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Looking at a bad Roadster (Happy Ending)

To: mgs@autox.team.net (Receipt Notification Requested) (Non Receipt Notification Requested)
Subject: Looking at a bad Roadster (Happy Ending)
From: Phillips Kevin <Kevin.Phillips@TIDV.dti.gov.uk> (Tel DTI Assessment Unit)
Date: Fri, 29 Mar 1996 17:24:00 +0000
Update on my personal search for a Roadster.

Following the publication of the April batch of car magazines I had a couple of 
new leads to follow for Chrome Bumpered O/D Roadsters.   I had spoken at length 
to the current owners and taken notes about the details they gave me and over 
the phone they sounded great. One White 1970 and one Red 1974, both overdrive. 

Both of the prospects were in London so after an early finish at work I set off 
to view them both.

Got to the first one and gave the car a good thorough inspection, lots of 
notes, 
as trying to remember which car had what after having seen a few is difficult 
and it's also a good bargaining ploy to list the myriad faults even if they are 
almost normal for a car of the age or value you are looking at.

Having found the first car, first thing that struck me was the spares in the 
guy's drive for midgets and other Bs. Hardtops and wheels for Midgets and 
badges 
for Bs. It looked like he did a buy/sell number on them - also and more 
important it became clear during the inspection that he told some fairly big 
fibs in describing the car - also lied to direct questions - Like -

Has it got any rust ? - NO - but the rear wings were full of bubbles and front 
valance had holes.. Also numerous other nasties.. 
 
Does it leak ? - NO - so why are there puddles under the carpets in both sides 
and water behind the dash and on top of battery covers...

Either of these questions I would have expected an answer of "well a little 
bit" 
but not much it's just the ....etc etc... So why bother telling fibs when it 
will be obvious when I come and see it ? As it was he succeeded in making me 
VERY suspicious and very picky about the rest of the car... needless to say no 
offer ensued and NO SALE..

The second was different, nice young lady on the phone very honest to all 
questions, details of history what had happened to it and drove well - picked 
up 
on points she had been open about - Tyres lowish, couple of rust spots, 
otherwise a good honest clean car and was very nice to drive, smooth and pretty 
powerful.  Made an Offer and NOW SHE's MINE !!!!  - the car not the young lady 
- 
the wife would be pretty miffed I'm sure.   Roll on Summer.....

So regards from a fellow MGBer....  and a story with a happy ending !!

Kevin.    
________________________________________________________
   /^^^^^\
  /___-___\    Kevin.Phillips@tidv.dti.gov.uk
 (o (===) o)
 |_~~~~~~~_|  '62 Morris Minor     `74 MGB Roadster 
________________________________________________________
Time to update the postscript graphic I think......




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