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TR2/3/3A Thoughts on purchasing a TR3

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Dave_H

Dave_H

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Any opinions on which might be the best way to go?

1) Find a sharp TR3 that needs little work and pay $10-$12K

2) Find one in "good" shape that needs paint, interior, etc for around $5-$6K and put another $5-$6K into it

In some ways I prefer #2 so I can do with it as I like. But in others ways the 47 year-old in me doesn't want to go through the hassle! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'm pretty good at cosmetics and interiors but know next to nothing about body work.
 
I think the body is the most important thing to have right. If the body is straight and rust free most all the mech systems can be fixed and the parts seem reasonable to me and I am considered a tight wad. If you can find a nice example body wise for 6000 that would be great. My feeling is it will take a little more than that to find a nice body that needs some TLC. If I were in the market to purchase a TR3 I would expect to spend 8000-10000 for one that was really nice and I could do the small jobs. I consider mine about a 6000 dollar example and it is mech sound, all original with most systems redone at this point. It does need some body work and I have the spare parts to do the body right. Just need some time and money to make the body great. Only system I have not redone over the years is the rear suspension and I plan on that after the body work is finished just so I'll have something to do on my completely redone TR3. You can see my TR3 at this site. Good luck
https://miata.cardomain.com/memberpage/422083/5
 
Aloha Dave,

The conventional wisdom is to buy the car in the best condition that you can afford. The cost of fixing and resorting usually is never recouped when the car is sold. You also need to consider what your time is worth if you do your own repairs. I'm a little older than you, but I'm finding that I have more projects than time (my job really cuts into my free time). You can immediately enjoy a car in excellent condition. After awhile I'm sure you will find many things that will need a little tinkering that you can fix for the joy of doing it yourself. Good luck in your search.

Safety Fast,
Dave
 
Thanks for the tips. I would most likely pay more at first and get something that needs little work. I know I also have much less spare time now than with my first TR3 at age 18!!

How much more do you think a "frame-off" restoration adds to the cost of a TR3 versus one that's never had that done? I'm talking an older restoration of say 15-20 years ago.
 
I am always wary of freshly restored cars unless the work was well documented with photos etc. Nice new paintwork tells you little about what has gone before or lurks below.

A car that carries a patina of use, whether original paint or a respray several years ago, yet still cleans up decent is what has appeal for me.

My TR3A was stripped and resprayed about 3 years ago. If I had wanted to sell it, the time to do it was the day I finished putting it back together. Instead I drive it and close up it shows though the bodywork and mechanicals are sound. If you want a nice driver then IMO that is the car to look for... one that the 'bloom' has gone off the restoration but a good solid car remains.
 
$7,000 starts getting into the older restored category. Non-professional frame off starts at $8,000. A professional frame-off gets closer to $13K-$15K.

I would target about $9,500 for a car that is restored but needs some fine-tuning.
 
[ QUOTE ]
$7,000 starts getting into the older restored category. Non-professional frame off starts at $8,000. A professional frame-off gets closer to $13K-$15K.

I would target about $9,500 for a car that is restored but needs some fine-tuning.

[/ QUOTE ]

I just saw a nice frame-off TR3 go for $21K on ebay last week. Is that high amount uncommon?
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
$7,000 starts getting into the older restored category. Non-professional frame off starts at $8,000. A professional frame-off gets closer to $13K-$15K.

I would target about $9,500 for a car that is restored but needs some fine-tuning.

[/ QUOTE ]

I just saw a nice frame-off TR3 go for $21K on ebay last week. Is that high amount uncommon?

[/ QUOTE ]

On eBay, nothing is uncommon! <grin>

Kurtis
 
Either the picture is bad or the car has no suspension. It says the front clip was removed so maybe that is why it looks low. Anyhow looks like more money than I would want to spend on a car in its condition. I assume you would somehow go look at it?

Not sure what price range you are in or if you want to do a lot of work yourself, but as many have already said at various times, find a car that is the best you can afford. Restorations are very expensive. For me I would look for a really good car that needs minimal work and just pay the price. Much cheaper in the long run. BUT by getting an OK car you can always put money into it slowly as oppsoed to putting out a lot in the beginning if you can not afford it.
 
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