Important! : MK1 VTR Problems?

10th July 2013, 20:18

Hi guys I am going to look at a MK1 Vtr tomorrow and i was wondering what problems I should look for?

10th July 2013, 20:26

Normal problems mate driveshaft leakages, sump, rocker cover leakage, rust (especially on chassis legs) then basic checking over.

10th July 2013, 20:38

Beam, gearbox, rust, rust and rust. Do you have a link to the ad?

10th July 2013, 21:22

Thanks guys don't know to much about saxos
http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-m...tax/1024666575
pics aren't great but worth a view as its so close.

10th July 2013, 21:41

Check the paperwork and see what the service history has been like, see when the last one was. If it needs one it'll cost you about £50. Tax us another £175 a year.

A new windscreen will cost you as it's bonded in.

Check under the boot floor, under the ECU and strut tow for rust as there common places.

Check the suspension for knocks and bangs.

When you have a test drive, put it on full lock both ways and have a listen. Noises could be PAS pump, drive shafts etc.

Check the rear end isn't sagging, beam could be knackered.

Check for oil leaking out the gearbox.

Check oil leaking out the engine head.

Green deposits on the radiator.

Fluid levels

Meat on the discs and pads

Dampness in the footwell

Plenty more, but there's a few good ones. Search the forums and write a list, check it one by one as you look at the car.

Also check that exhaust out, doesn't look like its sitting right.

10th July 2013, 21:46

Thanks I am not scared to get my hands dirty looking something over, he told me the windscreen has a chip in it so may not need a new one until it starts to get frosty.
What do you mean by green deposits?

10th July 2013, 21:59

If there's link a green deposit on around the radiator means coolant has/is leaking.

10th July 2013, 22:06

Dear Jammin,
Not exactly a large write up is it !
One of the things I would be wary of, is clutch wear ( if the clutch pedal bitting point is very near to the top of its permitted travel. This would point to a worn out clutch.

If the bitting point is near to the floor ( then this would indicate a normal/good clutch

Another thing I would look for is a leaking/not working sunroof.
Another thing would be to check that the engine starts well, when cold ( as in make sure the engine has a very good fast-idle (1, 100 rpm would be good ) slowly reducing to 900/950 rpm when warmed up. These engines are fitted with like a electronic choke sytem. If the engine has no fast-idle and a very low base idle ( ie;- less than 800 rpm ) then this may indicate that some of the engine sensors may be failing and in need of replacing.
I hope this helps Jammin, if you want to, ask away, better safe than sorry.
Vince,

10th July 2013, 22:18

Text the geezer and ask them to make sure the car doesn't get turned over before you get there.

Most stuff is cheap to fix, but lots of jobs add up.

Use this as well when your checking the documents

https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-status-vehicle

If its had past advisorys then check they got sorted.

10th July 2013, 23:11

Mickswan he had a guy over earlier but they didn't buy it.

10th July 2013, 23:40

Remember there oldish cars and a T is 1999 so 14 years old. I'd say rust is the biggest thing to worry about.

Take your time and don't be rushed when your looking around. As I said use the search facility on the forums and make a list and check things off one by one.

You said it's close by so make another list while your there of things your not sure of and take photos on your phone. Come back to this thread upload the photos and someone will let you know what they think. At least then you can make a good decision.

In the worst scenario if you did but it and it turned out to be a pig you could break it and make your money back.

It might also be worth you paying the £10, joining this site. You'll get access to the for sale section. Members are always selling cars and at least you'll know there history.

Food for thought.

10th July 2013, 23:51

Haha I know quite a bit about rust and old cars as I have an '84 mini which is quite bad
I would pay to join but I don't have any spare cash

10th July 2013, 23:53

Fair one, at least you know what your looking for.