Newbie Help Buying Classic

Hi Everyone. Looking for help from some of the more experienced RR Classic owners out there. I am in the market to buy a classic and have spotted one I like via Ebay. Never bought a car from the site so that is a challenge in itself. I have included the link below to the vehicle and would like some opinions? I have an issue logistically in that I am in Scotland and the vehicle is in London. I may not have a chance to view......sharp intake of breath all around. My aim would be to return it as close as original as possible. One of my main fears are the metal side strips attached to (or part of) the sills.
1. What are these and do you think they would be able to be removed without damaging the car?
2. The car has two holes in the rear bumper. Ideas? How much to replace a bumper?
Look forward to help anyone can give? Kind Regards. Allan

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Sounds like a flowery description-total bull****, what's the rust situation in common places

Although it's on ebay the seller is a dealer, so should be no problems if you find car is not as advertised.

I have bought 2 Range Rovers on ebay, with no problem. In both cases I had to get from Aberdeen to London and Birmingham respectively.

Good luck!

Sam

very expensive.Non original wheels rear bumper.The rear wash wipe is broke.The sills lok like rock sliders.Them n the type of tire might suggest its been used off road.Id give it a swerve personally

500 top with mot n tax 12 months

The holes in the rear bumper are for a hi lift jack. Someone has done some serious off roading in this. As mentioned the "metal things" are rock sliders, again evidence of serious off road use. Still, it has got chocolate leather hasnt it ?, did the guy mention that ? Yah, yah, foorsure, foorsure.

rewmer said:

The holes in the rear bumper are for a hi lift jack. Someone has done some serious off roading in this. As mentioned the "metal things" are rock sliders, again evidence of serious off road use.

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nonsense, if that's done "serious off roading" why are all the panels so straight ?

A good driver perhaps ? Ok then,add the phrase " prepared for" No mention of the EAS working.

Don't buy unseen! Dealer or not you could have problems getting him/them to honour the (min. 6month) warranty when you are so far away. There are plenty of 'classics' about so look for a car closer to you, though really good ones now are becoming very rare owing to the fact that the youngest is now 15 years old & what I consider the best user-friendly ones (pre Oct '89) over 20. Corrosion is by far the biggest issue, so leave your rose-tinted glasses at home & don't be swayed by a nice shiny body & straight panels! Take someone who really 'knows' the breed with you.

rewmer said:

A good driver perhaps ? Ok then,add the phrase " prepared for" No mention of the EAS working.

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why do you think it has eas?
Big bore exhuasts on this engine reduce back pressure and therefore TAKE power AWAY!Id say a grand for this one tops.Not a minger, not worth 2.5 k by a long shot.For that money you want a mint soft dash.

why do you think it has eas?

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the EAS buttons where the giveaway.

rewmer said:

the EAS buttons where the giveaway.

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is that above the heated seat on the drivers side?
Also why has it got a plate on the dash?

is that above the heated seat on the drivers side?

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Yep. Don't know about the plate. Looks like a VIN plate that should be on the slam panel. While we are being picky, the radio is bad fit aswell, had the same problem with mine, once they come out, they don't like to go back in.

I have just been through this myself. I spent months looking on ebay and then after not really finding much for the money I wanted I was hurried into finding something as my old car needed more than it was worth for the MOT. This combined with an overly enthusiastic landy mate taking me to view it made me buy against my better judgement.

What I have learned is that rust is the main issue, followed by auto boxes and engines.

Look for rust with a screw driver in the boot floor rear arches,seatbelt mounts sills, front wings,bulkhead and a,b,c posts. poke hard and remember plastic trim and underseal can hide alot. If the chassis is rotten anywhere then walk away as there are lots with good chassis.

Make sure the autobox is spot on and if you dont know when the oil was last changed on it NEVER CHANGE IT just wait till the box fails and put in a new or used one.

Make sure the engine is healthy, particarly with clean oil, obviously it could have just been changed so to check its always been changed on time unscrew the flame trap on the drivers side rocker cover and see if the rocker cover is full of crap-if it is then it hasnt been looked after well enough.

Finally its better to spend 2k on a really nice one with full history than have the trauma of bringing back a £600 one that looks ok but isnt! and still isnt right after 2k has been put into it-trust me I know!