Bargaining Help

[Sputnic81]

I am looking to purchase my first Rover. I have found this '73 109 FFR that the owner wants $7700 for. It has two bad outriggers, a malfunctioning speedo, a rotted out rear cross member, rot in both door tops. It is about 10 hours from me so I have been getting my info through email exchange. Owner seems very willing to provide all the info I have asked for. I have several pics but am attaching just a handful that seem pertinent. If anyone sees anything in them that I have not already mentioned or can give me further help with bargaining. I get the feeling that this is more of a $2500 truck. What do you guys think?

There are too many photos and they are too big to post in here so I here is a link to the Flickr folder where they can be found. Also the video is of the Rover being started and running.

http://s281.photobucket.com/albums/kk206/Mod24v/?action=view&current=013.mp4

http://flic.kr/ps/gbBHd

Thanks for all your help. I am very excited to get my first Rover, but I don't want to ruin it by overpaying for a hunk of junk.

I should also mention that I have some idea of what I am getting into. I am fully capable of doing mechanical, electrical and body work (welding, painting etc). I am not looking for an immaculate perfect specimen. Just a project to occupy the free time and spend the extra money I don't have.

[giftshopduane]

Where are you located I just saw an astounding looking ser II 88 for sale here in New England for that price.. galvy frame, I would have bought it had I the spare $$.

[o2batsea]

Pass. The bulkhead and the frame alone are going to cost you about 5-6000 dollars, by the time you get into this, you will have probably another 5 grand in "as long as I'm in this far" add ons. Then you'll want to replace seals, brakes,etc.

This is a 15-20 thousand dollar project

[westcoastkevin]

Agreed.. you will need money, time, tools and skills for this one.

[RNZack]

$7700

Because of the new exhaust on it??? Stay away...

[jac04]

I am very excited to get my first Rover, but I don't want to ruin it by overpaying for a hunk of junk.

At least you realize this up front. Many people get hooked on Rovers and overpay to get one.

I'll agree with everyone else that this vehicle is overpriced. The seller either doesn't really want to sell or believes they have a very rare vehicle. Is the vehicle even worth $2500? Maybe if you just have to have a 73 109 FFR, but otherwise I say no.

[TedW]

X2 to the prevailing opinion on this thread: IMHO this truck is way overpriced and you will spend mucho to get it fixed up.

Keep looking.

[daveb]

I don't know guys. Yeah, there is some rust. But, if the truck is good runner with all other systems functional, it could be worth a bit more than the $2500. Though definitely not the asking price. Depends somewhat on the OP's ability to cut and weld, and lots of other factors including whether it is going to be a full on restore or just an attempt to fix the big problems and just get the thing back on the road.

[NickDawson]

Just looked at a much nicer tuck for a fraction of that asking price this week...

Agree with the others who are suggesting caution.

I also agree with daveb, there's a lot to be said about the conditions of all the other systems. If it's a good runner with frame rust and some rot, you might be several years of fun out of it before needing to tackle anything too serious. That said, one has to wonder if the rot is indicative of the overall condition.

Still, find some comps, use those for comparison and, if needed, bargaining.

[mearstrae]

Being your first Rover I'd say this vehicle is a N.E.F.F. [not even for free]. If you want a $10,000 Rover, buy one for $3,000 and put $7,000 in it and get back maybe $8,000 when you sell it off. Or just buy the best condition Rover you can find at a reasonable price and save youself some headaches. Take your time and shop around, don't get the bug and jump on the first one you see, because sure enough a really nice one will come along just after you buy a fixer-upper.

'95 R.R. Classic LWB
'76 Series III Hybrid 109
'70 Rover 3500S

[yorker]

The military Rovers used undercoating which can actually hold in salt and moisture while concealing the damage it has done. If those are the very worst spots then maybe it isn't all bad but you really need to examine it up close and consider all the other mechanicals, body, etc.

[o2batsea]

Well, sometimes people buy with their heart and not with their head (guilty) so that the problems that look like deal killers to the experienced become mere speed bumps; easily rationalized.
Whether you buy this or not is probably, in the long run, immaterial. It will probably not be your last Rover or last project. Understand that you have a problem. One truck is not the cure.

[Sputnic81]

Wow, I like this forum already, not only did I get a lead on another truck through PM, but it would have taken weeks to get this many responses on the other forums I am on. Thanks guys!

I am trying to get the best one I can afford. My problem right now is that "afford" word. The wife and I have differing opinions on what is a decent price. I see the truck once I have crawled around on it, painted here and there and made it my own. She sees only the 40 year old army paint that is actually there.

I like the idea of a project truck, but I would like to enjoy it for awhile and get accustomed to it before I jump into any major overhauls. Plus I have a hard time pulling the trigger on something like that when I can't crawl around on it and see what it really needs.

There is a member here that's offered a solid looking IIA 109 with pick-up cab and full hard top for $7800 which seems a little more reasonable given that he says there is little rust in any of the main areas, strong motor etc. Again though distance becomes an issue, I'm not going to throw out his name or location as I can't help but think if he wanted the info out there he would put it out himself.

Is anyone near KC, MO? I can't help but think if the wife could see one up close and maybe ride in it she would be more apt to get onboard.

I will keep you all posted on my search, Thanks again.

[amcordo]

[QUOTE=Sputnic81;84019]...I can't help but think if the wife could see one up close and maybe ride in it she would be more apt to get onboard...QUOTE]

Just judging by the reactions from my female friends I would caution against this thinking. Actually, judging by the reactions of almost all of my friends, male or female, this isn't too true. She's going to see a smelly, dirty, uncomfortable truck - even if it's in prime condition. Forgiveness is easier to come by than qualified permission.

[yorker]

I am trying to get the best one I can afford. My problem right now is that "afford" word. The wife and I have differing opinions on what is a decent price. I see the truck once I have crawled around on it, painted here and there and made it my own. She sees only the 40 year old army paint that is actually there...

You need to look for a different truck or a different wife then. I'm not sure having her ride in one will solve your problem. Unless she is a rare bird and really marches to the tune of a different drummer, a lot of women end up resenting these trucks and the attention they require. Maybe you are one of the lucky ones but a lot of series owners end up with wives who look over their shoulders and force them to justify every purchase for the truck. Make sure your's is REALLY on board with this thing before you jump in.