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Looking at Bugeye - any advice?

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pbraun

pbraun

Jedi Warrior
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Sure, I know about rust. Boot area and floors are good, bonnet in fine shape, rear spring attachment boxes good. Car in Texas, so dusty and wiring will need replacement. Running 948, I think, may be a 1275.... needs a good tune up. Pain done 3 years ago, holding up pretty good. Has been in a shelter, covered, sort of a garage.

Seller has negotiated, and I have, to about $10k. Has been on the market for a while, started at 19k, nothing for 3 months, then 13k - seller got one call.

I figure it needs seat cushions and carpet set, maybe foam, wiring harness, cleaning, and detailing, and a good tune, and away we go!

What do you think? Good buy or not?
 
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Re: Looking at Bugeye - any advise?

Hard to say without pictures. If paint and body are ok, then the next big items are engine and transmission. 948 is only preferable if you''re planning on entering concours, otherwise the 1275 is more enjoyable. Is the engine smooth running, burning any oil, especially after a long grade? Transmission usually shows its age beginning with second gear synchro. The 1275 ribcase transmission is stronger than the 948 smoothcase. Check for sloppy steering, starting to get pricey to rebuild them. I posted your question in the Spridgets section as well.
 
Re: Looking at Bugeye - any advise?

Thanks, Rick!

Let's see if I can post some pictures. I will put some up on flickr and post a link.
 
Re: Looking at Bugeye - any advise?

AMAZING that the guy tried to start at $19K (and reveals a lot in-and-of itself). $19K would be for mint condition (maybe even a 5 speed). $10K is questionable... very questionable. I wouldn't be over $8K tops (given it needs a lot). Wiring looks hideous and the interior needs a lot of work. All this calls into question if the body really is good (under all that nice shiny paint).

Given what I see, I'd look elsewhere.

EDIT: similar thread going in the Spridgets forum.
 
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Re: Looking at Bugeye - any advise?

I can't find another that's a better candidate. I think there's a lot of cleaning that can reveal stock stuff and everything there. As I said, cleaning, interior, wiring, top and sliders if ya want - we have nice weather here, so not needed for me now - I just want a driver.
 
Re: Looking at Bugeye - any advise?

pbraun;958812... started at 19k said:


It's a 948 cc motor (9CU-H- motor number) Prices of bugeyes are going up but I don't think that much. The strong points of this car are the body and paint and the fact it has most of the hard to find original bugeye parts. Take a refrigerator magnet and inspect the rockers, b-pillar, and lower fenders carefully. If it's been bondoed up, I'd pass. Also check the floorpans. You could do a complete interior pretty cheaply and have a nice looking car as long as you don't open the bonnet. That motor looks like it's had plenty of miles on it, so you're getting a bit of a pig in a poke. I'd say $7,500 would be fair if the body was solid and paint was good. I've started to look at old car buying differently lately. The cost of paint and bodywork has gone up so much that unless you do it yourself, the body condition can be more important than mechanical condition in assessing a price.
Click to expand...
 
Re: Looking at Bugeye - any advise?

Thanks for the honest answer! I do appreciate that. Trying to hold myself back. Wish I could find something like this around 8K. That was my original offer, btw.
 
Re: Looking at Bugeye - any advise?

Peter,
Email me in Oriental, NC. There are three Bugeyes in Oriental and even a Mini Moke which is for sale.
covercash1@aol.com
I will be glad to help you in your search of a BE.
Charlie
Coastalman
 
Re: Looking at Bugeye - any advise?

email sent!
 
I'd be careful here. Go to Hagerty Value guide to get a better feel for these little guys. Even though I think Hagerty is on the high side of prices ( they have an interest in the matter as higher value = higher premium) they value a #1 condition Bugeye at $27500 - the best in the country. This car you are looking at I would place at a #4 condition or worse . It is not really a "driver" now since its obvious it has needs . Hagerty values a #4 condition car at $7500. Therefore I don't think the car you are looking at is worth that much , at least to me its not. Its a $3500 car. Bugeyes are neat little cars but you'll tire of the inability to keep up with modern traffic. An MGA is much more car for not a lot more money. Just my blah , blah , blah... Kevin
 
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Re: Looking at Bugeye - any advise?

Yes, I am rethinking this car completely. It is too scary. So, I am off to searching again. Any leads would be appreciated! The latest issue of Hemmings MN does have a nice buyers' guide for the bugeye.
 
Re: Looking at Bugeye - any advise?

It looks to be a great buy for a Bugeye. I'll bet a lot more is invested than 15K. A motivated seller and more than a fair price, what's not to like?
 
Re: Looking at Bugeye - any advise?

3397f452-ea21-4aa4-8101-e107ec290b6a.jpg


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4847def2-bc4c-4626-aac9-decb1700fd59.jpg




BUY IT! BUY IT! :devilgrin::devilgrin::devilgrin:
 
Re: Looking at Bugeye - any advise?

Rick - very nice - but, I am looking for more of a "driver" car than an original, concours cars. If you wanted less...........maybe. Beautiful car - no offense please.

Think I found one - but this time no pictures, as it might be recognized.....well, maybe one....... owner asking $11K....well known enthusiast in the bugeye world.

IMG_1664.jpg
 
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Re: Looking at Bugeye - any advise?

This is a nice driver with many custom features in good taste. Soon to have a pre-purchase inspection done.
 
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