1968 4L vs 1988 TL Savane

[quatrelle87]

My search for a 4L continues - it's taken me from a 1988 TL, to a 1987 F4, to a 1968 4L and on to a 1988 TL Savane. At the moment, I'm trying to weigh up the pros and cons for the '68 4L and the '88 Savane.
The car will be used maybe twice a week, perhaps more, for mainly local journeys - with the occasional longer drive to car shows, weekends away, etc. It'll have the occasional 80km round trip to the DIY store, as well as having to nip around the bendy roads here in the Limousin.
The '68 4L, 6v, is a lovely car and in very good condition - solid chassis, floor and panels, although some of the paintwork is suspect where scratches have been resprayed badly.
The '88 Savane is also in very good condition - solid and very well cared for, although some rust repairs have been carried out and you never really know what is hiding beneath. However, there were no advisories on the last CT.
For what I'd use it for, the Savane makes more sense - it has a tow hook, a more powerful engine, and would probably be easier to maintain (not necessarily?). But the '68 4L is such a laugh to drive, with the gear changes like those of a 2CV, etc.
Sorry to ramble on. I want to try and make a decision this coming week so I can begin my relationship with the great R4. Any thoughts or advice would be very welcome!
:?

 

[Tripyrenees]

It is a difficult one. I love the older cars and would have gone for a 60's model at the drop of a hat. But if you want it to drive and work for you the the 80's model maybe the more logical buy. I am surprised at the power and handling of my 83 TL which I have just got on the road. But I am comparing that to my 57 AZU van and that is so fun to drive.

If it were me I would go for the 68. Have some fun and see if it works for you. If not the sell it and go for a newer versio, not losing anything along the way.

 

[quatrelle87]

Thanks for your thoughts, <<Tripyreness>>. It's a tough one - my heart says the '68, my head says the '88. Slightly worried the '88 rust prevention and/or rust repairs might be hiding something sinister - see pic of inside one of the rear doors - one of the obvious rust areas. From what I can see from poking around under the car, all looks fine. The owner says it's rust prevention/blaxonner.

 

[quatrelle87]

Going to look at the '88 R4 Savane again tomorrow, hopefully. Want to make a decision this week. Any comments on the rust repair in the photo I've posted gratefully received. Thanks. Still waiting to hear if the '68 R4 is still for sale or not.

 

[Tripyrenees]

How new is that paintwork. If it is rusty then it should be coming through. Maybe it is ok... Put the guy on the spot and use it as a bargaining tool knowing that you are not 100% keen due to the 68.

If the price drops then go for the 88 as it looks a nice little car. How much is he asking if its not too rude.

 

[quatrelle87]

He's asking 1500 euros for it, having dropped from 1800 recently. He'll be getting the CT done once he's got a buyer, so it'll be a full 2yrs.
Seeing the car this afternoon, so will ask him about how new the paintwork is on those repairs. Cheers. Fingers crossed!

 

[petak]

I would definitely look under car.
If chassis cross-members are rust free then everything else is easy and relatively cheep to fix

 

[Tripyrenees]

€1500 with a CT is good and it does look a nice car.

But a little "um" & "erring" can always bring that price a little lower

As you say, you always have the other one to fall back on and you should tell him that.

 

[quatrelle87]

I tried some 'um-ing' and some 'err-ing', but didn't do very well. :?
So I agreed on €1500. He's going to arrange a CT as soon as poss, so I hope to be picking it up before too long! Really pleased.
Will need to carry out a few small jobs - such as replacing the rubber on both rear doors. I've been reading various posts on the forum about door rubbers, and there were some useful links given. So hopefully I'll buy the right stuff!
The rust repairs I was worried about were carried out a year and a half ago, and still look very solid. So fingers crossed.

 

[Tripyrenees]

That looks to be a good deal for sure. It is always nice to be able to drive your car home after buying it.

The last 3 I have bought have been trailered back

Get some more photos so we can all see it up close.

 

[quatrelle87]

Photos to follow shortly ...

 

[quatrelle87]

Here she is - picked her up this afternoon. A few little things to sort out, but nothing serious. The 40 minute drive home was great - a smile on my face the whole way.

 

[Tripyrenees]

That looks a very nice car. And it is always a bonus when you can drive it home

I like the extra bumper rubbers... or is that normal ??

 

[quatrelle87]

The chap I bought it from put the extra bumper rubbers on.
I need to find a new rear view mirror and some rubber door seals - the rear view mirror dropped off on my drive home!

 

[Tripyrenees]

lol - our mirror did the same (well the wife pulled it off when rearranging the driving position.)

The glue you need is Loctite 317. It is expensive but also works on the window latches (mine glue on). Comes with an activator so it is pretty tough.

I still need to figure out the glue for the door seals.

 

[quatrelle87]

Thanks for the glue info... probably a better idea than the 'no nails' stuff my partner suggested!

 

[montenegro]

I think I would scrape some of the new paint off and take a look beneath, if it has been properly rust treated [phosphoric acid or similar ] then undersealed + top coat then it should be ok but it could be the rust bug coming thru again ?? but price is reasonable IF the usual rust points are sound. bon chance !