How far would you travel to buy a car?

Soldato
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Pembrokeshire
I've been looking for a particular vehicle for a while now and I think I've come across one that fits the bill.

The thing is its 400 miles away from me and would involve either a train or air flight to go get it. I also have to be sure its not a lemon and buy a return just in case or buy anyway and hope for the best. However, it does appeal to me because for a long time I've wanted an adventure involving buying a car and getting it home.

Not telling you what the vehicle is because you will all rip the pee for even considering it. :)
 
Not telling you what the vehicle is because you will all rip the pee for even considering it. :)


Not unless its a 1.2 Corsa ;)

Longest i've travelled was 100 miles, just get the owner to send lots of pictures, if their honest then there should be no problem :)
 
I think you should really say what the car is - judgements on this entirely depends on the car in question, we'll be able to tell you how rare it is so how worthwhile the journey would be
 
I travelled to York from Southampton for my ST220..

Depends how much you trust the description really. If you've spoken to the fella selling the car and feel they're being honest and appreciate the lengths you'll be going to... better to put the effort in and get the car you really want than spend the next few years in a compromise.
 
I would and have done hundreds of miles to buy a car. Depends on what though - travelling to see a 2 grand car? No thanks because there is a huge chance of it being a wasted trip.
 
Done about 600 miles this month looking at about 6 different cars, both for my father and myself. As long as the trip there and back could be done in a day, that's my only limit.
 
[TW]Fox;15822252 said:
travelling to see a 2 grand car? .

Exactly what this is.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1460425.htm

I'd rather the thread not devolve into how carp these thing are. I'm well aware of their failings. This one however looks and sounds in excellent nick. I've asked for more pics and details of its history.

Flying to pick up, you could manage in a day. Train would include an overnight in a travelodge. I know someone who lives in france and flew to the UK to pick up an Impreza but it had impeccable history.
 
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If it was something special I would travel the length and bredth of the country. If it was a snot box I would say about 100 miles tops.
 
Totally depends on the car, something rare or hard to find a good example, i would and have travelled 100's of miles.

Run of the mill eco-box, i wouldn't drive much more than 50 miles each way.
 
Work out how much the trip would cost, then add it to the cost of the car. Then look to see how much better a car you could get with that total.
If you still can't beat that car, then go for it.
 
Exactly what this is.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1460425.htm

I'd rather the thread not devolve into how carp these thing are. I'm well aware of their failings. This one however looks and sounds in excellent nick. I've asked for more pics and details of its history.

Flying to pick up, you could manage in a day. Train would include an overnight in a travelodge. I know someone who lives in france and flew to the UK to pick up an Impreza but it had impeccable history.

Wouldn't bother. There's loads of them about.
 
You can arrange to have an "AA" check carried out on the vehicle, you pay them and they visit the car and give it a once over, not sure if it's worth it for a 2 grand car though mate
 
I drove 350 miles to get my 182, then drove it back home. That was a very long day :p There was a lot more choice down south and all of them were either cheaper or in better condition than any that were near me, so I thought it made sense. Plus the drive back up was excellent, taking the scenic route and having a bit of fun took my mind off the long drive.
 
You can arrange to have an "AA" check carried out on the vehicle, you pay them and they visit the car and give it a once over, not sure if it's worth it for a 2 grand car though mate

I did this with the car above, but don't know if it's worth it on a £2000 jeep.
 
As others have said, it depends entirely on the car. Travelling 400 miles for a £2k car is probably not something I would do, unless the car is very rare and hence condition becomes less of an issue than actually obtaining the car itself.
 
There are lots of these about but most of them are knackered. I was lucky with my last one because I bought it off ebay and even paid the guy using paypal before I even saw it (Won Saturday afternoon, pick up Sunday)

There are only two versions I want - either a Limited or an Orvis (not much in it really but thats what I want). There is an LPG Ltd closer in bristol but its that odd cherry red colour and the wife said it looks like a giant quality street :)

There is an LPG Orvis on fleebay but its got a deposit on it. I've asked for first refusal if the guy doesn't pick up tomorrow. Theres a black petrol Orvis in London but its too much money and they haven't replied to 2 emails. Theres a decent looking Limited in Devon but again bit too much money and its quite dirty inside. Its rear springs have gone too but whatever I get its being lifted so all the shocks/springs will be binned.

The one I linked to is a good price and looks in great condition with very low miles. IF the owner sends lots of pics and has lost of history to back it up then it might be worth the trip (£300 flight or £400 train). I know you can get these under a grand but I want the very best I can get as I intend to keep it. I have up to £2.5 to spend but would prefer it to have LPG in that cost.
 
So it's £2250 and your max is £2500 but you're hoping to get LPG for that price.
With travel and accommodation this is going to be £2650/£2750 yet still doesn't have LPG.
Doesn't seem worth it to me.
 
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