[vintoni]

Hello everyone, I have been searching the site and I can't seem to find a "buyers guide" as such.

I have found this car: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/457540.htm

http://www.skylineowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84449

and was wondering what I need to be looking for when buying a car such as this. I realise it needs some work and it is not road legal. The curent owner says there is no VIN plate as the car has never been road registered.

Any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Dale

[dave-r]

First.

If you are buying a car and you live in the UK then first join the Mopar Muscle Association.

The current owner of the car you have found didn't do that. He jumped first with little or no knowlege or advice. Which is why he is now trying to get shot of it.

The car has never been registered. It was built from a shitter just as a race car. It would cost you a small fortune to make this car street legal and it would never be worth very much. You would also have problems registering it.
You would probably have to register it as a kit car and be issued with a chassis number.

Walk away.....

[dave-r]

99% of Mopars in the UK are imported or known by MMA club members. You will get sound advice and first dabs at any cars coming up for sale by joining. Members will even inspect cars with you if you ask.
We have insurance deals and everything.

[dave-r]

http://www.moparuk.com/

[dave-r]

I would also add that you should buy the best car you can afford.

Challengers Baracudas and Chargers are the most popular and so are the most expensive.
If money is tight you might want to consider one of the other models.

I also strongly suggest you attend the MoPar EuroNats over the last weekend of July if possible. There you can see the cars (in various states of repair) and talk to the owners.

Then you will really know what you are looking for and be able to buy with some confidence that you are getting the right car for you and your money.

[vintoni]

Thanks very much for the info, very helpful

[fbernard]

First.

If you are buying a car and you live in the UK then first join the Mopar Muscle Association.

Like Dave said, local club membership first, car second.

Or, like some people around here say : "you always get shafted when you buy your first american car".
I know.
I did.

If you know the option codes, production figures breakout by bodylines, engine, etc., and if you can spot shoddy bodywork, fake tags, go ahead.

Otherwise make some friends who know, and take one or two with you when you go see a car (NEVER go see a car alone - a car you've been looking for for 2 years always look good - and then you wake up with a turd in your garage!).

And like Dave said, buy a car in good shape. The engine doesn't matter that much. All in all, a brand new engine can be found for a fraction of the cost of a full body restoration.

Now that I have some experience, my favorite cars in 'For Sale' ads are the ones with perfect bodywork and no drivetrain.

[bananaskin]

Nice sale on the MMA Dave



Well worth joining

[dave-r]

What the French bloke said.

[drewcrane]

:thumbsup: What the French bloke said.

true that , ditto what the french guy said!correct body work costs thousands to do because its all done by hand!

[patrick]

First.

If you are buying a car and you live in the UK then first join the Mopar Muscle Association.

Like Dave said, local club membership first, car second.

Or, like some people around here say : "you always get shafted when you buy your first american car". .

Carefull, watch your mouth You wouldn't want one if they weren't so cool. That's what a buddy of mine said about your "Renault's" or whatever you call them. What your calling, ":Getting f-----d, is called over sea's shipping. Or maybe, Not doing the Homework. Where is Peterborough?

[dave-r]

Carefull, watch your mouth

F-word edited for the Americans. Sorry boys. I missed that one.

[dave-r]

Pat. I think you missunderstood what fbernard was saying.

Buying an American car in the UK/Europe is frought with dangers.

Many of them are full of rot and because parts are not off the shelf they are often poorly maintained.

It is pretty easy to sell someone a "rare as hens teeth 318 Hemi six cylinder Dart worth $500,000 in the US" because few people not in the hobby already would know the difference.

So people can easily end up with a car that is not as good as they first thought.

[fbernard]

Pat. I think you missunderstood what fbernard was saying.

American Cars are exotic around here, have usually had 2 dozen owners before you laid eyes on them, and with no experience, you usually jump at the first rustbucket you see for sale.
Then you meet nice and friendly people who could have told you to avoid the trap if only you had asked them earlier.

I suppose the same goes for European cars in the US.

Sorry about the F-word, some of the refinements of the English language still evade me.

[dave-r]

Sorry about the F-word, some of the refinements of the English language still evade me.

And me.

[drewcrane]

Sorry about the F-word, some of the refinements of the English language still evade me.

And me.

wow i never thought those cars would change hands so much but it makes sense, we bull headed americans think we are the onlt ones with car issues you guys have a whole set of issues we dont really have , and yes the euro cars are like used women around here too!

[patrick]

I knew what fbernard meant. That's why we all have to do some serious homework before we buy. People all over the place are trying to "Shaft" us.