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Re: test drive

To: Jellyby@aol.com
Subject: Re: test drive
From: Art Pfenninger <ch155@FreeNet.Buffalo.EDU>
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 1998 19:26:31 -0500 (EST)
        For $2500 you might be able to get a 1984 Toyota or maybe a 1987
Dodge... get the picture. Nothing that you mentioned sounds like 
big bucks. Since rust is not a problem and it runs well I would give him
what he is asking. Of course try to get a few bucks knocked off, but with
spring just around the corner it probably won't last long.
...Art

On Thu, 12 Feb 1998 Jellyby@aol.com wrote:

> for those of you who have been keeping up with my ongoing evaluation the 77
> MGB I want to buy, here's the latest and probably last installment.  I took
> the car for a test drive, and it runs well.  The engine is strong, OD works,
> transmission seems solid, clutch is not loose and engages easily.  Hell, the
> first three gears are easier to work than my every day car.  It didn't pop out
> of gear @ high RPMs, suspension took bumps pretty well.  The ride was a little
> bumpy, and I asked about it; the guy said it was probably flat spots in the
> tires from sitting (that's about what it felt like, too; it felt like it was
> occurring on all four tires and was not a sharp bumping such as when a wheel
> is bent).  Steering was pretty good, too; not loose and very few corrections
> necessary.  Brakes probably need adjustment.  Speedo is a bit unsteady and the
> guy found the gas guage to be non-functioning, too.
>       Took it to my mechanic, and here's what he found.  Signals/Hazards not
> functioning (which the guy said had happened that morning and would be fixed
> before purchase), fan for defroster and 1 license plate light not functioning.
> Passenger's side headlight needs adjustment.  Left front Kingpin needs
> replacement and Right front steering boot needs to be tightened.  Found no
> problems with the underbody (made sure he checked the rocker panels, chassis
> rails, etc.).  Overall rating: Fair.
>       Here's my problem:  The guy wants $2500 OBO for it and I KNOW it's not 
>worth
> that.  I think that, were the gas guage, signals/hazards, kingpin, and
> steering boot problems to be repaired, the value of the car maxs out at $1500
> (list price for the car in good condition).  But take into account the
> interior needing to be refinished, minimal rust repair/body work, a new top,
> and a fresh coat of paint, I think a few hundred dollars need to be knocked
> off.  But I don't know what a fair offer is; I almost feel that $1000 is too
> much...
> 
> What do you think?
> Sean McComber
> Falls Church, VA
> 


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