Advice Pleas

[RayB]

I've always loved the Stag but never owned one or even driven one. I'm looking to buy one in the new year but have no idea where to start. I've seen a few for sale but would have no idea if they are good, bad or just scrap! Therefore I'm looking for some help, guidance or ideas. I live in South Oxfordshire.
I'm looking for a genuine low mileage car that is as original as possible, preferable one that is road tax exempt. Have a budget of around £20k. The car will only be used in the summer and for very low mileage.

1. Are there any good/reputable dealers that I could check out.
2. Where can I get advice/help on checking likely cars. Is there anyone that specialises in checking Stags.
3. Are there any particular years/cars to avoid.
4. Specialist Insurance Companies.

Any other thoughts/comments or advice would be welcome.

RayB

[4x4]

With a budget like that - you have a lot of choice.

Me? I'd join the SOC (if being here doesn't mean you haven't already) - and look in the for sale section in the club magazine. Or on here!
Go for something with a well documented history (if looking for very original) or well photographed restoration.
If looking for an auto - the 4 speed modern conversions are very well worth having. So look for a car with, or budget a couple of grand or so for getting it fitted afterwards. Gives similar gearing to the Manual with O/D - with nice long motorway legs.

Dealers? You'll find more than a few in the SOC Magazine.
Help and advice - I suspect you may find a volunteer or two here - or perhaps people who specialise in looking after Stags who would go and inspect a car for you at a price.
Earlier cars are the tax exempt ones - and were (I heard) made of better quality steel.
Insurance companies - again the club magazine or the classic car press.

Finally - a glossy but recent paint job on it's own does not tell you that it has been really nicely restored - just that it might have been.
It's a few years down the road when it still looks brilliant that the quality of the underlying work shows through.............

That's my (short) contribution.


Good luck.


Adrian.

[Stagdad]

Agree with the fresh paint point Adrian made.mine had been re painted 10 years prior to me buying it which made me think if it was ok now it probably won't change much,6 more years on and it's still the same all be it far from perfect
happy hunting Steve

[Mike Stevens]

Hi Ray,

I'm in East Hagbourne if you want to come and look at mine. (Stag that is!) There's at least one more in the village too.

Cheers,
Mike.

[wilf]

At that budget level you can and should be extremely picky. You could find a very good and usable car without visible defects for half of that.

[RayB]

Mike,
Thanks for the offer. I didn't think I'd find anyone quite so close. Would love to come and look at your Stag. Let me know when you have time.
Ray

[DJT]

Cor! Wish I'd had that sort of budget when I went looking for my last one.........

Some nice looking ones here:

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/triumph/stag

Or here:

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/search-classic-cars/advanced-search-result/?year=&makeId=1034&keywords=stag&priceFromFilter=&priceToFilter=&currencyId=0&priceOption=0&yearFromFilter=&yearToFilter=&categoryId=0&colourId=0&countryId=0&isDealer=Any&drive=Any&mileageFromFilter=&mileageToFilter=&sort=priceSortDesc&submitFilters=Go

Or Here: http://www.ejward.co.uk/classic-cars/cars-for-sale.html

Or Here: http://www.stag.org.uk/index.aspx?pid=834

Good advice given so far. Look at as many as you can. Take someone with you. Don't buy the first one. Easier said than done though...........

Good luck.

[MissMoppet]

Don't buy from any dealer who can't/won't put it on a hoist. Take along a strong torch - and someone who already owns a Stag.

[Jeff]

Hi Ray, I'm not far from you, in Sonning Common if you need help looking or advice to the best of my ability.

Jeff.

[edd]

Hi Ray , personally after looking at so many rotten stags on here and finding out so many weak spots i really dont think i would spend a fortune on a original untouched car for fear of something lurking under the skin . For that money i would buy a original car that had been restored to a high standard.
Ofcourse a photograpic restoration is great .Compared to other classics stags are on the rise but still low in value for how much enjoyment they give !
Edd