Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Peter_L · Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2016 2:33 pm Post subject: Go with Instinct or Analysis

In the Post about the EU, Rootes 75 made this comment

Quote: "We've been discussing this in our office at work, no real for's or against and none of any the wiser. I get the impression like with many things like this you have an initial way you want to vote and no matter what the arguments the majority of people will go with their initial thought.
End Quote

I have bought several used (Modern in their Day) vehicles over the years. Looking back, there wasn't much, if any research and I probably gave them little more than a "kicking tyre" inspection. What I looked for was clean, but not pristine. Used but no obviously abused. I may have been lucky, but I never had a real Lemon.

So what are you. An Instinct Buyer or an Analysis Buyer ?

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22783 Location: UK

I like to have an idea of common failure points, if buying a modern-ish, prior to buying, partly because there are usually plenty to choose from, so there's no point in buying a pup.

Whereas with older vehicles, I just tend to follow gut instinct and worry about the consequences later...

RJ
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ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4236 Location: South Cheshire

When buying new I'm very analytical but the old crocks are all gut feel!

Ashley · Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 1426 Location: Near Stroud, Glos

Modern cars are so good it's difficult to buy a pup, but where old ones are concerned, however hard I've tried I bought mostly disasters and spent a fortune getting them right.

It's is easy to see why people might prefer barn fnds, in the mistaken belief that they can't be as bad as something restored by an expert.

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4236 Location: South Cheshire

Rootes75 · Posted: Fri Feb 26, 2016 11:55 am Post subject:

Whenever I have bought a classic vehicle I find I always go on my initial 'gut' feeling. Like so many things in life.

Working on this principle has its downsides of course, you can quite often overlook certain areas because inside you have already made your mind up.

Take my current predicament, I was told about a vintage lorry (complete basket case I may add) about a year and a half ago. I know the price and the chap has told me he will not advertise it so I have been selling off what I can to afford it. Its history is very local to me and has relevance to our family, although it is located about 150 miles away.

I have not viewed it although I have seen some pictures of its remains, but my 'gut' feel is to go for it and almost as soon as I knew of its history I knew inside that I was going for it. Like I said, its a basket case so obviously needs a great deal of work but that is being overlooked (at the moment!).
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Various Rootes Vehicles.

Peter_L · Posted: Fri Feb 26, 2016 4:06 pm Post subject:

ka · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 600 Location: Orkney.

"Lucky socks", you are dabbling with the occult............
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KA

Better three than four.

baconsdozen · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 1119 Location: Under the car.

I usually look at road tests and talk where possible to owners or read up on common faults. Usually,though armed with such knowledge I then go out and buy something completely different.
I wonder if anyone ever felt so let down by a car as I was with my XJS. Looked lovely (although bad rust was found much later in well hidden places). After purchase I took it out on the open road and found although the top speed was high its relaxed way of getting there meant its predecessor a 3100 capri I had rebuilt would wipe the floor with it.
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Thirty years selling imperial hand tools for old machinery(Now happily retired).