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In 90% of this country its near impossible to drive these kind of cars in the winter.

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Have you lived outside of Idaho?

It snows here, and the owner of that car was driving in the white stuff. However, the majority of the country doesn't get bad winters, especially when discussing where the largest populations live.

The majority of the country does not have large mountains and hills which get horrible snow drifts. In places places like Seattle that get some snow -- but have huge hills, there are more snow-related accidents in 4X4s than in rear-wheel or front-wheel drive cars (despite being the overwhelming minority of vehicles.) Mainly this is because ice forms under the snow, and ice doesn't care if you have front, rear, four or thirty wheel drive. It isn't about getting going -- it's about turning and stopping -- something that four wheel drive hinders due to the additional weight associated with the mechanicals.

A good set of snow tires and some sandbags in the trunk can get a TR6 anywhere most people need to go.

The most important aspects of owning a car are a)keeping the car reliable and b)knowing the limitations of the car in every situation.

That being said, I think a Miata is more practical, but Webb, a TR6 would still be fine. Other good choices include a Alfa Spyder or Fiat 2000.
 
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these are extremely rare exceptions. In 90% of this country its near impossible to drive these kind of cars in the winter. I dearly love my TR6, but I also want a car that takes me over rough roads, and snow covered ones....that's why the vehicle I rely on is a Jeep!

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Whatever works for you where you are located. Having Spent many years in Montana, I owned a Spitfire and had no problems, but then Great Falls did a great job of keeping the roads clear. There are surely places (like Idaho or Montana, etc.) where a British car isn't very good in the winter, but I'd say its closer to 40-50 percent of the country, not 90%

Basil
 
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1) People, we do this for fun because we like LBCs...even if we disagree, let's be nice and civil about it.


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Thanks, Sammy. That's good advice for all of us, including those who had been banned but who think they were clever when they re-registered with a different name/email address (I didn't fall off the turnip truck yesterday /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif ).

Basil
 
I used LBC's as my daily drivers for most the 20 years since I turned 16.

In order:

'68 MGB-GT
'59 MGA Twin Cam (Untill I moved to an urban area and was terrified to drive it, so sold it.)
'72 MGB
'65 MGB
'79 TR7
'80 TR7
Brief loss of faith where I drove a Saturn SC2/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/pukeface.gif
Now I'm back to LBC's /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

If you start with a good car, and maintain it properly, it should absolutely be no less reliable than any other used car. As for the expense, compair a car payment and full coverage insurance that is required by finance companies with the cost of operating a LBC. It can actually be quite a bit cheeper. Sure, you have to take a more active roll in the maintenance of the car, and they are certainly not as comfy, but its all part of the fun. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
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I'd like to say something about whether or not a certain young man should or should not by a TR6. The prevailing advice seems to be that it would be a bad idea. Maybe, but frankly I find it refreshing that a young person is interested in getting into what I consider a great hobby. I'd like to tell you a story.

Once upon a time, a young man (17 years old) owned a fair-condition 1963 Pontiac which he drove to school. One day, the young man was driving down the street and spotted the most beautiful car he had ever seen! It was a 1967 Jaguar XKE and it had a FORE SALE sign in the rear window.

The young man was in love (with the Jag) and just had to have it! But how? The price tag was $3000 (not much these days, but it was a fortune for a young highschool student). What to do? Well, the first thing was for the young man to somehow convince his crusty old Army Sargeant dad to co-sign for a loan. The second thing he had to do was to find another, second, part time job so he could afford the insurance!

After getting a second job and convining his dad to co-sign for a loan (with the understanding that if the young man missaed a payment, the Jag would be gone in a New York minute) the young man became the proud owner of a 1967 Jaguar XKE. This cemented in the young man a life-long love affair with British cars! That first Jag was purchased by the young man 33 years ago. The young man grew up and, because of his life-long love affair with British cars that began when he was in high school, he started a really cool (free) British car discussion forum. Had some well-meaning older and wiser person convinced that young man not to buy that beautful Jag due to the expense of maintaining such a car, that forum would not exist today. Just something to think about.

Basil

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With that being said so well. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif
Webb, Go for it young man! Go for it! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
jv
 
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I used LBC's as my daily drivers for most the 20 years since I turned 16.

If you start with a good car, and maintain it properly, there is should absolutely be no less reliable than any other used car. As for the expense, compair a car payment and full coverage insurance that is required by finance companies with the cost of operating a LBC. It can actually be quite a bit cheeper. Sure, you have to take a more active roll in the maintenance of the car, and they are certainly not as comfy, but its all part of the fun. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

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I couldnt agree more. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif
My well maintained LBC is just as reliable as any car new or used I have ever owned.
I would think that the folks on this forum would be trying to debunk the unreliable "MYTH" instead of perpetuating it.
Or are Mark and I doing something wrong so as to not have firework shows under the bonnet and a trail of parts leaving us a reliable trail back home.I firmly believe that most of the myth stems from neglected maintenance and use.
I'm not saying that the good members of this forum who are having reliability problems are neglecting maintenance. But I'll bet $10 to a stale ginger snap a D.P.O. did or the car sat for a time before being put back into service.
jv
 
I don't know if Webb will be able to drive his TR6 much in the Arctic climate of Virginia! Probably have to invest in tire chains.
I ran a '63 Sprite year 'round for seven years in Michigan with only one problem. The track was too narrow to run in everyone elses tire tracks through the snow. I never once got stuck, or slid off the road, which is more than I can say for a lot of the four wheelers.
Go for it, Webb!!
Jeff
 
In my younger days, I had a Spitfire as my only driver through 2 Nebraska and 1 west Texas winters. Never had much of a problem getting where I wanted or needed to be. In fact, a couple of times I did get hung up, just jump out of the car, pick up the back end, pull it out and off I went. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazyeyes.gif
 
I've met Webb on a few occaisions, and he reminds me in some ways of a nice young man I knew back in 1971 who bought a shiny '69 GT6+ and developed a true, love/hate relationship with the car (guess who that might be!).

To me, one's budget is key, the financial ability to dive into a relatively expensive hobby. Some hobbies are inexpensive and easy to sustain: antique car restoration does not fall in this category.

Triumphs are complex machines, and they were not built to last. Major systems fail unexpectedly and can cost thousands to restore, especially if we don't posess the tools, skill, ability and a garage in which to perform the work ourselves.

Also, please know that a Triumph is not a liquid asset. They can be diffucult to sell, even when in good condition, without experiencing significant financial loss. It's just part of the Triumph landscape.

And, automobile restoration can be dangerous, most especially for the inexperienced and unskilled. Hobby-based injuries are among the most tragic. This, too, is part of the landscape and must be considered.

Finally, please think and plan before buying a Triumph, then think again. Then, if all the numbers, and the and logic add up, buy carefully!

I hope this is helpful.
 
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[ QUOTE ]
But I'll bet $10 to a stale ginger snap.
jv

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/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Never heard that one before..... I like it /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Can I use it in the future?
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
Thanks for a great post.

Paul
 
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[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
But I'll bet $10 to a stale ginger snap.
jv

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Never heard that one before..... I like it /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Can I use it in the future?
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
Thanks for a great post.

Paul

[/ QUOTE ]Paul,Your welcome for the post. And you go right ahead and use the ginger snap line but it will make you sound old. Do they still make ginger snaps or are they all stale now? Like me! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif
jv
 
Thanks for the advice everyone. The deal isn't official yet, but both my parents have agreed to let my buy the TR6, and the owner and I have agreed on the price: $6k if you were wondering. I just haven't given him the money yet and he hasn't given me the car. That'll probably be next week sometime, as my dad is gone on business this week.
 
I have wanted to jump on this thread from the start, but every time I do, something comes up. One of the trials of web forums/ work. Basil, thank you for ending the nonsense!
I too bought my first LBC ( an Alpine) at the ripe old age of 17. My dad co-signed and I was able to piggy-back on his insurance policy. My son today is on my policy as a primary driver of his Jeep and next year it will be the TR6. It will be expensive but I am happy to help him with his dream.
We, that refer to these LBC as our hobbies might be loosing track of an important point, these are cars, a means of getting from a to b and for some, they don't have to be perfect. I don't think there could be a more simpler car than my TR2. That is why I can fix and maintain it. AND because I love to drive it every day, I do fix it and maintain it, and I find the whole process very rewarding. I feel if a young man or woman wishes to be more involved with their vehical than just driving it, adding some shinny goodies and paying some one to fix it, GOOD FOR THEM! WEBB
has shown a genuine interest in our cars for as long as I have been reading and I for one would love to see the smile on his face behind the wheel. (We have all been there)This thread and the insurance one have been sidetracked into a value judgement on an idividuals capabilities and his desires. NOT our place to judge, just wish him luck and offer as much support as we can. Good luck Webb! ( but I still think you should find a side curtain car) Brian
 
[ QUOTE ]
I have wanted to jump on this thread from the start, but every time I do, something comes up. One of the trials of web forums/ work. Basil, thank you for ending the nonsense!
I too bought my first LBC ( an Alpine) at the ripe old age of 17. My dad co-signed and I was able to piggy-back on his insurance policy. My son today is on my policy as a primary driver of his Jeep and next year it will be the TR6. It will be expensive but I am happy to help him with his dream.
We, that refer to these LBC as our hobbies might be loosing track of an important point, these are cars, a means of getting from a to b and for some, they don't have to be perfect. I don't think there could be a more simpler car than my TR2. That is why I can fix and maintain it. AND because I love to drive it every day, I do fix it and maintain it, and I find the whole process very rewarding. I feel if a young man or woman wishes to be more involved with their vehical than just driving it, adding some shinny goodies and paying some one to fix it, GOOD FOR THEM! WEBB
has shown a genuine interest in our cars for as long as I have been reading and I for one would love to see the smile on his face behind the wheel. (We have all been there)This thread and the insurance one have been sidetracked into a value judgement on an idividuals capabilities and his desires. NOT our place to judge, just wish him luck and offer as much support as we can. Good luck Webb! ( but I still think you should find a side curtain car) Brian

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PREACH IT, BROTHER!!
(Sorry, couldn't resist!) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif

What Brian said times infinity!

(I got that one from my 9 year old last night)
 
Let me add my vote to go for it. Just make sure you have alternate driving arrangements for those times when you're waiting on a part or broken down.

I didn't get a LBC until I was 24 but I did drive a classic Z28 daily in the summer at age 18. Being young with a cool inpractical car is fun - no wife, no kids, no other expenses! Insurance wasn't actually too bad under my parents policy but if it ever got wreaked I would have hated to see the small cheque they would have handed me.
 
Webb,
As you can see Basil,Mark,Brian,Myself and Im sure others here owned LBC's at a young age and it did not turn out to be our ruin.You will make a fine LBC owner! Welcome to the club. The way you have handled yourself while taking all the guff thrown at you on just about every thread you started shows that your a level headed person with the intestinal fortitude to easily handle owning any specialty car.
The bottom line Webb, is you earn your money, you spend it the way you see fit. Buy the car YOU want and set it up any darn way YOU please albiet AC or shoehorning a 12 cyl. Allison engine in it.When you get the car we shall be a richer group for it because Im sure your input after you get your hands on one will be valuable to all of us Sir.
Thats right "SIR" because age aint got nothing to do with it.
jv

Basil,
How about setting up a old Roman traditional thumbs up, thumbs down poll on unproductive, pesimistic,rude posters and let the people decide if they should get the bums rush.
That way you wouldnt have to come in and babysit threads like last night. When you think someone has crossed the line, Ceasar(you) posts a poll in your reply and we vote thumbs up, thumbs down, of course you keep veto power if you dont like the vote.
Hail Ceasar!
 
[ QUOTE ]


Basil,
How about setting up a old Roman traditional thumbs up, thumbs down poll on unproductive, pesimistic,rude posters and let the people decide if they should get the bums rush.
That way you wouldnt have to come in and babysit threads like last night. When you think someone has crossed the line, Ceasar(you) posts a poll in your reply and we vote thumbs up, thumbs down, of course you keep veto power if you dont like the vote.
Hail Ceasar!

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/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif

I like this idea lots & lots

Steve
 
Thanks guys for all the support. I'm starting the work on the rear trailing arm tomorrow at work, and looking forward to it! I sure can't wait to drive it... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/patriot.gif
 
Boy I miss alot when I don't check in for a day or two. I say get the 6 Webb, I was 19 when I got my spitfire, and I have never had any issues with keeping it on the road. Sure I have had to replace alot of things on it, but in all actuallity I have found that my spit has been reliable 90% of the time and that it has never cost much to get the parts and keep it running. As for all the naysayers out there I say if you have so many bad thing to say about the British cars why even be in the forum? Secondly, if you think that the cars are good just not reliable I say learn how to use a wrench, because mine has never left me stranded and I have put about 30,000 miles on it in four years. Lastly and most importantly I say when another memeber here shows enthusiasm for British cars show a little bit of support. There is no reason to say he lacks common sense, or doesn't have the experiance to deal with such a car, because that is all just assinine. It has always been my experiance that the best way to learn things is by experiance, not by continuely running from things which other people say we need more experiance to do.

Cheers, /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thirsty.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
Walter
 
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