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Vitesse to buy.....
Anything and everything Herald. Talk about anything from the first 948s to the last 13/60s.
Section : Advice for Buyers / New Owners
Posted By : Paul Norris, 04-Sep-2003, 03:51pm
Hi all, if anyone can help me with this, I would be grateful.
I have seen a Vitesse in Leeds that I think I would like to buy, but I am a complete beginner when it comes to classic triumphs, and not much better than
that generally when it comes to judging motors.
Does anybody know a local garage or mechanic that would offer this kind of service? I don't mind paying, but don't have the sort of money to 'throw away'
that the big co's are asking (see below)
I'm going to have a look at the car tonight, just for an initial reccie, and if it's a skip with a speedo, I won't bother this time, but I wouldn't mind
knowing if anyone in the area does this sort of thing anyway.
I have been onto the AA/RAC/Green Flag etc to ask them about pre-vehicle checks, and only the RAC will check a car that old (Green Flag's limit is 12
years, the AA is 25 years), and they want me to part with £250 for the privelege, as well as find a local inspection pit myself. I thought
that was very steep, but don't know any other way of getting an 'expert' opinion.
Any help gratefully received.
Paul
P.S. I would pick the brains of a local member at a meeting, but I've only just joined, and the meeting's not till next tuesday, and I'm not sure I can get
there that day anyway, aaargh!
P.P.S. Many thanks for the helpful tips with regard buying a Herald, I'm still on the lookout, but this steroid-enhanced version (!) came up at a good
price, so I though it was worth a look.
P.P.P.S. I know this is the Herald messageboard, but as they are quite similar (although I'm sure I am about to be told otherwise!!), I thought one of you
Herald guys may be able to help.
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Posted By : Adrian Lee, 04-Sep-2003,
04:24pm
Is it the black one with orange stripe that is on E-Bay?
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Posted By : Paul Norris, 05-Sep-2003,
12:22pm
That's the one, went to see it last night.
Not a bad looking car, shabby and in need of serious TLC, but with new carpets and hood, it'd look the part.
Thing that put me off though was that it apparently has had £400 worth of welding to get it through it's last MOT, which to my
(amateur) mind, suggests that it would start to cost even more money year on year.
Back to plan A then, buy a pre-restored Herald!
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Posted By : Stephen Longden, 04-Sep-2003,
04:38pm
Here's my thoughts...
Wait ... never rush buying a car.
There are lots of Vitesses about. They are not rare.
As you are a member, look at the Courier. There are Vitesses for sale in there. And there are Triumph specialists advertising. Ring them up, I bet they
would do an inspection service.
The RAC fee of £250 is amazingly expensive and a waste of money. Unless it comes with a warranty, which I bet it doesn't for cars this
age.
No matter how hard you inspect a Vitesse, you must expect to pay for ongoing repairs and parts. They are old cars...