Second hand car purchase problem

rhino_horn

BeenThroughItAll wrote: »

Three Jan 2016 registered posters, one after the other, in one thread.


Who'd have thought it.

Long time lurker...first time poster

Richard53

BeenThroughItAll wrote: »

If it's genuinely not rusty, then it's probably slightly underpriced; a rot-free 2000 model will be pretty sought after in some quarters, as it'd make an excellent track car, race car, or indeed just a very nice, back-to-basics Sunday toy - which could well mean the seller was well aware of a problem.


If the diff or gearbox are knackered, they're easy and not expensive to swap. I bought a 6 speed box and LSD as part of a conversion on a 1.8 Mk1 one my wife owned for less than £300.

I was going to say the same. 2000 makes it a Mk 2, which are much more prone to rust than the Mk 1 or 3. An example without rust (and you'd need a careful inspection to determine that as the critical chassis rails aren't immediately visible) would be worth a lot more than a grand. They are nice little cars and a solid one, even with a duff gearbox, would be in demand from quite a large enthusiast community.


I was considering replacing the LSD on mine with a normal diff for cheapness (turns out the noise was a wheel bearing, so left it alone) and I was told that even a noisy Torsen diff would get me about £250 if I sold it. So you did well there.


I've spent a total of about two grand plus a bit on mine, including purchase price, repair of all chassis rust and a full cavity wax, back-to-zero service and a stainless exhaust, and I think it is great value. I would suggest that the OP gets it fixed by an independent specialist and just enjoys the car.

BeenThroughItAll

Richard53 wrote: »

I was going to say the same. 2000 makes it a Mk 2, which are much more prone to rust than the Mk 1 or 3. An example without rust (and you'd need a careful inspection to determine that as the critical chassis rails aren't immediately visible) would be worth a lot more than a grand. They are nice little cars and a solid one, even with a duff gearbox, would be in demand from quite a large enthusiast community.


I was considering replacing the LSD on mine with a normal diff for cheapness (turns out the noise was a wheel bearing, so left it alone) and I was told that even a noisy Torsen diff would get me about £250 if I sold it. So you did well there.


I've spent a total of about two grand plus a bit on mine, including purchase price, repair of all chassis rust and a full cavity wax, back-to-zero service and a stainless exhaust, and I think it is great value. I would suggest that the OP gets it fixed by an independent specialist and just enjoys the car.

Very much this.


And you're right, I did very well... the benefit of a local salvage yard who don't do 'internet' and therefore have no real idea how much popular parts are worth. Comes in handy

arcon5

Right, must note then, in future if selling a spares and repairs car I must write an essay on the invoice. Rather than just simple text confirming the status of the vehicle ie "sold with unknown faults. recommended to be trailered".

Their invoice looks legit to me, what's not clear though is whether it contradicts the ad or not enough.

Although we're clearly not going to agree.

Awaits to see a copy of the ad.. dum dum dum...