Advice Needed on Buying a Contessa 1.8GL ?

Gooney · 4th June 2009, 09:18

Thanks Miyer. I guess buying a Contessa (or any other classic) will have to be put on hold, at least for the time being. I need a regular car for the monsoons. As of only I have my hands tied with my bullet

I shall follow this thread and let you know when I buy a Contessa.

Good luck you guys.

mail2vm · 16th July 2009, 14:48

Hi Miyer,I actually PM'ed you today for assistance since I'm interested to by a Petrol Conti. I'm a khaitan fan of conti & would like to own one.Please help.

MadBiker · 31st July 2009, 16:11

Hello everyone!

I have been looking for a well maintained HM Contessa.. Came across a internet ad that quoted 1.5L for a 1994 HM Contessa.

Spoke to the owner, The final price could be maximum reduced to around 1.25L and i hope the registration / transfer of ownership fees would be extra.

It is a 1994 CONTESSA CLASSIC 1.8 GL, with a Petrol Engine and it has been modified to look like a Mercedes E190.. Only One owner., clear titles., 4 New Tyres, Clean Interiors and it has run 80,000 Kilometers Since 1994.

Attached a couple of pics of the car..

The car is currently located in Mysore and would possibly go and check the car by another few weeks.. So, is the 1.5L worth for the car? Need your inputs / suggestions on deciding the buy.

Thanks.

sushrutha · 31st July 2009, 16:32

This car looks good (mercessa Merc+contessa)..

But definetely not worth 1.25L for a 1994 Contessa.

jkdas · 31st July 2009, 16:45

40k? Thats what sankar paid for one two years back

simply_sunny001 · 31st July 2009, 16:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkdas

40k? Thats what sankar paid for one two years back

the above thing looks to be in good condition so lets make it 50k.

And not a single penny beyond 50k no matter what.

?ushk@r · 31st July 2009, 16:50

Oh yes.. have seen the advt you are talking about.. '94 Contessa for 1.25L is way too much man! I would say not more than 60K (telling you as per the exterior condition of the car)

Any performance mods done by the owner?

siddartha · 31st July 2009, 16:54

who would pay 1.25L to be seen in this?

MadBiker · 31st July 2009, 16:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by sushrutha

This car looks good (mercessa Merc+contessa)..

But definetely not worth 1.25L for a 1994 Contessa.

Thanks! I knew 1.25L wasnt the price and hence the thread

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkdas

40k? Thats what sankar paid for one two years back

I dont think the owner would agree for that price. He mentions that it was maintained well all through the years and calls it a VIP Car

Quote:

Originally Posted by simply_sunny001

the above thing looks to be in good condition so lets make it 50k.

And not a single penny beyond 50k no matter what.

Thanks! Would speak to the owner when i check the car in person!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ?ushk@r

Oh yes.. have seen the advt you are talking about.. '94 Contessa for 1.25L is way too much man! I would say not more than 60K (telling you as per the exterior condition of the car)

Any performance mods done by the owner?

No. Only external modifications, just to make the car look like a Mercedes E190 and no performance upgrades.

As per the owner, he has spent about 70,000 Rs. for repainting / denting., 4 new tyres. And that's why he quotes around 1.25L where as every other ad on the internet quotes only around 50 - 60k.

AirWind · 31st July 2009, 16:59

Take a mechanic to inspect, max 50K if exceptional or simply walk off...

Pros - Exceptional ride quality
Cons - poor turning radius (best driver driven), low FE, spares are expensive and difficult to source (remember someone who machined a crankshaft 5 yrs back)

Be prepared to live with the car off the road longer than OTR... will suit your signature... lol, just kidding, no offence!

*VT* · 31st July 2009, 16:59

1.25 lacs for a '94 contessa??

Avoid this car, Also its moded + painted so do check out if the car ever met with any big damage.

As said above, 60k is ok for such an old contessa + include max.10-20k for modifications.

So I would suggest you try to negotiate and take the deal below 1lac.

Even my 7 years old M800's value is now just 90k and how can its owner ask 1.25lacs for it?

VT

classico · 31st July 2009, 17:17

is this car by any chance a kerala registered car.?
if so,then I know this car.
also it is always advisable to stay from modded cars.
pristine single owner contessa classics in kerala,sell for rs.50000/-

?ushk@r · 31st July 2009, 17:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadBiker

No. Only external modifications, just to make the car look like a Mercedes E190 and no performance upgrades.

As per the owner, he has spent about 70,000 Rs. for repainting / denting., 4 new tyres. And that's why he quotes around 1.25L where as every other ad on the internet quotes only around 50 - 60k.

If you really really wish to buy this car, I would suggest take a mechanic and show him the car. Take a test drive and see that all the papers are intact.

About the money he invested on the car, in 'Pic 2' I don't see that the tyres are new! And if at all he has bought it wouldn't cost more than 20K.. I don't know where did he put the rest of 50k!!!

My suggestion is to forget this one and search for other Contis, you will get a better deal!!

Edit: You on Orkut? You can join these communities, they often post it if someone has a Conti for sale.

Contessa
HM Contessa Classic

MadBiker · 31st July 2009, 18:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by siddartha

who would pay 1.25L to be seen in this?

Do you mean investing so much on a Contessa is not worth it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirWind

Take a mechanic to inspect, max 50K if exceptional or simply walk off...

Pros - Exceptional ride quality
Cons - poor turning radius (best driver driven), low FE, spares are expensive and difficult to source (remember someone who machined a crankshaft 5 yrs back)

Be prepared to live with the car off the road longer than OTR... will suit your signature... lol, just kidding, no offence!

Thanks for those inputs! Would take a mechanic along when i check out the car.

Quote:

Originally Posted by *VT*

1.25 lacs for a '94 contessa??

Avoid this car, Also its moded + painted so do check out if the car ever met with any big damage.

As said above, 60k is ok for such an old contessa + include max.10-20k for modifications.

So I would suggest you try to negotiate and take the deal below 1lac.

Even my 7 years old M800's value is now just 90k and how can its owner ask 1.25lacs for it?

VT

Yeah, I am trying to bring the price down., Below 1L., and if the Mechanic says Yes'., then i would get the car.. Else just ignore and look for a better car

Quote:

Originally Posted by classico

is this car by any chance a kerala registered car.?
if so,then I know this car.
also it is always advisable to stay from modded cars.
pristine single owner contessa classics in kerala,sell for rs.50000/-

No. The Car is registered in Mysore and Is in Mysore ever since 1994!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ?ushk@r

If you really really wish to buy this car, I would suggest take a mechanic and show him the car. Take a test drive and see that all the papers are intact.

About the money he invested on the car, in 'Pic 2' I don't see that the tyres are new! And if at all he has bought it wouldn't cost more than 20K.. I don't know where did he put the rest of 50k!!!

My suggestion is to forget this one and search for other Contis, you will get a better deal!!

Edit: You on Orkut? You can join these communities, they often post it if someone has a Conti for sale.

Contessa
HM Contessa Classic

Yes, I would do just that. For now, My mechanic's words would mean more to me

And yeah.. Thanks for the Orkut links., should really help!

*VT* · 31st July 2009, 18:13

Also, Those ORVMs looks like taken from an 800.

VT

4th June 2009, 09:18	#91
Gooney BHPian Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Guwahati Posts: 348 Thanked: 78 Times	Thanks Miyer. I guess buying a Contessa (or any other classic) will have to be put on hold, at least for the time being. I need a regular car for the monsoons. As of only I have my hands tied with my bullet I shall follow this thread and let you know when I buy a Contessa. Good luck you guys.
	() Thanks

16th July 2009, 14:48	#92
mail2vm BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 118 Thanked: 53 Times	Hi Miyer,I actually PM'ed you today for assistance since I'm interested to by a Petrol Conti. I'm a khaitan fan of conti & would like to own one.Please help.
	() Thanks

31st July 2009, 16:11	#93
MadBiker BHPian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Chennai Posts: 186 Thanked: 234 Times	How much for a used 1994 HM Contessa? Hello everyone! I have been looking for a well maintained HM Contessa.. Came across a internet ad that quoted 1.5L for a 1994 HM Contessa. Spoke to the owner, The final price could be maximum reduced to around 1.25L and i hope the registration / transfer of ownership fees would be extra. It is a 1994 CONTESSA CLASSIC 1.8 GL, with a Petrol Engine and it has been modified to look like a Mercedes E190.. Only One owner., clear titles., 4 New Tyres, Clean Interiors and it has run 80,000 Kilometers Since 1994. Attached a couple of pics of the car.. The car is currently located in Mysore and would possibly go and check the car by another few weeks.. So, is the 1.5L worth for the car? Need your inputs / suggestions on deciding the buy. Thanks. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

31st July 2009, 16:32	#94
sushrutha Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Chikmagalur/Ban Posts: 1,703 Thanked: 333 Times View My Garage	This car looks good (mercessa Merc+contessa).. But definetely not worth 1.25L for a 1994 Contessa.
	() Thanks

31st July 2009, 16:45	#95
jkdas Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Thiruvananthapu Posts: 9,687 Thanked: 1,492 Times View My Garage	40k? Thats what sankar paid for one two years back
	() Thanks

31st July 2009, 16:50	#97
?ushk@r BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat Posts: 292 Thanked: 10 Times View My Garage	Oh yes.. have seen the advt you are talking about.. '94 Contessa for 1.25L is way too much man! I would say not more than 60K (telling you as per the exterior condition of the car) Any performance mods done by the owner?
	() Thanks

31st July 2009, 16:54	#98
siddartha BHPian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: bangalore Posts: 671 Thanked: 24 Times	who would pay 1.25L to be seen in this?
	() Thanks

31st July 2009, 16:59	#100
AirWind BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 998 Thanked: 404 Times View My Garage	Take a mechanic to inspect, max 50K if exceptional or simply walk off... Pros - Exceptional ride quality Cons - poor turning radius (best driver driven), low FE, spares are expensive and difficult to source (remember someone who machined a crankshaft 5 yrs back) Be prepared to live with the car off the road longer than OTR... will suit your signature... lol, just kidding, no offence!
	() Thanks

31st July 2009, 16:59	#101
VT BANNED Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: India Posts: 118 Thanked: Once	1.25 lacs for a '94 contessa?? Avoid this car, Also its moded + painted so do check out if the car ever met with any big damage. As said above, 60k is ok for such an old contessa + include max.10-20k for modifications. So I would suggest you try to negotiate and take the deal below 1lac. Even my 7 years old M800's value is now just 90k and how can its owner ask 1.25lacs for it? VT Last edited by VT* : 31st July 2009 at 17:01.*
	() Thanks

31st July 2009, 17:17	#102
classico BANNED Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: kidangoor Posts: 56 Thanked: 0 Times	is this car by any chance a kerala registered car.? if so,then I know this car. also it is always advisable to stay from modded cars. pristine single owner contessa classics in kerala,sell for rs.50000/-
	() Thanks

31st July 2009, 18:13	#105
VT BANNED Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: India Posts: 118 Thanked: Once	Also, Those ORVMs looks like taken from an 800. VT
	() Thanks