Another hello from Essex
Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2014 10:25 am
Hi all
Like the last poster, I'm also based in Essex, but over near Great Dunmow. I'm also in a bit of a dilemma.
I'd like to buy a "hobby" car that is good to drive on the open road and reasonably capable of doing some distances (i.e. getting to the next bit of decent road) and am wondering whether an Elan would do the job.
I am fairly capable with the spanners, so the maintenance aspects of the car don't worry me at all but I am a bit more lost when it comes to values. However, I would far rather start with an excellent car than one I need to start work on immediately. I've been that route before and don't really have the time to indulge at the moment.
I *think* my preference is for a FHC (2 seater rather than a Plus 2) but other than that I'm fairly open. I am happy to buy privately and in fact normally prefer that option rather than going via a dealer. There's no particular rush to buy a car so I can wait for the right one to come along.
So, pricing - what should I be expecting to pay for an excellent but not concours car (an S4 or S4 SE, for example)? Are prices trending up or fairly level at the moment?
In addition, is there anyone local who'd be open to letting me have a look over a similar car to see where the potential trouble spots are and to get a feel as to whether they're really for me? I'm sure I'll be getting along to some of the local meets but if they're in the evening it's a bit dark at the moment for looking at cars.
Other inputs welcome.
P.
Like the last poster, I'm also based in Essex, but over near Great Dunmow. I'm also in a bit of a dilemma.
I'd like to buy a "hobby" car that is good to drive on the open road and reasonably capable of doing some distances (i.e. getting to the next bit of decent road) and am wondering whether an Elan would do the job.
I am fairly capable with the spanners, so the maintenance aspects of the car don't worry me at all but I am a bit more lost when it comes to values. However, I would far rather start with an excellent car than one I need to start work on immediately. I've been that route before and don't really have the time to indulge at the moment.
I *think* my preference is for a FHC (2 seater rather than a Plus 2) but other than that I'm fairly open. I am happy to buy privately and in fact normally prefer that option rather than going via a dealer. There's no particular rush to buy a car so I can wait for the right one to come along.
So, pricing - what should I be expecting to pay for an excellent but not concours car (an S4 or S4 SE, for example)? Are prices trending up or fairly level at the moment?
In addition, is there anyone local who'd be open to letting me have a look over a similar car to see where the potential trouble spots are and to get a feel as to whether they're really for me? I'm sure I'll be getting along to some of the local meets but if they're in the evening it's a bit dark at the moment for looking at cars.
Other inputs welcome.
P.