12-07-2018, 09:27 AM
Hi Delia
I have owned my RP for 10 years, but not as a daily driver. She is 85 tomorrow and going to the seaside for her birthday).
I didn't take an A7 'expert' with me and frankly got away with some things I missed, but didn't end up costing me too much to rectify with the kind help of an A7 engineering expert in the local Essex club. The original owner also took the car back to rectify a more expensive engine problem. In retrospect I was somewhat lucky.
Message is, whatever experience a friend may have (and appreciate you clearly have experience with older machines), unless it is with pre war and ideally Austin Sevens then you risk hidden problems.
I am also a beekeeper and warn prospective beekeepers in a similar way. Many bees/cars are for sale because the owner has found that they don't use the car anymore or don't much care for the bees. The result is varying degrees of neglect, from dust to a full recommissioning. What you often aren't buying is the equivalent of the cars you see on the weekly club runs or the well cared for bees you have seen at a club enthusiasts apiary. I'll stop the analogy now.
As others have said. Joining a local club may give you access to a known club car for sale or link you up with someone willing to come along for a test drive with one you find. I guess unless you are able to travel over to the 'mainland' your pool of potential cars is somewhat more limited.
Very best of luck. You wont regret an RP
Andy B
I have owned my RP for 10 years, but not as a daily driver. She is 85 tomorrow and going to the seaside for her birthday).
I didn't take an A7 'expert' with me and frankly got away with some things I missed, but didn't end up costing me too much to rectify with the kind help of an A7 engineering expert in the local Essex club. The original owner also took the car back to rectify a more expensive engine problem. In retrospect I was somewhat lucky.
Message is, whatever experience a friend may have (and appreciate you clearly have experience with older machines), unless it is with pre war and ideally Austin Sevens then you risk hidden problems.
I am also a beekeeper and warn prospective beekeepers in a similar way. Many bees/cars are for sale because the owner has found that they don't use the car anymore or don't much care for the bees. The result is varying degrees of neglect, from dust to a full recommissioning. What you often aren't buying is the equivalent of the cars you see on the weekly club runs or the well cared for bees you have seen at a club enthusiasts apiary. I'll stop the analogy now.
As others have said. Joining a local club may give you access to a known club car for sale or link you up with someone willing to come along for a test drive with one you find. I guess unless you are able to travel over to the 'mainland' your pool of potential cars is somewhat more limited.
Very best of luck. You wont regret an RP
Andy B
Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think!