[Sudipto-S-Team]

Friends
There is a used Gypsy available here in Kolkata for sale. I would like advice from veterans in this field on what to look for in the vehicle before deciding to buy. Things I already know are as follows -

Price - 60k (just not negotiable)
General condition - decent
Owner - An adventure loving doctor who has got old. He is the first and only owner so far.
Age - Not sure but apparently it is one of the first imports with original Japanese parts still intact
Distance - Approximately 50,000 km
Body type - soft top

Could the experts guide me on the advisability of buying this? What are the things you think I should check before buying. What does the price sound like? Exorbitant? Actually the doctor in question is in love with the vehicle and will simply not bargain.

I am a complete novice when it comes to off roading or vehicle repair etc in general. I am the kind of person who just turns the key and drives and can at best fix a punctured tyre. Nothing else. I can't fix mechanical defects in anything.
My only DIY project so far in life is my daughter, who is five years old now. Please help me.

[khan_sultan]

Sudipto, if the reason for your buying is serious or even moderate off-road activities, then my personal opinion would be to stay away from this one.

The old MG410's don't have the required power/torque to make it buddy. This one at best could make an ok enough dust pit/jungle trail off-roader though.

In your case, if you still plan on buying this, I would suggest you drive it and then get it throughly inspected by a M.A.S.S. would cost MAX 200-300 bucks and would give you a complete lowdown on the state of things.

Make sure you ask the service guys to check the 4x4.

Cheers,

[Sudipto-S-Team]

KS
Thanks for the short but solid advice. I think I would consider this vehicle, if at all, as a first tentative step towards off roading. So yes, if I do buy this vehicle or something similar, it will be for general jungle trail driving, not for serious off roading of the Raid De Himalaya or Desert Storm type.
When I first bought a car - it was an old Maruti 800. I consciously did this because I wanted to learn and make mistakes on this car that I knew I would subsequently junk. So I am looking at it from a similar perspective.

[siddartha]

things to check:tail gate hinges,window roll up mechanism,free wheeling hubs,bent diff housings both front and back,rusted floor and running board,

[nishu49]

Hi, I intend to buy an old Gypsy & then modify with following modifications:
1) MAG Wheels
2) Balloon Tyres
3) Two tone paint (Red/Black OR Red/White)
4) Seat Covers, Sporty Pedals, Gear leaver & door trims to suit the concept
5) Headlight / front shape changed6) Have front cabin only with rear stripped or shortened.

Please indicate what should be the budget for the same & if you anyone have executed similar job then please mail the snaps with suggestions.

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[Parm]

i m amazed how people talk about "balloon tyres"!

so dude you want a gypsy with lots of bling bling only!

[Sudipto-S-Team]

Hot air balloons? Or just cold air balloons?

[vis-racing]

does it take a lot work around to install a 1.3L esteem engine. So you get the desired power/torque even from a MG410. Because 8 valve esteem engines are easily available here.

[Parm]

i think nitrogen filled "balloons" are better.

[alpha1]

what on earth are these balloon tyres?

[DirtyDan]

Originally Posted by alpha1

what on earth are these balloon tyres?

It is an old term for oversized tyres. He means off road tyres, I hope.


Otherwise....

[Sudipto-S-Team]

It's like a ball that's played around noon? Does that sound credible?

[iraghava]

Hahahaha!! DD you're at it again!

[Sudipto-S-Team]

Love DD's sense of humour.

[Parm]

here are "balloon" tyres!