Essential Buyer's Guide
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Morris Minor & 1000
The Essential Buyer's Guide
by Ray Newell
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
The Morris Minor regularly tops the polls in the Classic Car press as Britain's most popular classic car. The owners Club boasts 10,000 members in the UK. Other clubs worldwide have thriving memberships too. STOP! Don't buy a Morris Minor without buying this book FIRST! Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from Ray Newell's years of Morris Minor ownership: learn how to spot a bad car quickly and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the right car at the right price! Packed with good advice from running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation and the Morris Minor community, to will it fit in your garage and with your lifestyle? This is THE COMPLETE GUIDE to choosing, assessing and buying your dream car.
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BMW E30 3 Series 1981 to 1994
The Essential Buyer's Guide
by Ralph Hosier
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
This book is your ticket to a world of fun, excitement, exploration and satisfaction: the world of the iconic BMW E30 3 series.
Starting with a quick model history, this book introduces the key features of the E30. Containing a detailed set of model guides to explain the differences and features unique to each, and an assessment of how useful and effective these are. The book's 'How to' sections help you identify E30 problem areas, while a wealth of useful data and comparison charts help you choose which model is right for you.
Details of parts costs, the relative difficulty or ease of the tasks needed to keep these classic cars in good order, specifications and a list of useful contacts in the BMW community - from clubs to specialists dealers are just a few more features of this jam-packed book.
Written by a qualified engineer, and a racer with many years of practical BMW experience, the clear text and straightforward manner, supported with detailed photographs, means that this book is just like having a real marque expert at your side.
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Volkswagen Bus
The Essential Buyer's Guide
by Kenneth Cservenka
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
Covering all the collectable Buses produced by Volkswagen between 1950 and 1990, this volume is unique in providing the full story of the high-points and pitfalls of buying such models. Written by enthusiasts, the easy readable text is informative to the novice, while still being of considerable value to those who have already owned a Bus.
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Lotus Seven Replicas & Caterham 7: 1973-2013
The Essential Buyer's Guide
by Rob Hawkins
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
Packed with good advice on how to find and maintain a Lotus Seven, Caterham Seven or a Seven replica. From running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, and valuation, this book shows you exactly what to look for when examining one of these cars as a potential purchase. Includes detailed descriptions of all the individual models and foibles to be aware of, a comprehensive condition checklist including photos of key areas to check. Also includes info on key specifications and useful upgrades that will enable one of these classic machines to be used on a regular basis, plus details of the Seven community - in fact, everything you need to buy the car of your dreams.
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Triumph TR7 & TR8
The Essential Buyer's Guide
by Roger Williams
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
A small investment in this book could save you a fortune ... With the aid of this book's step-by-step expert guidance, you'll discover all you need to know about the car you want to buy. Unique points system will help you to place the car's value in relation to condition. Don't buy a TR7 or TR8 without this book's help!
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New Mini
The Essential Buyer's Guide
by Martyn Collins
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
With so many different models and specifications to navigate, this book will help you get the Mini you want at the right price. Featuring over a hundred colour images, plus details of problems to keep an eye out for, it is an essential aid for the discerning buyer, providing insight into market and value data and predicting which models will maintain value best. Owning a Mini can be a very sociable experience, and this book gives details of back-up and support organisations for BMW's British-built baby.
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Motorhomes
A First-Time-Buyer's Guide
by Trevor Fry
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
With the cost of family holidays increasing, more an more people are looking to take their holidays at home, so a campervan or motorhome makes an ideal choice. Combining transport and accommodation, motorhome popularity is increasing both for holidays and as a hobby.
This book gives guidance on the many sizes and types of motorhome available, the accessories you may expect your motorhome to be equipped with and it also shows you what you can do to make your motorhome more individual.
Covering every aspect of motorhome ownership, it explains the pitfalls of the 'payload' and 'maximum gross weight' figures and how to check them, and discusses fuel types, habitation, electrics, leisure batteries, chargers, fuel cells - in fact, everything you need to know to be a safe, self-sufficient motorhomer.
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Jaguar/daimler Xj40
The Essential Buyer's Guide
by Peter Crespin
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
The XJ40 had a long development history and underwent sophisticated and thorough testing on several continents. Featuring an array of high-tech features such as a digital dashboard, it drove superbly and won the UK's prestigious 'Car of the Year' award. Most early cars have gone to the crusher by now, and those that remain are be of variable quality. Even the last XJ40s are now 14 years old and can suffer terminal decline. For the careful buyer, however, they represent true bargain luxury cars, provided you buy a good example. This book will help you pick a sound car and avoid the depressing experience of buying a superficially pretty XJ40, which turns out to have serious problems through neglect or wear. It takes you step by step through your initial viewing and a more detailed inspection, where each aspect of the car is given an objective numerical score reflecting its condition, with the total overall score supporting your decision to buy or walk away. There is no safer way to avoid buying a bad car short of paying for a professional evaluation.
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Triumph Stag
The Essential Buyer's Guide
by Norm Mort
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
Stag enthusiast Norm Mort teams up with Stag restorer and expert Tony Fox to write this handy pocket-size guide. Triumph's Stag combined the smoothness and performance of a V8 in stylish Italian coachwork designed by Giovanni Michelotti, which allowed for both closed and open grand touring. This Essential Buyer's Guide examines the model's history, evolution, features, fittings, performance and typical problem areas through detailed text and colour photographs of both restored and original examples.
Like Veloce's other Essential Buyer's Guides this book features chapters such as "Is it the right car for you?", a very detailed checklist for rating a potential Stag purchase, advice on deciding whether or not to restore a Stag, paint problems, issues that can arise through under-use, and lists of clubs and spares specialists.
Tony Fox bought his first Stag in 1991, and a total of ten other Stags came and went in the years that followed. He is a director for the Triumph Stag Club, USA and coordinator for the Stag in the Toronto Triumph Club.
A Triumph and Stag enthusiast, Norm Mort has written for car magazines and newspapers for the past 25 years. This is his fourth book on automotive history and restoration.
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Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider
The Essential Buyer's Guide
by Jim Talbott
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
Buying a classic car is an expensive business and mistakes can prove costly financially and in time, effort and stress. Wouldn't it be great if you could take an expert with you? With the aid of this book's step-by-step guidance from a marque specialist, you can! You'll discover all you need to know about the car you want to buy. The unique points system will help you to place the car's value in relation to condition, whilst extensive photographs illustrate the problems to look out for. This is an important investment - don't buy a Spider without this book's help.
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Bsa 250, 350, 441 & 500 Singles
Unit Construction Singles C15, B25, C25, B40, B44 & B50 1958-1973
by Peter Henshaw
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
The BSA unit singles - 250, 350, 441 and finally 500cc - may not have been the most glamorous product of the British motorcycle industry, but they were the 'first bikes' for thousands of learner riders and had a great track record in scrambling and motocross.
Today, they offer a simple and affordable entry into the world of British classic machines, with a whole range of sizes. Spares are still available, as is friendly and knowledgeable fellow owners.
Following the tried-and-tested Veloce Essential Buyer's Guide format, this book delves into what it's like to live with one of these bikes, and the values, advantages and disadvantages of the different models. Plus, of course, what you need to look for when buying one - the engine, transmission, frame, brakes, suspension, paint, chrome ⦠and everything else!
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Volvo 700/900 Series
The Essential Buyer's Guide
by Tim A. Beavis
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
A second hand Volvo ... really? Yes! Forget about what you thought you knew - the right 700 or 900 series could be the best car you've ever bought, and this book is your essential guide to finding, assessing and buying the best car for you. Packed with information, illustrations and advice from a real marque expert, you'll be taken through detailed sections on what you need to know to decide which model is for you.
Find out what it's like living with the car, how much you should be paying and how, when, and where to inspect models for sale, including a comprehensive condition checklist and guide to common concerns. You'll also discover what's involved in restoring, the main problems caused by lack of use, and potential for modification.
For reference, there's a vital statistics list for each model, shape and engine, and a guide to the key people, organisations and companies within the Volvo community that you can look to for further advice.
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Honda Cbr Fireblade
893cc, 918cc, 929cc, 954cc, 998cc, 999cc. 1992-2010
by Peter Henshaw
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
Many words have been written about the Honda FireBlade, about its history, performance, lineage and specification, but few tell you what to look for when buying one second-hand. That's what this book is about - it aims to be a straightforward, practical guide to buying a used Fireblade. It won't list all the correct colour combinations for each year, or analyse the bike's design philosophy, or consider its background as a standard-setting sports bike - there are excellent books listed at the end of this one which do all of that. But hopefully it will help you avoid buying a dud. Point by point, it takes the reader through everything that needs looking at when buying one of these Hondas, plus spares prices, which is the best model to buy for your needs, and a look at auctions, restorations and paperwork. A unique points scoring system allows a thorough assessment of the potential purchase and puts it the Firebalde into the correct price category for its condition.
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Jaguar/daimler Xj 1994-2003
The Essential Buyer's Guide
by Peter Crespin
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
The X300 was the first serious model development in collaboration with Ford and the cars benefited in quality terms as a result. Problems do exist, however, especially with the X308 models which followed in 1997. Though they are excellent value today, it is still important to buy the right car if expensive problems are to be avoided.
This handy book will help you decide which car to consider, and having chosen your model it will help pick a sound car from amongst those you locate and inspect. High mileage need not be a deterrent, but you need to avoid neglected cars and know exactly what to look for. Giving you have the insight and expertise to select the best example within your budget, the book has a dedicated evaluation section in which each aspect of the vehicles is given an objective numerical score reflecting the car's condition. The points are added up to give an overall score supporting a decision to buy or leave. There is no safer way to avoid buying a bad car short of paying for a professional evaluation. In helping you choose the right car this book will surely pay for itself.
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Vw Beetle
The Essential Buyer's Guide
by Kenneth Cservenka
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
With the aid of this book's step-by-step expert guidance, you'll discover all you need to know about the car you want to buy. Unique point system will help you to place the cars value in relation to condition. This is an important investment - don't buy a car without this book's help.
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Chevrolet Corvette C6 2005-2013
Essential Buyers Guide
by David Smitheram
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
The Chevrolet Corvette C6 features stunning looks, effortless V8 performance and soundtrack, sharp handling, rugged reliability, with surprising practicality. If you're looking to buy one of these classic cars, this handy little book will steer you in the right direction.
There were more than 200,000 C6 cars produced in their nine-year production run; which one will best suit you and your budget? Are there any model years to avoid, and how do you know what to look for? If you follow the advice in this essential buyer's guide and find the right example, the sixth generation Corvette can be surprisingly cost-effective to buy, run and maintain.
Colour photos throughout this guide help to show you common problem areas; save yourself days of trawling the internet and social media, this pocket-sized, printed book distils first-hand experience and knowledge from specialists and owners.
Marque expert David Smitheram covers every model, from the most attainable 2005 LS2 coupes and convertibles, to the wide-bodied Grand Sport and Z06, through to the late-model ZR1 supercar and a multitude of special editions.
The author maintains and modifies his own C6, nicknamed 'Clive The Corvette'. Steadily approaching 250,000 miles, his 2007 C6 Coupe sees almost daily use, has won track championships and enjoyed long-distance road trips across the USA, Europe and Africa.
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Citroën 2CV
by Mark Paxton
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
STOP! Don't buy a 2CV without buying this book FIRST! Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from Mark Paxton's years of 2CV ownership: learn how to spot a bad car quickly and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the right car at the right price!Packed with good advice from running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation and the 2CV community, to will it fit in your garage and with your lifestyle? This is THE COMPLETE GUIDE to choosing, assessing and buying your dream car.
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Cobra Replicas
1980–2011
by Iain Ayre
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
You might think a Cobra is an unattainable dream, and you'd be right. However, a replica that looks just like one and works rather better is not only attainable - it costs about the same as a Toyota. Iain Ayre has been reviewing, building and designing Cobra replicas for decades: there's nobody better to have in your pocket when you stop dreaming and start checking out buying or building one for real. This book condenses all you need to know into 64 packed pages covering Cobra types; low, medium and high budgets; buying pitfalls; engine and donor recommendations; good and bad points - pretty much everything you need to know to start scaring BMWs with budget V8 thunder.
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Porsche 987 Boxster & Cayman
1st Generation. Model years 2005 to 2009: Boxster, Boxster S, Boxster Spyder, Cayman & Cayman S
by Adrian Streather
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
Stop! Don't buy a Porsche 987 Boxster or Cayman series without buying this book first! Packed with good advice from running costs, paperwork, vital statistics, valuation and the Porsche community, right through to whether your Porsche will fit in your garage and indeed, with your lifestyle. This is the complete guide to choosing, assessing and buying the Porsche 987 Boxster or Cayman of your dreams.
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Triumph TR6
by Roger Williams
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
A small investment in this book could save you a fortune ...With the aid of this book's step-by-step expert guidance, you'll discover all you need to know about the car you want to buy. Unique point system will help you to place the cars value in relation to condition. This is an important investment - don't buy a car without this book's help.
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Hinckley Triumph Triples & Fours
750, 900, 955, 1000, 1050, 1200-1991–2009
by Peter Henshaw
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
There are very few books about the Hinckley-built Triumphs, and none will tell you what to look for when buying one secondhand. That's what this book is about - it is a straightforward, practical guide to buying a used modern Triumph. It doesn't list all the correct colour combinations for each year, or analyse the bike's design philosophy, or consider its background as part of a reborn industry, but it will help you avoid buying a dud. Point by point, it takes the reader through everything that needs looking at when buying a Hinckley Triumph, plus spares prices, which is the best model to buy for your needs, and a look at auctions, restorations and paperwork Since production started back in 1992, the Hinckley Triumphs have been a remarkable success story. A series of triples and fours that launched an entirely new range of bikes from scratch, and in the process restarted the British bike industry. The naked Trident, touring Trophy and sports Daytonas gained respect all over the world. The new generation fuel-injected Triumphs that followed a few years later carried on the same tradition, building on the legacy of that characterful three-cylinder engine that became Hinckley Triumph's trademark. As a secondhand buy, these bikes offer heritage, reliability and a wide choice of styles - worth looking out for.
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Audi TT
All Mk1 (8N) models: 1998–2006
by Mark Davies
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
This Essential Buyer's Guide leads you through the process of buying an Audi TT, from whether this is the right car for you, what it's like to live with, and what it will cost you to run, to which version and engine is best for you, and what you should be paying for it. Having helped you decide these factors, this guide then takes you through the buying process. It explains what equipment you'll need, including diagnostic software, and shows you how to quickly determine whether to look at a particular car in more detail, or to just walk away. A comprehensive and thorough evaluation section, with a points scoring system, lets you fully assess a prospective purchase, and detailed illustrations show exactly what to look for. With advice on paperwork and buying at auctions, every aspect of sourcing your car is covered. Having helped you to find your dream car, the guide goes yet further to give you all the contact information you need to get involved with the TT-owning community and making the most of your new pride and joy!
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Porsche 911SC
Coupé, Targa, Cabriolet & RS: Model years 1978–1983
by Adrian Streather
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
STOP! Don't buy a Porsche 911 SC without buying this book first! Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from Adrian Streather's years of Porsche ownership. Learn how to spot a bad car quickly and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the right car at the right price!
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Triumph Thunderbird, Trophy & Tiger
650cc & 750cc models 1950–1983
by Peter Henshaw
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
There are many books about Triumph, but most of them concentrate on the glamorous twin-carburettor Bonneville and three-cylinder Trident. Alongside these headline grabbing bikes, Triumph built a whole series of single-carb machines that had all the style of their twin-carb cousins, but were not much slower, delivered better fuel consumption, and were easier to live with. Unlike the many books about Triumph's history, this one is a straightforward, practical guide to buying a Trophy or Tiger secondhand. In the Veloce Essential Buyer's Guide format, it delves into what these bikes are like to live with, and the values, advantages, and disadvantages of different models. Plus, of course, what to look for when buying one - including engine, transmission, frame, brakes, suspension, paint, chrome, and more.
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Mazda MX-5 Miata: Mk1 1989–97 & Mk2 1998–2001
by Carla Crook
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
20 years ago, the Mazda MX-5 Roadster was born - the result of five years' research and development by two project teams split across Japan and the USA. When launched, it was the sports car the world was waiting for. Over the past 20 years, the MX-5 has evolved and changed, but has managed to stay true to the original philosophy of 'horse and rider as one,' a car to truly engage with the driver and provide the ultimate top-down driving experience with its perfect 50/50 weight distribution and neutral handling - it is easy to control, nimble and light, and inexpensive to buy, own and maintain. The MX-5 is a true testament to itself as the 'world's best-selling sports car,' and with the earlier MkI and MkII available for modest prices, it is the perfect choice as a fun and enjoyable daily driver, a weekend track car, or a project base for a kit car. This book will help you get the MX-5 of your dreams.
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Vespa Scooters
Classic 2-stroke models 1960–2008
by Mark Paxton
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
The two stroke Vespa is rightly regarded as an iconic scooter. It's initial purpose was to provide low cost transportation to the masses in the 1950s, but it evolved through the vibrant '60s to became a symbol of the burgeoning youth culture, and on into the '90s when it became firmly entrenched as an Italian icon. The history of this phenomenon has been well documented, as has the subculture that surrounds it, but there has been no previous attempt to provide a guide to buying one of these classic scooters. This book will help ensure that you avoid the main pitfalls and end up with your very own slice of La Dolce Vita on the driveway.
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Jaguar XK8 & XKR
1996–2005
by Nigel Thorley
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
For anyone with an interest in, or who is thinking of buying, one of the already classic Jaguar XK sports cars from the 1996 to 2005 period, this Essential Buyer's Guide is a vital requirement. All the models are covered, from the early 4.0-litre models with the infamous Nikasil engines, through to the very last and highly sophisticated 4.2-litre S, with mention of the special editions available in selected markets. All models are looked at in detail, and analysed for their strengths and weaknesses to provide the best possible advice on what to look for and how to buy the best car you can afford. A handy pocket-sized guide, that will always be at your side for constant reference.
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Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow & Bentley T-series
by Malcolm Bobbitt
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
Rolls-Royces and Bentleys are among the most prestigious cars in the world and, as such, attract a highly discerning clientele. The Silver Shadow, along with its rarer sibling the Bentley T, were the first Rolls-Royce designed models to feature modern construction methods, albeit the cars were built to the highest of standards by craftsmen in accordance with the firms' long standing traditions. It is no wonder these cars are revered internationally by marque enthusiasts for their initial build quality, comfort and effortless performance. The Essential Buyer's Guide to the Silver Shadow and Bentley T is, in effect, having expert advice pocket size! Intended for marque owners and novice enthusiasts alike, Malcolm Bobbitt's practical and easy to follow book will allow the potential purchaser of one of these prestige cars to confidently and quickly assess a vehicle as to its true condition. The guide equips the buyer to take a professional approach when viewing a car, and to decide within fifteen minutes whether it is worth taking a longer and more detailed examination. This guide provides all the information and advice necessary to embark upon an hour-long appraisal of the car, and to judge whether it is the right vehicle at the right price. Featured in this guide are specially selected illustrations to help properly evaluate a potential purchase. Information on the Rolls-Royce and Bentley community, such as marque specialists and clubs, is given, along with all the cars' vital statistics. This book covers all models in the Silver Shadow and Bentley T range to include the highly sought after coachbuilt types. Not only will it guide buyers in making the right choice of car, the information imparted will ensure enjoyable motoring and satisfying Rolls-Royce and Bentley ownership. The book identifies all the common problem areas with 100 clear colour photographs and jargon free text.
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Triumph 350 & 500 Unit Twins
3TA, 5TA Speed Twin, Tiger 90, T100A, T100SS, T100 Tiger, T100S, T100T, T100C, T100R, TR5T, T100D Da
by Peter Henshaw
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
Most of the many available books about Triumph motorcycles concentrate on the bigger Bonneville and Trident ranges. Yet alongside these headline-grabbing bikes, Triumph also built a series of smaller 350 and 500cc machines that possessed all the style of their bigger brothers, but were lighter in weight, easier to ride, and now cheaper to buy, too. This straightforward, practical Essential Buyer's Guide contains all the advice you need on buying one of these classic motorcycles, from the earliest Twenty-one, to the final Daytona and TR5T. It reveals what these bikes are like to live with, assesses the values, advantages and disadvantages of the different models, plus, of course explains what to look for when buying one - engine, transmission, frame, brakes, electrics, paint ⦠everything you need to know!
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Porsche 986 Boxster
Boxster, Boxster S & Boxster S 550 Spyder: Model years 1997 to 2005
by Adrian Streather
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
Stop! Don't buy a Porsche 986 Boxster series without buying this book first! Packed with good advice from running costs, paperwork, vital statistics, valuation and the Porsche community, right through to whether your Porsche will fit in your garage and indeed, with your lifestyle. This is the complete guide to choosing, assessing and buying the Porsche 986 Boxster of your dreams.
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BMW Z3 Roadster
All models (except M Roadster) 1995 to 2002
by James Fishwick
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
This book releases one of the best-kept secrets of the sports car world - the BMW Z3, the latest generation of the traditional small sports car, with the advantages of being based on a tried and tested model range produced by a manufacturer of high quality cars with enviable service and spares support. Designed in Bavaria, styled in California, and built in South Carolina, the Z3 caused generations of motoring writers to dismiss it as a toy sports car, fit only for 'Estate agents, hairdressers and footballers wives,' but is it really so bad? As the Z3 becomes a modern classic, potential buyers have little information to help them sort out the best cars from the others, most Z3 books being a combination of history and data. This guide shows what to expect and what to look for, written against a background of prolonged ownership and Z3 knowledge. Containing a wealth of Z3 information, practical inspection and driving evaluation hints, this book will help potential buyers through the process of finding the car they want, whether it is to be a summer runner or a car to keep and cherish.
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Porsche 911 (993)
Carrera, Carrera 4 and turbocharged models: Model years 1994 to 1998
by Adrian Streather
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
STOP! Don't buy a Porsche 993 without buying this book first! Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from Adrian Streather's years of Porsche ownership. Learn how to spot a bad car quickly and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the right car at the right price!
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Porsche 911 (996)
Carrera, Carrera 4 and turbocharged models: 1997 to 2005
by Adrian Streather
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
STOP! Don't buy a Porsche 996 without buying this book first! Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from Adrian Streather's years of Porsche ownership. Learn how to spot a bad car quickly and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the right car at the right price!
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Lotus Europa: S1, S2, Twin Cam & Special 1966 to 1975
by Matthew Vale
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
The Essential Guide to buying the Lotus Europa of your dreams, this book will guide you through all you need to know. Originally intended to be a cheap and basic Lotus Seven replacement, during its development the Lotus Europa morphed into a miniature supercar, described by Colin Chapman as a "working man's GT40," which sat alongside the Elan in the Lotus line-up. Its mid engined configuration gave it exceptional balance, and its handling and roadholding were second to none. Initially produced for export to Europe in late 1966, the Renault-powered car evolved into the Series 2 in 1968 when it was released to the UK and US markets, and, in its final iteration, gained the Lotus' own Twin Cam engine in 1971. Production ended in 1975 with around 9200 cars completed. This book has been written to provide the prospective owner with all the information they need to establish if the car is for them, and what to look for when viewing an example. All aspects of the cars are examined, including paperwork, mechanical issues, bodywork and interior with many photos of example cars to assist in the assessment of an individual car, and understand the implications of many of the common problems that a car can exhibit. The author is a Lotus enthusiast, and has been working on and writing about classic Lotuses for a number of years.
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Porsche 944: All models 1982 to 1991
by Andrew Higgins
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
This is the complete guide to finding the best available example of the classic front-engined Porsche 944. Insight from real ownership experience is coupled with unparalleled technical knowledge, resulting in the first dedicated guidebook for potential buyers of the Porsche 944. A comprehensive guide, including an inspection checklist that buyers can use when viewing a car, photos of key areas to check, and known issues for each model, and an overview of key specifications and potential upgrades. Market and value data are also supplied to help give an idea of what a specific Porsche 944 is worth. From whether a Porsche 944 is a suitable car for you, to the cost considerations to be taken into account when searching for and viewing a used model, the authors' aim to arm the prospective buyer with enough knowledge and insight to be able to view a used Porsche 944, and quickly assess its quality, before considering whether to make a purchase. Take the first step towards finding your dream car, by reading this guide today.
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Harley-Davidson Big Twins
FL, FX/Softail and Dyna series, 1340cc, 1450cc, 1584cc: 1984 to 2010
by Peter Henshaw
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
There are lots of books about Harleys, about their history, performance, lineage and the minutae of their specification, but none of them will tell you what to look for when buying one second-hand. That's what this book is about - it aims to be a straightforward, practical guide to buying a used Harley-Davidson. It won't list all the correct colour combinations for each year, or analyse the bike's design philosophy, or consider its background as a cultural icon - there are excellent books listed at the end of this one which do all of that. But hopefully it will help you avoid buying a dud. Point by point, it takes the reader through everything that needs looking at when buying a Harley, plus spares prices, which is the best model to buy for your needs, and a look at auctions, restorations and paperwork. A unique points scoring system sums up the intended purchase and its correct price category.
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Alfa Romeo Giulia GT Coupe
1963 to 1976
by Keith Booker
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
A small investment in this book could save you a fortune. With the aid of this book's step-by-step expert guidance, you will discover all you need to know about the Alfa Romeo Giulia GT Coupe you want to buy. The unique point system will help you to place the car's value in relation to condition. Buying a classic Alfa Romeo is an important investment - don't buy one without this book's help. Keith Booker has been an Alfa Romeo owner for 25 years, and in this book he covers all the Giulia and GT sports models - from the Giulia Sprint GT of 1963 to GT Junior of 1975. This book includes: Expert advice from a marque expert Unique points scoring system to evaluate cars after inspection Walk away or stay? - a quick initial evaluation of a car How to check a car's authenticity Which models are best? Implications of restoration Is it the right car for you? Running costs Advice on buying at auctions Checking the paperwork Useful contacts Don't buy a classic Alfa Romeo without this unique illustrated guide! Expert advice will help you find the best sports car for your money.
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Mini
All Mini Saloons, Estates, Vans and Pick-ups: 1959 to 1999
by Mark Paxton
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
The Mini is without doubt a motoring milestone, and has had many volumes dedicated to its design, history and development, but this is the only book to examine the tricky task of buying one used. Iconic and innovative it may have been, but this quintessentially British car was not without its defects, many of which could turn the Mini experience into an expensive and tiresome disaster. This guide takes the potential purchaser through a short initial examination to weed out the obviously defective, followed by a more comprehensive step-by-step look at the body and mechanical parts, where the clear, jargon-free text accompanied by over 100 photographs sheds light on even the darkest corners of the Mini's construction. A unique points marking system ensures that nothing is overlooked and an accurate final picture of the car's condition can be viewed in relation to the asking price.
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Jaguar XK120, 140 & 150
1948 to 1961
by Nigel Thorley
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
Many interesting classic cars are ever increasing in value, and the XK120, XK140 and XK150 models are certainly amongst that category. This is the essential guide to those models - an important read for owners, but more crucially, a constant reference guide to keep with you when viewing a potential purchase. It will help you identify the model that suits you, tell you what to look for when inspecting a car, and provide you with all the necessary procedures to go through to ensure the car is what it appears to be. With guidance on common pitfalls and the best ways to buy, this book will help you get the best possible car you can for your money.
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Honda CBR600 Hurricane
All models, 599cc, 1987 to 2010
by Peter Henshaw
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
Many words have been written about the Honda CBR600 (or the Hurricane, as it was named in the USA), about its history, performance, lineage and specification, but few tell you what to look for when buying one second-hand. That's what this book is about - it aims at being a straightforward, practical guide to buying a used CBR600. It won't list all the correct colour combinations for each year, or analyse the bike's design philosophy, or consider its background as a standard-setting sports bike, but it will help you avoid buying a dud. Point by point, it takes the reader through everything that needs checking when buying one of these Hondas, plus spares prices, which is the best model to buy for your needs, and a look at auctions, restorations and paperwork.
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Land Rover Series I, II & IIA
1948 to 1971
by Maurice Thurman
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
The Series Land Rover was conceived as a utility vehicle for farmers; one that could be repaired and maintained with the minimum of specialist tools. The early models rapidly built up a worldwide reputation for rugged cross country capability that led to them not only to great success in the agricultural industry, but also to being adopted by police forces in at least 37 countries as well as emergency services in the UK and abroad. The book describes the step by step development of the marque, so you are aware of each model's individual strengths and weaknesses. Choose your preferred model, then be professionally guided through important aspects of the retail market, with clear instructions on where and how to check for specific potential problems before you buy. Evaluate and score your potential purchase against an exhaustive checklist, learn how to test-drive it with confidence, and be forewarned about running and maintenance costs. The book also details the Land Rover community from clubs to specialists. With over 100 colour photographs carefully integrated into the concise and informative text, this really is like having a marque expert beside you when viewing a potential purchase.
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Jaguar New XK
2005 to 2014
by Nigel Thorley
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
The technically advanced, aluminium bodied New XK models carried over very little from the previous models. Produced from 2006 to 2014, they proved to be one of the best sports models produced by Jaguar. Still no replacement has been planned by the marque, meaning these cars will be much sought after, and meaning you'll need expert advice if you're thinking of purchasing one. For anyone with an interest in, or who's thinking of buying one of these already classic cars, this Essential Buyer's Guide is a vital requirement. Covering all variants, and highlighting model differences, it shows how equipment levels or colour schemes affect can affect price. Detailing everything from what to look for when you first see a car, to in-depth evaluation, even such matters as where to buy and what paperwork to check is covered, along with dedicated sections listing model specifications, where to go for advice, and marque specialists.
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Ducati Desmodue Twins
Pantah, F1, 750 Sport, 600, 750 900 1000 Supersport, ST2, Monster, SportClassic 1979 to 2013
by Ian Falloon
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
Here is a book packed with good advice on how to find and maintain a Ducati Desmodue twin. From running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation - this book shows you exactly what to look for when examining a potential Ducati Desmodue purchase. Along with a detailed description of all the individual models, there is a comprehensive condition checklist and guide, photos of key areas to check, and foibles to be aware of. Includes key specifications and details of useful upgrades that will enable one of these classic machines to be used on a regular basis, and a guide to the market and values.
Written by Ian Falloon who has been involved with Ducati motorcycles for nearly 40 years. He has written several books covering the two-valve, belt-twin Desmodue models. He has owned several examples, and through his role as a motorcycle journalist, he has attended press launches for many of the models covered in this book. A long standing, close association with the Ducati factory, and a personal association with many of its engineers, has provided Ian with an invaluable insight into the Desmodue development.
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Ford Capri
All models (except RS) 1969 to 1987
by Mark Paxton
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
When launched, the Ford Capri was revolutionary. It was a car that set the European market alight, allowing even a buyer on a modest budget an intoxicating whiff of the exotic whilst keeping running costs at affordable levels. That status eroded over time, and the Capri sat in the classic car doldrums for many years, its true worth unrecognised. That situation has thankfully changed, and Capri values are rising rapidly, so care has to be taken to make sure you end up with the best one possible for your money. This guide takes the potential purchaser through a short initial examination to weed out the obviously defective followed by a more comprehensive step by step look at the body and mechanical parts, where the clear, jargon-free text accompanied by over 100 photographs sheds light on even the darkest corners of the Capri's construction. A unique points marking system ensures that nothing is overlooked, and an accurate final picture of the car's condition can be viewed in relation to the asking price.
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Jaguar XJ-S
All 6- and 12-cylinder models 1975 to 1996
by Peter Crespin
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
An expert guide to buying the Jaguar XJ-S you've always wanted. Perhaps because it was Jaguar's longest-running model ever, there are lots of examples of the XJ-S around, but there are also lots of terrible specimens to trap the unwary. With the youngest car now over 20 years old, most XJ-S cars have long since dropped out of the dealer network, and good examples are climbing in price, but need to be sifted out from the poor ones, which are often superficially dressed to sell. This book takes the fear out of buying one of these quick, complex cars, providing a checklist for common problem areas, followed by a core section taking readers methodically through each system in detail and scoring them to arrive at an objective assessment of the car's condition, helping you make the decision to buy or walk away. Short of employing an XJ-S expert to do the inspection for you, there is no safer way to avoid buying a bad car and to end up with the vehicle of your dreams.
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Choosing, Using & Maintaining Your Electric Bicycle
by Peter Henshaw
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
An electric bicycle is, quite simply, a normal bicycle with an added battery and electric motor that just about doubles your pedal power - able to waft up hills and into headwinds, they take the sweat out of cycling, and give you supercharged legs!
How long does the battery last? Are they expensive to run? Do you need a licence and insurance?
This book is a complete buyer's guide to electric bicycles, and it answers all of these questions and more. Outlining the advantages (and pitfalls), with an overview of the types of bike available, what to look for, and why you should buy one, you'll also find useful contacts such as importers, websites and magazines, with advice on where you can ride and the law, including new legislation coming in 2017.
Battery charging and maintenance is described, as well as some basic cycle maintenance, and there's an analysis of running costs and a look at the world of easy cycling they open up - electric bikes are not just for holidays.
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Jaguar/daimler Xj6, Xj12 & Sovereign
All Jaguar/Daimler/VDP series I, II & III models 1968 to 1992
by Peter Crespin
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
In 1968 the Jaguar XJ6 set new standards for luxury cars and spawned more than a dozen variants over the next 20 years, including the iconic 12 cylinder cars. This book guides you systematically though 3 different series of production, 4 engines and long or short wheelbase saloons or coupes, pointing out faults common to all versions as well as some specific to each model. Working via initial quick-check guidance and then in detail, step-by-step, through the strengths and weaknesses of your potential purchase, you'll avoid buying a bad example and maximize the value and enjoyment you get out of your investment in one of motoring's landmark cars. The book also points you towards the major players in the Jaguar community to help you maintain and improve your Jaguar. Packed with 100 new detail pictures and with a unique points system this book is truly ESSENTIAL for any potential XJ6 owner.
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BSA 500 & 650 Twins
by Peter Henshaw
Part of the Essential Buyer's Guide series
Sometimes living under the shadow of the flashier, high-profile Triumph Twins, the equivalent BSAs were just as numerous and were exported all over the world. BSA was often seen as a less glamourous marque than Triumph or Norton, associated more with commuting and sidecars than coffee bar cowboys, but that doesn't detract from the collectibility of its models today, as the bikes have become highly usable, enjoyable classics. Unlike the many marque histories available, this book is a practical guide to buying one of these bikes. It covers the complete range, from the very first 1946 500cc A7 to the final 1973 650cc A65s. Chapters include what to look for (10min and 30min evaluations); spares prices; guides to auctions and paperwork; lists of useful contacts in the BSA community; and just as important, consideration of whether it's the right bike for you. One hundred colour photos, useful appendices and expert advice mean this book could save you thousands.