peeam Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 As a prospective first time buyer, I have a modest budget (max $10,000) and looking for a distinctive but drive-able car which does not need to be 'show ready'. As it is summer my first thought is to look for a convertible. It seems to be that a MG from 70s will fit my budget and other criteria. However, with the lack of choices in my area (NJ), I will have to buy the car on-line. I am looking for recommendations for pre-purchase inspection (not necessarily appraisal) and transport. Also, any recommendations for reputable/ trustworthy dealers would be appreciated. Regarding the payment, it seems that using an escrow service could provide peace of mind. What is your experience and recommendation ? I apologize for asking a lot of questions and I appreciate your patience. Regards PeeAm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 MG would be a good choice. They made a lot of them and there are still quite a few around. They are a simple car, and all parts are available through normal channels and specialists. I'm surprised there are none for sale in your area, or no good ones. You should be able to find a suitable car within driving distance although it may not turn up right away. The winter is the time to buy cars like that but, I am sure you don't want to wait that long. Sorry I can't say anything more specific but I don't know any reliable dealers in your area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 Agree on an MG (but I am a Brit car fan) or TR-6 as an alternative (actually preferable, IMHO, but usually a little more expensive). If you go with an MGB, rockers & floor are an integral part of these cars, they can be repaired if rusty, but with so many out there go for a rust free example, and try to get a chrome bumper (pre 73, I believe) example. Not just the bumper - when they went to rubber MG raised the car to meet US safety requirements on bumper height. You can convert, but again, why when you can just buy a correct one. The Brit clubs tend to be pretty active with both tech and touring. New England Classic Cars in Stratford, CT always seems to have a good selection, he has been around forever, and in southern CT, not too far from you. Google him and have a look - remember a dealer will get top dollar, but asking is just that. Plus, a touch over budget is a small prioe to pay for getting behind the wheel right away - it is the perfect time of year for an MG! Relatively easy to repair, great parts availability, ready market when time to move on comes as long as one is realistic about the value, all in all a lot of car, I think for the money. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 Oh, second choice that comes to mind in your price range, 6 cylinder '64 -'66 Mustang. you won't likely get a convertible in that range, but great practical collectibles that, IMHO are one of the cleanest 60s designs. $10K should get you a pretty good one in a 6 - plenty of get around power, just not a race car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bkazmer Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 what about Alfa Spider? 5 speed gearbox, a roof that actually works you haven't really shared the parameters Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 Wife and I wore out 3 steel bumpered MGBs as daily drivers. We loved them. Fun fun fun to drive and easy to work on. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarlLaFong Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 eBay is littered with MGBs. Here is, what seems to be, a nice one, right around the corner in Mass.http://www.ebay.com/itm/MG-MGB-Roadster-/171802991164?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2800419a3c&item=171802991164 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeC5 Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 That seems like a pretty decent example for the money if it really has no under body rust.. Be sure and bring a magnet, flashlight and inspection mirror to detect any slipshod rust repair. Also, if you do lean towards a 'B', look for one with the electric overdrive if you think you will take any long trips. It makes highway driving much, much more pleasurable. One good thing about these is that they are dirt simple to work on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeC5 Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 Also, if you're looking at one with wire wheels, listen for clunks when applying the brakes. I bought one that had significant wear on the wheel hub splines due to someone not keeping the retaining nut tight. It made for an annoying clunk that could be heard and felt through the brake pedal. At the time the only way to repair these was to weld up the splines and re-machine them. There may be repros made now but I'll bet they ain't cheap either... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarlLaFong Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 New spline hubs are available. 125-150 bucks each. Not too bad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auburnseeker Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 Here is an example of an MGB in Upstate NY and a Mustang both recently listed for sale. The mustang was just listed. http://www.wantaddigest.com/forsale/wantad.asp?onlineid=ANUAB02&adid=A00010 http://www.wantaddigest.com/forsale/wantad.asp?onlineid=COM0017&adid=A00001 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Roth Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 what about Alfa Spider? 5 speed gearbox, a roof that actually works you haven't really shared the parametersI love these Alfa- Romeo Spiders, especially the late 1950s Giulietta Veloce to mid-1960s models, but the price on these have gone through the roof ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bkazmer Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 Agree Giuliettas are out, probably Duettos too. Kamm tail Spiders are what I was referring too. Those are plentiful and decently priced Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
61polara Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 Check out our Buy/Sell part of the forum. This is just a little above your budget.http://forums.aaca.org/topic/257247-1969-olds-cutlass-s-convertible-fs/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auburnseeker Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 I saw that convertible posted yesterday 61polara. As long as the plastic is minimal that looks like a great car for someone. One of the best examples I have seen in that price range. Sometimes pushing the max budget just a little gets you exactly what you are looking for, rather than settling. I did on a few of the cars I bought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 Rust is what eventually kills MGBs. Pretty much all British cars actually. If you set a team of engineers to the task of designing a car that would rust the fastest they would end up with something closely resembling an XK Jag or an MGB. I think my XK 140 had rust thru before it left the assembly line. Something about that English weather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AlCapone Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 I saw that convertible posted yesterday 61polara. As long as the plastic is minimal that looks like a great car for someone. One of the best examples I have seen in that price range. Sometimes pushing the max budget just a little gets you exactly what you are looking for, rather than settling. I did on a few of the cars I bought.who knows, he might take 10 K !Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 Peeam, you might find a fairly good selection at or a touch above your budget. Don't rush it, while $10K won't buy a midyear Corvette or prewar open Packard, as you can see you do have some choices that could be ready to go, and despite the "improving economy" I think it is still largely a buyer's market. TALK to owners at car shows or club events, if you indicate an interest in a certain make or model, you may be offered a ride, etc. to get to know the feel of the car better - at the end of the day you should look to buy what interests you, but sticking with one of the more popular models will help with parts and support while you own the car and of course, having a market at resale time. If you have the $10K cash and need to stick to your budget that is understandable, even a very sound car will need some attention so plan on that; but do not be afraid to look a little over your budget - cash talks, as they say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_padavano Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 The type of car is a personal choice, but having looked at many, MANY cars over the years, my one piece of advice is DON'T buy a car in the rust belt. Find a good, dry, rust free car in the desert southwest. Spend the money and fly out to inspect it if you don't trust the seller's description. Also be aware that not all cars from the southwest are rust free. Do NOT ask me how I know this... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capngrog Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 How about an air-cooled VW Bug? They're fun, easy to work on and are becoming "classic" in their own right. Just a suggestion,Grog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auburnseeker Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 At this point I think the cars have been moved around so much that unless it's a south west car from new with documentation proceed with Caution. My 36 Chrysler came from CT and was there it's whole life their and was amazingly rust free. I've seen western cars that had rust issues, so just assume they all may have been a rust bucket and look at things like nooks and crannies when scrutinizing photos of cars for sale. Pitted interior chrome is a good sign of a rusty car that was refurbished. Pitted vent frames are also one thing people don't rechrome so they tell the story of what shape the car may have been in. Inner rockers and quarters also get little attention so you will quickly see what shape the car was in. Look for factory seems and drain holes to avoid hap hazardly refurbished cars. If you ask for close ups of these areas when you ask for photos. It will save you alot of time on the road looking at junk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peeam Posted May 28, 2015 Author Share Posted May 28, 2015 I am overwhelmed by the wonderful, thoughtful and helpful comments to my series of naive questions. Each of you has provided something for me to ponder and I am grateful for that. THANK YOU all A couple of additional challenges I am wrestling with:- recommendation for a pre-purchase inspection service- advice on how to pay for a car if purchased from a dealer who is located far away. Most dealers insist on a Bank transfer for thr full amount prior to shipping the car. I thought that using an intermediary like escrow.com may buy some piece of mind for the buyer. What are thoughts and experience ?RegardsPeeAm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bkazmer Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 i think you need to give us your criteria to help the focus of the suggestions. I doubt if a Model A Ford and a VW Beetle are both on your shopping list (although it's OK if they are) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 Finding a clean/ rust free example is just the start. I also look for online service manuals and a fanatical forum. Long time ago I wanted a TR3 or TR3A. Could not find one but found a XK-140 I could afford. Then I found out why. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peeam Posted May 28, 2015 Author Share Posted May 28, 2015 Bkazmer- you are correct. I am not looking for Ford model A of T and any thing else of that vintage. My limited goal is to have a 'distinctive' car that I can enjoy for occasional errand and weekend drives. I can, off course, buy a recent car (less than 10-15 years old) with the modern comfort and safety features in my budget but that would be too run of the mill or even boring. I do not per se need another car but thought that I could join in this wonderful hobby for a bit of fun. So, as a newbie, I am looking for a car that does not need immediate mechanical work, decent looks but not show quality and does not look like every other car on the road. So, I started with convertibles and realized that a MG may be a good choice. Now, I am looking at other choices based on suggestions made. An American brand from 60s- early 80s may work too.RegardsPeeAm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auburnseeker Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 A C body Mopar from the 65-70 era might fit the bill as well. I looked at a very good example last year that could have been bought at just above the 10,000 mark. It had a not great but not terrible respray but was amazingly nice and original otherwise. it was a 68 Chrysler 300 Convertible with the TNT package and had one of the nicest original undercarriages I have seen. That was in VT. The C bodies don't seem to bring alot of money but may be a bit of a hard sale when you get ready to part with it. Very good drivetrain though and definitely something you won't see many others of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted May 29, 2015 Share Posted May 29, 2015 (edited) I think PeeAm is looking for something smaller. A few years ago I almost bought a Chrysler LeBaron convertible in nice shape for $3200. They are still fairly common and sell for peanuts compared to say a 1968 Camaro or 1970 MG. I hesitate to mention this because they are not what we think of as "vintage" but they are a good looking car, reliable and parts and repairs not hard to get. You could have a lot of fun for not a lot of money or hassles. A fair percentage seem to have been "kept as pets" by their original owners and show up for sale with low miles in excellent shape. They would make a great choice for someone just starting in the old car hobby. For comparison, here are 43 of them at prices from $500 to $15000 but most in the $2500 - $5000 range, some with under 50,000 miles. http://www.autoblog.com/used-list/make1-Chrysler/model1-LeBaron/body-Convertible/page-3 Edited May 29, 2015 by Rusty_OToole (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary_Ash Posted May 29, 2015 Share Posted May 29, 2015 I'll endorse the idea of going to a few local club meets for the brand of cars you are interested in and seriously chatting up the club members about your interests. People are always buying and selling cars, and club members have seen the cars over some period of time and know the owners. It is common for someone to want to find a new owner for his pet car who "fits the mold" and will make a good price to enable it. I think that is better than plunging into an unknown car in an Ebay deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted May 29, 2015 Share Posted May 29, 2015 Another convertible that turns up at bargain prices is the SAAB. They sold a lot of them in the nineties. A bit more exotic and expensive to repair though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted May 29, 2015 Share Posted May 29, 2015 (edited) As a Mopar fan I suggest a Dart, Valiant or Barracuda convertible. Many were made with the same reliable slant six or 318 V8 underpinnings as their less glamourous , ultra reliable sedan counterparts. They make a great fun car, reliable and easy to keep in repair. The muscle car versions are sky high but the ones with the smaller engines from the sixties are still affordable. Edited May 29, 2015 by Rusty_OToole (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted May 29, 2015 Share Posted May 29, 2015 Gary Ash makes a great point - sometimes the best cars circulate through club members and never get to eBay, etc. - not just CCCA Full Classics, in thinking about it this has been the case in every club I have belonged to. Widening search is fine, but definately put in the effort to try them on for size, the Olds above is a sound deal; but a very different car from an MG or TR. Be sure to get a feel for the car, one if not necessarilly "better" just different. If you go with a dealer, the good ones should walk you through the process - buying assistance is part of the value add, so do not be afraid to put them to work... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted May 29, 2015 Share Posted May 29, 2015 Key is to create two lists. In one list those things the car must do/be. In the second list those things you want the car to do/be. Start with everything you can think of, then weed it back. For me one missed "must" or three missed "wants" eliminate without thought. Am biased but think the Reatta is quite undervalued. Everything is available and "driver" 'verts are in the $3k to $5k range. Of course one of my "musts" is air conditioning even in a convertible. Have decided that my next convertible will probably be a retractible. ps I really like Alphas but think a FIAT 124 Spyder is a better value. I like "one hand" tops and not erector sets. Just make sure the oil slinger is clean. pps Don't think any of mine are boring. Can you pick out the one that has a DOHC 6, independant suspension all around, and four wheel disk brakes ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted May 29, 2015 Share Posted May 29, 2015 Always enjoy the chances to express our enthusiasm for the MGB. We're especially fond of our MGBGT (early 74, and a 72 currently under restoration). You have to pack carefully but we've been on long trips, tours, and use it at least weekly for AACA or MG Club activities. You didn't say where you were located but hopefully there is an AACA Region or an MG Club nearby so you can learn more before you make your choice. We have some folks in our local club who know of almost every MGB in the area, and have worked on most of them too. Like any car, you can sink a ton of money into them to restore properly (don't ask me how I know), but for initial investment, your 10k should procure a pretty decent car. Check our our local club website sometime - www.mg.org for a look at the kinds of cars, people and things we do.Happy motoring,Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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