I went to see a 1983 110 5-door 12-seater yesterday. For sale on ebay and roadside asking price is £2295
Chassis replaced 3 years ago and absolutely solid. Bulkhead is solid without a trace of rust. Structurally extremely good for the year. No bent bits.
Perkins 4203. Starts, no smoke. Starts without smoke after being left for several minutes after being run until warm. As good as 4203's get, I thought, and just right for the type of driving I'll be doing. Coupled to a 4-speed box. No idea what sort but it dropped in and out of gear nicely and made no ontoward noises. Selection is positive too.
Brakes strongly in a straight line. Doesn't wander on dodgy cambers or when going over bumpy sections.
Clutch bites smoothly but right at the top. I think this may be caused by the conversion. Can this be adjusted?
Power steering has an intermittent stiff spot (but there most of the time) but on reflection it felt more like heavy/light/heavy/light rather than free/stiff/free/stiff. It's as though the power steering turns off for a fraction of a second then comes back. The steering is otherwise tight and when working is perfectly smooth. Could this just be the unit needing a flush and change of fluid? Nothing visibly seems to be wrong and the fluid level is good with no bubbles.
So, what's the verdict? Price ok? Snap his hand off or walk away?