just sold his MGC but still has another MG.

[Bigbjorn]

Justinc is on the money about handling. I bought one new in 1964. One of the last of the three bearing engines. Pressed hard, the understeer was total and frightening. It could go straight ahead with full lock on. Chassis and body twist and flex was part of the design criteria. Good brakes for the time. Excellent crumpet catcher.

MGB's are not highly regarded in collector circles. Don't pay more than $15,000 for a 90 point car.

Most owners have a jaundiced idea of the value of their collector car when they advertise it for sale. Far too many have the idea that they spent $xxxxx on it and they are going to recoup that money. Wrong. Their spending was the cost of their hobby, not value adding. If it is for sale at an exaggerated price, then offer half.

[timax]

I have chased a tidy BRG one around Wakefield park in my PRB.
It was quick enough and seemed to handle ok . Isnt the V8 actually lighter that the steel 4 pot?
Personally i would go straight to the MG club and their forums and start asking questions. Better to buy one that is sorted even if it has some K's on it. And way better that it be from an MG enthusiast.
I have driven a rubber nose 4 pot version owned by a girl i was working with once and it was totally horrible. ALL in the setup though. She had NO idea.