Viewing a car for DD today -hints tips please!

Amanda65

Hi all

Having taken the advice about auctions etc (and bottling it!!) we are going to view a car at a small dealers later today.

It is a Renault Clio 1.2 Grande S Reg (1998) 3-door with one prevous owner and FSH from Renault.

OH knows a bit about cars but I wondered if there were any pitfalls with the Clio we need to look out for. Also I know that there is a check I can have done (HPI? / DVLA?) to make sure that the car isn't subject to ourstanding HP or been in a crash but don't know how to do this, how much it costs or if it's worth it

Any advice from you lovely people would be gratefully received

Quentin

Depending on the dealer, they may have an HPI check to show you. If not getting your own is only £20, and well worth it. It shows if the car is back on the road after being written off, and has been inspected to see it's roadworthy again, as well as there being no finance left owing, it's been stolen, speedo reading etc. You can do it online or over the phone.

http://www.hpicheck.com/newfrontend/

BenL

The main scare with Clios is the bonnet flying up incidents due to a faulty bonnet catch.

This has been on BBC Watchdog for years.

Have a google for that, there have been many accidents on motorways due to it opening at 70mph.

Lakeuk

Check the log for when the cambelt was changed, if the clio service intervil is the same as my old megane then it should be every 5 yrs or every 70k which ever is sooner, so I'd expect this clio to have had at least 2 in it's life so far. Cambelt changes on renaults are expensive due to labour involved.

Check for rust,
check no free movement in wheels (sign of bearings on way out)
check no clicking when turning wheel lock to lock (vc joints or power steering pump)

kitchpoo

Check the sunroof for fit, rattles and leaks and airbag light going off.

ArsenalFC

Rac vehicle check for £5 - http://www.rac.co.uk/web/vehicle-checks/car-data-check/

Also what is the price so we can check to see if its an ok deal.

punkstoner

who's DD ?

Shoshannah

BenL wrote: »

The main scare with Clios is the bonnet flying up incidents due to a faulty bonnet catch.

This has been on BBC Watchdog for years.

Have a google for that, there have been many accidents on motorways due to it opening at 70mph.

Ah yes, the one which is the fault of the owner for not pushing the bonnet down properly! :rotfl: While I agree Renault's attitude to the problem is shocking, it's surprising how many people don't check their bonnet is down properly. Often see people zooming down motorway with bonnet not completely shut, makes me cringe! Just like people who never bother to make sure their wheel trims are secure on a regular basis, I get frightened driving behind them. :rolleyes:

I have three close friends with Clios and they all seem to be good little cars. I'm sure the bonnet would be OK if you really make sure it is properly secured each time; my friends have not had theirs fly open yet (having said that, my friends never open their bonnets, they are clueless). :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Amanda65

ArsenalFC wrote: »

Rac vehicle check for £5 - http://www.rac.co.uk/web/vehicle-checks/car-data-check/

Also what is the price so we can check to see if its an ok deal.

Did the RAC chek before we went and all clear. Delighted to say that we have put a deposit down and are paying £1695 to include a new MOT, service and 6 months tax. Car has a few minor scuffs here and there but OH took it for a spin and confirmed no rattling, engine looks good and 5 good tyres.

punkstoner wrote: »

who's DD ?

DD is darling daughter, who has spent her hard saved cash on this, as she is delighted :T Thanks everyone for your advice.

ArsenalFC

Well done, hope the car will last for a long time. Cost a little more than u can buy from private but ok.

Amanda65

ArsenalFC wrote: »

Cost a little more than u can buy from private but ok.

Thanks - having been looking for ages as she specically wanted a black 3-door Clio and round here (Surrey) they seem to really hold their prices, or 100k plus mileage :eek: Fingers crossed we've got a good one