For all things Rover V8, the TVR Griffith and Chimaera and TVR T-Cars
You don't normally go out looking for a car to last a few weeks. You want something that is going to last and provide an experience that you will cherish.
The approach of Valentine's Day made me realised that, after 39 years of marriage, I might have something useful to say about choice. You may think that I regard the 14th February with a certain amount of resentment, but you would be wrong. If you choose well in the first place you can spend a lifetime feeling smug.
When editor of Sprint I was asked a number of times what to look for and there are some general rules. For instance,
checking out a prospective acquisition should be time consuming if you wish to avoid being landed with a heap of trouble and finding the right one takes patience, knowledge and a bit of luck.
In the RV8R method there are three levels to selection: Stage A is precursory and is in reality nothing more that a system to ensure you do not get landed with a nail without having to probe too deeply, a relief to both sides I imagine. Just check for an artificially smooth, plastic filled body as this often means endless expense and heartache to follow.
Beware of things that have been added to dazzle. This can indicate that they wish to take your attention from those bits that they want hidden. If you are not grabbed instantly then it is best to walk away immediately. However, if you merely have initial reservations, then it might well be useful to give the particular model a try as you never know. Sometimes they can surprise you.
Stage B takes things a little further, as once you have found one that takes your interest you should be aware of what to look for and what to avoid, strange gaps and sagging coming under
Buyer beware
Take care out there
the latter heading. It is commonly suggested that low mileage examples are best but this is not always so. Good examples tend to get used often.
Then comes Stage C, which is where everything gets a bit dirty and you have to get stuck in. Without a shadow of a doubt you should make yourself familiar with every component. This part can be very trying on a snowy February and should be put off unless you are really serious.
I would recommend warms clothes when going into detail if the ground is cold or an old mat if it is wet. I take a torch as you never know when one might be useful, especially if you are unfamiliar with the basic layout, but one essential is a probe. I've been told that it can be handy to take either a bottle or trolley jack but to be honest, in my experience the former is always to be preferred.
It might seem a bit namby pamby but I would emphasise that safety concerns should be paramount. You never know what you might be allergic to and we don't want rashes do we. Look everything over carefully and check that things are level and various bits that should do so feel springy and bounce up and down when required. I personally put considerable emphasis on the fit of the curved parts. My wife reckons that you should not be put off by an outwardly scruffy appearance as, with a bit of effort, such things are easy enough to change for the better.
But now the procedures we have all been waiting for, the dirty bit. This stage involves a lot more time and effort as you do, no doubt, want to be sure. I always ensure that any mud is removed before probing the various nooks and crannies.
Free play is something that you have to make your own mind up about. But you have to be aware that after all your efforts you will be presented with a list of things which you weren't expecting. Don't think immediately that you can't live with them. Give it a run.
I won't go too deeply into the test drive other than to say it should be thorough and of a duration that allows a fair assessment of what your life together will be like. Do not be too worried if you have trouble starting. It might be just that you are not used to the little quirks that many have.
Do not be rushed into a decision and be prepared for a long wait until you find the right example. My wife said she was not, as she put it, particularly fussed about seeing many depressing examples as she knew she would eventually find one which took her fancy. Mind you the method I used, the 'try anything and be forever on the lookout' route, had certain attractions.
I went for one which many felt was beyond my resources. Indeed, I did myself. However, even if you feel that you haven't got enough wherewithal to stand a chance, still give it a go as you never know. They might just be tempted by your offer.