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RE: TR8?

To: "mga" <mga@napanet.net>, <mgs@autox.team.net>
Subject: RE: TR8?
From: "Larry Hoy" <larryhoy@prodigy.net>
Date: Fri, 6 Oct 2000 08:53:06 -0600
Don, sounds like you need an MGB V8.

Larry Hoy

>-----Original Message-----
>From: owner-mgs@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-mgs@autox.team.net]On
>Behalf Of mga
>Sent: Friday, October 06, 2000 7:00 AM
>To: mgs@autox.team.net
>Subject: Re: TR8?
>
>
>David,
>
>I have a really nice TR8 roadster and I would trade it in a minute for a
>nice early B roadster.  I do get compliments on the TR8- sorta reminds me of
>the nice comments I got on my MGA back in the late '60's.  The TR8 hasn't
>given me any problems, but having owned a TR8 ten years ago, I realize these
>cars' imperfections.  MGB's are far from perfect cars, but I do like the
>looks of the B and its simplicity.
>
>The TR8 is a blast to drive especially going thru the gears, but the
>complexity of it does not compensate for this feature.  
>
>Don Scott
>
>
>At 08:34 PM 10/05/2000 -0600, you wrote:
>>Almost three months ago, I asked the list about the TR7, which is the 
>>wimpier version of the same car. I asked the MG list as well as the TR7/TR8 
>>mailing list their opinions while I was checking out a TR7 convertible.
>>
>> From the MG list, I got some pretty good feedback overall - some positive 
>>and some negative. And in the end, I did end up buying the '80 TR7 
>>convertible because I got it cheap and it needed a lot of work, mostly 
>>minor stuff. I figured if I don't like it, I should be able to sell it for 
>>at least what I'll have in it.
>>
>>The price mentioned, $3500, is actually a good price for a TR8, 
>>particularly if its the convertible. Values are quite variable, much like 
>>MGBs, although TR7s are worth a little less, a lot less if its the earlier 
>>buggy hard top versions. TR8 prices, on the other hand, are a bit higher 
>>than the equivalent MGB or GT. The TR8 website says the TR8 (a TR7 V8) is 
>>worth between $5k-$12k depending on condition.
>>
>>The TR7s and TR8s do not handle as good as an MGB, and the braking is not 
>>quite as good. The slope of the front is such that you cannot see the front 
>>end as well as a MGB and judge just where the front end ends. Parts are not 
>>as readily available as MG parts, at least in the US.
>>
>>Oddly enough, my TR7 gets more looks and favorable comments than my BGT 
>>here in town.
>>
>>Your best bet would be to take a test drive and judge for yourself. The TR8 
>>should be a good zippy car. You can also get more definitive advice from 
>>the TR8 mailing list as well as the World Wide Wedge - 
>>http://www.team.net:80/TR8/index.html
>>
>>There is also a buyer's guide at the web site that will tell you what to 
>>check. Although the TR8 is not as prone to rust as a MGB, rust is deadlier 
>>and can destroy the suspension of the car.
>>
>>One thing I have noticed about the TR7 and TR8s that may not be a good sign 
>>is that its not unusual to find low mileages. The TR7 I bought only had 60k 
>>actual miles on it. Compare that scenario to a MGB - its hard to find one 
>>that hasn't gone past 100k.
>>
>>So far I like my TR7, but I am still inclined to sell it next spring and 
>>get a pre-67 MGB.  Its mainly just my winter project car.
>>
>>David Councill
>>67 BGT near restored
>>71 BGT rust bucket
>>80 TR7 project car
>>
>>
>>
>

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