Help needed. Concerning value and reliability.

[carlj12345]

Hello, this is my first post of hopefully many with in this forum.

I will cut to the chase. I am looking at buying a Dolomite in June, as i've previously owned a classic car I like to think I know some of the trials and tribulations that go along with owning an old car.

However, I was wondering, how much dolly do you think I could get for my money? I have about £1,500 saved up to purchase one, I am not looking for a sprint (as much as I would love one), but i'm just wondering what the users of this forum believe I should get for this amount of money in terms of condition?

One other question, how do you believe a Dolomite would fare as a daily car? I have seen quite a few people who are selling them indicate that they have used them daily.

I know this is kind of a vague post but it would be nice to have some kind of inclination.

(I've checked as much as I can to see if there are any posts similar to this one in order to not keep asking questions that other people have, if there is a similar thread, please direct me).

[Dolly-Nut]

Get an 1850HL, with overdrive if possible. They regularly drop within your budget.
I used my Sprint pretty much daily for 2 years. Electronic ignition is a worthwhile mod to boost reliability and power.
After 2 years mine did start to rot, hence why it's now being semi-restored and turning into a dry day only car. The most important thing with these cars is to treat what rust there is and then protect it and keep on top of it. I think I speak for us all when I say the majority of our weekends are spent tinkering!

[Venger]

Your budget would stretch to a Sprint, mine was £1300 a year ago - and you can get one with an MOT (as mine) but you'll be looking at one that needs a lot doing to it - viewtopic.php?f=9&t=22230 - you can see the ebay link here and can click it and go to 'original listing' to see the ad.

Not sure about the other models although I have an 1850HL which I bought last weekend, it owes me about £550 as I had to get it from Cornwall and needs a hundred quid and a few hours to get it going properly - viewtopic.php?f=9&t=24293. With a bit of tidying up (interior is already pretty much mint) and all road legal it'll probably go for lot less than your maximum so there is a lot of value to be had with these cars.

As a daily driver they're fine, but if my journey was essential I think I'd take the Volvo.



Welcome to the forum by the way

[SprintMWU773V]

You're unlikely to get a very good Sprint for £1500 if I'm honest, a rough example or a project yes but I wouldn't expect to buy a well sorted daily for that money.

I agree smart money s on an 1850 with o/d or perhaps a 1500 with o/d if you do less high speed miles.

[seb18989]

i managed to pick up my dolly the other week for £980 which is 1500 hl with o/d and years tax and test with many extras such as sun roof, central locking, alarm and immobiliser fitted. I think as with most things cars are usually found within an owners club/classic car site or eBay, mine came from eBay and I got a very good car which is 80-85% solid. Sometimes you get a bargain and others will go for over there price. I think its just luck of the draw really and has to be the right day.

I have seen sprints recentely going for £1300-£1700 but again it will no doubt require some sort of work, but hopefully nothing major

[carlj12345]

Even though it falls with in my budget I'm not looking for a Sprint due to the insurance on it.

I'm hoping to buy something thats not really a project and can be bought and driven straight away with minimal work.

[maximus]

If your not in a rush just bide your time and you may get a member selling their car.That way you might be able to read their posts and renovation techniques used on the car as a bit of a guide to the history of it You might just get caught out buying the unknown Also people on the forum if you give them your requirements will steer you in the right direction i.e Lots of motorway/fast driving speeds look for the overdrive models(less work for you if you then find you need one),Town driving not really needed.
Good luck

[carlj12345]

Thank you that sounds ideal (also thank you for all the ideas so far, they're really helpful).

I think i'd definitely be looking for a car with overdrive, even though it's all mainly just town driving it'd be nice to still have the ability.

Just hoping that for £1,500 I can get something that is in pretty good condition.

[Nobleox_Toledo]

Good luck with the search....one thing though don't overlook the Toledo, they do turn up for sale and for your budget you could get a very very good one and possibly have a little left over to improve it further.

All the best

James

[carlj12345]

The Toledo is what actually first got me interested. At the time one of my friends Dad's was selling his Toledo, even though I was interested I was too busy going through hell with an old mini.

[2drToledo]

Where in the country are you Carl? A number of Toledos have been offered to me in recent days, I could put you in touch if they are still available.

Incidentally all are absolutely fine for regular use: I did 24,000 miles one year in my standard Toledo.

[carlj12345]

That sounds brilliant, I doubt i'd cover more than 12, 000 miles. I'm not looking to purchase anything really until June, but it would be great to have a look.

I'm situated in the south west, in a little town called Warminster in West Wiltshire.

[DoloWIGHTY]

I ran a Dolomite 1300 as my everyday car for 11 years, I don't think there was ever a time it didn't get me to where I was going and home again, they are well engineered, simple cars that always get a positive reaction for people.

You won't regret getting one .

[carlj12345]

I spent 5 years trying to run an old mini as a daily car and it was a nightmare, so I'm definitely hoping for an easier ride.

Also I know dry storage is preferable but would a big all weather car cover suffice?

[Nobleox_Toledo]

I think Toledo's are excellent, I know I crossed to the dark side and now have a Dolly, my old Tolly was an excellent part time daily doing the 30 odd mile round trip from Wycombe to Heathrow 3 times a week with no problems. She took me on holiday round the Lake District and did a weekend to Holland as well various longish trips to visit family around the UK - a great car....the 2 doors look very good but the 4 doors are little more practical.

James