Role reversal: Renault 16 surprising dilemma

[Skizzer]

I think this has been on recently, but I'm re-posting just because of the venetian blind

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RENAULT-R16-GL-/181384177311?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a3b56e69f

In a surprise development, Mrs Skizzer wants me to buy this. She's even willing to relax the usual one-in-one-out rule, and has suddenly* remembered** that a friend has some spare storage space up the road.

 

It looks pretty but at £5k is more than I'd normally pay for a car. Funds could be found, and I guess it doesn't need a major engine overhaul or thousands spent on remedial bodywork for an MOT for once.

 

There is zero chance of me seeing it before buying, or even collecting in person: it would be bank transfer, Shiply and fingers crossed.

 

What do folks think? Sensible advice required (ha! As if.)

 

This is on top of the possible impending arrival of something Italian, by the way. Chod fleet could be growing alarmingly, though not in the same league as Bickle, Glover, Ratdat etc.

[vulgalour]

If you need to downsize in the future you could always swap it with my Renault 6, I wouldn't mind.

[Shep Shepherd]

^

 

:mrgreen:

[outlaw118]

Not going to be particularly constructive, or tell you anything you don't already know, but at that price, surely either an AA/RAC/somebodywhoknows inspection would be prudent. IIRC the rear suspension is a rot spot? I could be wrong.

 

Surely we have a representative up there?

 

On the other hand, if it turns into a money-pit you can always blame SWMBO.....

[eddyramrod]

That's lovely.

 

Send an independant inspector to go over it, but subject to that: oh yes, you must have it!

[Bobthebeard]

In a surprise development, Mrs Skizzer wants me to buy this. She's even willing to relax the usual one-in-one-out rule, and has suddenly* remembered** that a friend has some spare storage space up the road.

I have no advice to offer about the car, but how much do you want for Mrs Skizzer?

[Mr Lobster]

Tricky one. £5k is a fair bit to spend buying something without seeing it.  That said it does look very nice but I think I'd ask a load of probing questions to get a bit more detail.

 

R16s can really rust although parts supply isn't that bad as long as you don't mind going to France and giving your wallet regular exercise.

 

I'd be going on the Renault Classic Car Club forum - http://renaultccc.proboards.com - and asking a few questions. Theres one guy who is in that area who really knows his onions on R16s - he had a 16 TX at the NEC last year. 

 

I think that next year is the 50th birthday of the 16 and there is some sort of 'thing' planned.

 

Also, Mrs Skizzer sounds excellent.

[Skizzer]

Inspection is a very good idea, even though it feels a bit like cheating.

[Junkman]

There are better buys to be had in France. No doubt.

[anonymous user]

There are better buys to be had in France. No doubt.

But this one's here and has a venetian blind in the back window

[mouseflakes]

It has a TS engine - nice addition. Add a TX gearbox to make it even more usable.

[RobT]

Is SWMBO also paying for it? I wish it worked like that in my house but sadly doesn't.

[Mr Lobster]

Have a word with this chap - http://www.renaultreborn.co.uk/ he's restored a couple of 16s and is in the area so might be persuaded with the aid of some £££s to inspect it.

[Ratdat]

Have a word with this chap - http://www.renaultreborn.co.uk/ he's restored a couple of 16s and is in the area so might be persuaded with the aid of some £££s to inspect it.

AFAIK, Simon hasn't done any 16s although he has just bought my '68 TS so no doubt he'll being getting into them shortly! Gary (he of the immaculately restored TX on RCCC) works with him most days and is now pretty knowledgeable about 16s having had a few of his own. I'd think he'd be the best man to go take a look. It's about a 50 mile round trip to Skeg from here but if you do need someone to go take a look, I can do it and might possibly be able to persuade Gary to come along.

[Squire_Dawson]

HPI check - a must for a car this expensive.

 

https://www.hpi.co.uk/home/

[Skizzer]

Brilliant, thanks for the links Mr L... I shall investigate.

 

Sadly Rob it'll be me that has to pony up. Mrs S doesn't even drive.

[Skizzer]

It's about a 50 mile round trip to Skeg from here but if you do need someone to go take a look, I can do it and might possibly be able to persuade Gary to come along.

Wow - ta. I'll see what Simon says (next week I suppose) and we'll see - I'd obviously make it worth your while.

[Alexg]

I'll HPI this tomorrow for you if you like, although to be fair I'm not sure a write-off marker from 1992 (for example) would really affect the value of a classic in 2014. It's strong money but smoking hot, and you may get browned off with guys like me rubbing their gentials all over the thing whenever it's parked.

[Skizzer]

That's very decent of you re the HPI, thanks, and I'll gladly take you up on the offer if it's no bother. I'd be surprised if it showed up much if it's been imported from Franceland in the last few years, but prolly still worth the check at this money (I checked the Sd1 and that was half the price).

 

 

I notice how we've quickly drifted from 'do I want it' to 'how best to buy it'...

[Mr Lobster]

I notice how we've quickly drifted from 'do I want it' to 'how best to buy it'...

 

However you do it, you must indeed buy it.

[Sudsprint]

I go all wobbly over R16s so no point looking to me for sensible advice.

[dollywobbler]

Wonderful cars. Can't recall seeing one that early!

[wuvvum]

Do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it do it.

[mercrocker]

^^^^^wotty sez.....And look at the number  plates!    Do it.

[Spiny Norman]

I wouldn't pay that for it without seeing it, but I'd move heaven and earth so I could arrange a viewing, or at least organise someone I trusted to check it out for me. Pay them if you have to.

 

Otherwise BUYIT BUYIT BUYIT BUYIT BUYIT BUYIT BUYIT BUYIT BUYIT BUYIT BUYIT BUYIT BUYIT BUYIT BUYIT BUYIT etc....  you get the idea.

[crapcarcollector]

I take it this has been purchased, collected, and pressed into daily use in the 20 hrs this thread has been live? If not why not?

 

 

Sent from my Nokia 3310 using the force.

[Split_Pin]

Has this fine motor been purchased yet? Autoshite has seen 3 excellent Gallic purchases in the last 3 or 4 months.

 

ANSAS PLZ.

[forddeliveryboy]

Go up in person, do a proper check, get all excited then offer 800 (or more, according to your finds) less, with the cash in your hand.

[Skizzer]

Blimey, you boys are keen! I'll give him a ring tomorrow and see what the score is - there's no mention of history, mileage or how extensive the restoration was, assuming it's been restored and not just wobbed and blown over. I'll want the story to be decent for that kind of money.

[crapcarcollector]

Blimey, you boys are keen! I'll give him a ring tomorrow and see what the score is - there's no mention of history, mileage or how extensive the restoration was, assuming it's been restored and not just wobbed and blown over. I'll want the story to be decent for that kind of money.

Of course, goes without saying.

 

Have you phoned him yet?