• Hey Guest!
    British Car Forum has been supporting enthusiasts for over 25 years by providing a great place to share our love for British cars. You can support our efforts by upgrading your membership for less than the dues of most car clubs. There are some perks with a member upgrade!

    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Upgraded members don't see this banner, nor will you see the Google ads that appear on the site.)
Tips
Tips

Things to look for and ask when buying a triumph

Webb Sledge

Jedi Warrior
Offline
I just found out there is a classic car dealership in my town that has several nice Triumphs for sale, and my dad and I are going to check them out tomorrow afternoon. What are some good things to look for and ask when looking to buy a Triumph, especially TR3-6s?
 
Whenever I'm buying from a dealer, I make it clear that I have a serious interest and want to talk to the previous owner. I've only been refused once. Then I ask the po of their experience with the car, their reason for parting with it, who's been working on it, and repair history and work needed. In this position with no interest in the car, they're usually very open.
 
[ QUOTE ]
that I ran out of fuel on Interstate 5 in Seattle. That was after the gearshift knob came off in my hand......

[/ QUOTE ]

At least it wasn't HWY520 going across the lake...my buddy in high school had that happen twice in three months...there's no shoulder on the 520 Bridge, so he backed up traffic for miles!

I'm taking the TR7 up I5 this weekend, and since the fuel gauge isn't working, I'm going to fill up frequently!
 
Webb, if you're seriously considering a TR3, let Joe Hash go over it thoroughly before you purchase the car. Even if you have to pay him, having Joe check the TR over before you buy may be the best money you'll ever spend on the car.


Joe's a real pro and knows every nut and bolt on these cars. He can give you an accurate appraisal of the car's overall condition, in writing if you ask.

I can't over-emphasize the importance of utilizing a professional to appraise LBCs to folks who may not be fluent with British car restoration/repair. There are many pitfalls for the uninitiated, and often, we purchase these cars on emotion, not logic (ask me how I know this!).

You simply can't lose by hiring a pro to go over the car before you buy.

I hope this is helpful, let us know what you buy, and good luck! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/pukeface.gif
 
BTW, I have no idea why the pukey face got into the above message. It was not intended. Sorry!
 
Back
Top