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What do you think about this car and/or seller?

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Mini_Jim

Mini_Jim

Freshman Member
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Hi Folks,
I'm not very knowledgable on the subject of MGA's, although I have a great affection for them.

What do you experts think abou this MGA deal, and has anyone dealt with this seller before?

https://www.jaguarjames.com/id38.html

I have friend who may be laying down his hard earned green for it, and I'd like him to do well.

Thanks very much,
Jim
 
Hi, Jim -

While I'm not an "expert" on MGA's, the only comment I have is be careful! From the pictures, I would expect more for $15K. Obvious shortcuts on painting (doesn't take an expert to see that!) - what else could be hiding?

Mickey
 
I think he should have kept the hood closed.

Very nice to start on a restoration but........$17,000
 
I know nuthin' about them either, but [FWIW] in a local sale a couple of months ago an MGA in possibly similar condition changed hands for $9,500. It, however, had not been resprayed in "Resale Red".

For $15K I would think one could expect something nicer under the bonnet and in the boot than that rather indifferent mix of dirty white and red overspray.
 
Re: What do you think about this car and/or seller

The engine bay has not been well cared for and the paint is obviously a mediocre job to make it look better (trunk not even painted!). While this could be a solid driver that the previous owner took care of mechanically, I would be wary. At the very least I would have the engine checked out and give the car a good look-over. Check for the usual rust spots and for door alignment. There are no underbody shots but check the general condition of the suspension components for an idea of how well the current owner cared for it. Rotted wood floorboards are bad, but brand new ones could be worse!

The master cylinder has been leaking at some point judging by the rust around it. The engine is claimed to have a fresh rebuild but the shiney parts are looking a bit rusty to me for a fresh build. Seats appear to be vinyl (no big deal, just a much cheaper material). Steering wheel is wrapped in leather which suggests it is probably cracked (check for flexing of the spokes) and the spider webbed wheel center cap might confirm this. Little things like that are what grab my attention, and another one is the ratty old shift knob. Brand new factory knobs are only $15 so the fact that he didn't replace it is another mark on the list. Coil is in the wrong spot (probably not an issue).

I'm not trying to scare you away, just making sure you don't jump head first into an unknown car. It is pretty, as all MGAs are and with a little work looks it could possibly be a very nice car! But it's hard to tell just from photos, especially when most of them are of the restored areas. Good luck!

PS... CLICK HERE for what I would expect a $20K engine bay to look like. $15K doesn't need to be this nice, but a freshly painted car with a rebuilt engine should be pretty close.
 
I'm no MGA expert either, but I do have friends that own them. If this is a $15,000 MGA, then theirs are worth $25-30,000 and up.
 
His mechanic and her assistant look like pretty well qualified service professionals. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
Re: What do you think about this car and/or seller

THANKS EVERYBODY!

I'll pass on these words of wisdom to my friend.

Happy Seasonal Interlude,
Jim
 
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