Picking between two cars

[fresh]

So I have a choice of two cars... A williams two that needs work and will be an ongoing project. Or a three that is almost perfect. Stuck what is best to do?

[Kris2012]

What are the prices?

[fresh]

4k and 7.5k

[Kris2012]

I think you can lose £3.5k very quickly in parts and labour if you're not doing the work yourself.

If it's genuinely almost perfect then I'd go for that one, but I'd still check when all the big consumables were last done as replacement parts are either expensive or unavailable nowadays.

[fresh]

I know... Its the bits I can't see worry me

[Ayli Carper]

I know... Its the bits I can't see worry me

Which goes as much for the three as it does for the 2, by the way, if not more so given the higher price!

[northy]

whats the mileages?

[fresh]

whats the mileages?

3 = 100,300
2 = 116,000

[mrodz]

After 1.5 years of an ongoing resto on #0366 I strongly recommend buying the better car. In my case it's not only been a matter of parts availability (and the hours spent sourcing the harder to get ones), but making sure everything is done to the required standard and as per your expectations. Unless you have a trusted mechanic and bodywork specialist (presume it's going to require at least some bodywork), it can be very frustrating not having things done to your liking. Save yourself not only the money, but also the time and nerves of a resto job, unless you actually want the challenge or have been through it before and know what it entails.

[PhilW]

I agree with MRODS totally, sounds like we are at a similar point in our restorations. Its always easier and cheaper to buy something that is in great condition than make something good again.
I would certainly caution about cars being in perfect condition, since there is plenty that you cant see unless you have a four post lift and someone who is prepared to let you have a really good look around.
Paying someone to restore a car (unless its an expensive collectors car) is not cost effective in my opinion as one you start you will have to decide what you can afford to do and therefore where you have to stop.

One of the benefits of restoring a car in my opinion is that you know that everything has been done correctly and has not been covered up. There will be some honest sellers out there, but in the used car market, there are plenty of rogues tarting up old nails.

buy the best you can afford and get out and drive it whilst the weather is nice 😎