help needed on buying a car!

Hamilton68

Hi there I’m just about to buy a Fiat Grande Punto, 2006 1.2 model and it’s got its MOT until next year but some advisories as follows:

exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases

front sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened

nearside front outer track rod end ball joint has slight play

Could some kind person inform me if I should worry about any of these things - and are they expensive to fix? fingers crossed!

Many thanks.
Alison.

angrycrow

1, exhaust, depends on where the leak is. Highly likely it is either the front flexi joint which would eventually need a new centre pipe or the back box is leaking. At a independent garage expect around £100 for former and £150 for latter when it eventually fails.

2, subframe, most likely surface corrosion. My approach would be to wire brush it, apply krust and then brush on a direct to rust paint. Or you could just leave it as it could last years like that.

3, track rod end, part is likely to be around £10. Could be really easy if the lock bolt undoes easily or it could be seized and an utter pig of a job. £50 to £75 at garage.

All items are expected at that age. I would use them as negotiating points on the price in a private sale and then fix them myself for the cost of the parts. Do you have a family member who is handy with tools and will work for beer money.

Hamilton68

thanks so much angry crow your help is much appreciated, it is a garage sale so I will use those points to negotiate the price down!