What to look for when buying a saxo

  1. Newbie Joined: Nov 2013 Manchester Posts: 25 MK1 Saxo VTR import
    #1
    Basically, I bought a saxo about 5 months ago and i didnt really know what i was looking for and was fooled by the low milage. Ended up being a shed, and im moving it on instead of spending the amount of money its gona cost to fix it all! I do want another saxo, and have seen one I like its a 2002 VTR done 67k miles. My question is, What should I be looking for with these cars? weak spots or general areas that tend to go wrong. I dont wanna end up with another shed. Any advise would be great.
  2. Established Member Joined: Jul 2012 Posts: 1050 Volkswagen Bora 170bhp
    #2
    - Rust in boot / arches etc.
    - Check to see if the back axel is okay
    - History
    - Power steering pump
    - Everything is working
  3. Infrequent Poster Joined: Mar 2013 Stourbridge/Dudley Posts: 135 Saxo 1.1i 2002
    #3
    Read this: http://www.saxperience.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=439744
  4. Regular Poster Joined: Feb 2010 West Midlands Posts: 440 Saxo VTR
    #4
    Corrosion check:
    Lift the boot carpet up, check for dampness. If its damp the rear arches are rotting
    Check for any bodged welding in the arches
    Check the back axle for corrosion, creaks etc
    Check under the carpet in front footwells for same dampeness / rotting
    Check the exhaust system front to back, if had an exhaust fall off before. Rotted.

    Wheels:
    Rock all 4 wheels, if theres any play, the bearings have gone
    Check tyre tread depth or uneven wear, if uneven, tracking may be out

    Electrics:
    Dont believe any bullshit if there are any dashboard lights on (engine mgmt etc)
    Check all lights and electrics work, including heater and power steering, central locking

    Test drive:
    Drive on a flat road with the steering wheel straight, does it pull to one side?
    Are there any whirring noises, knocking, tapping, juddering?
    Does it change gear smoothly?

    Engine bay:
    Take the oil cap off, check if theres any 'mayonnaise' on the bottom of it (sign of headgasket problems)
    Check the block, is there any signs of moisture or leak between the top and the bottom end?
    Is the cambelt in good condition? Is it cracked worn?
    Dipstick: if the oils burnt black it needs an oil change, oil should be... Clean oil colour

    Check all rubber bushes and seals underneath the car, drop links, drive shaft seals, ball joints, there shouldnt be any play in any of these parts. Non of these parts are expensive to replace but its the labour in a garage that will cost you

    Brakes should work with confidence

    Clutch?
    Leave the handbrake on, put it into first, slowly raise the clutch to the biting point, if the car dips, then the clutch is fine. If it doesnt and it stalls, then its not.


    Documents:
    Does the mileage increase between MoT's? If not its been clocked back and you have a fake mileage
    Service history- has it got any? If its had a DIY service have they got receipts?
    Is there any stamped history etc. if its DIY then have they changed everythhing, spark plugs oil filter air filter oil, coolant all your fluids blahblah.
    what advisories are on the mot, if they "have been done" is there any proof? Receipts

    V5 document: does the VIN number on the document match the VIN number on the chassis? ( lift the bonnet up, its stamped at the back between where the two bonnet hinges are youll see it, be subtle about checkin this though cos you might cause offence)
    Number of owners? Make your own judgment on this. People tend to avoid high number of owners on the basis that people have passed it on to the next person for a reason
    If its failed an mot at one garage then suddenly passed at another, then you know why.
    HPI check it as always
    Check how long the tax has left, check the reg on tax disc matches the car reg

    If theres any seat covers take them off
    Check the locks are all ok
    Check the windscreen for chips or cracks or scratches
    Check the sunroof seal for any leaks



    Im sure theres loads more to check. But remember 02 plate is 12 years old and it wont be brand new condition. If the price isnt fair for the condition and you want to buy it but without the faults youve found, if theyre reasonable problems just get a price for what it will cost to fix and take it off the asking price and try and come to a deal.
    Get good legit insurance cover then look after it. Happy motoring.
  5. Regular Poster Joined: Feb 2010 West Midlands Posts: 440 Saxo VTR
    #5
    Check if the seatbelts work, look under both front seats, possibly under the carpet to make sure that the two orange connectors are connected and then make sure theres no lights on the dash board.

    Sit in both seats and have a rock around.. If theyre loose, check the rails bolts subframes of the seats to see if theres any reason why, you dont want a loose sest if you have a bump.
  6. Infrequent Poster Joined: Dec 2013 Posts: 242
    #6
    thanks jacker00 that is a fucking epic post on checks.
  7. Frequent Poster Joined: Oct 2013 Bridgend, South Wales Posts: 948 Mk1 VTS, FF BG 182
    #7
    Triple check the axle, then check it once more. I got fucked over with mine lol
  8. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Jan 2010 Stourbridge Posts: 7338 Nissan 200sx S14a
    #8
    Check to see if it's a Citroen Saxo.

    If this turns out to be the case - walk away.
  9. Frequent Poster Joined: Oct 2013 Bridgend, South Wales Posts: 948 Mk1 VTS, FF BG 182
    #9
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by holdawayt View Post
    Check to see if it's a Citroen Saxo.

    If this turns out to be the case - walk away.
    I shouldn't have laughed at that..
  10. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 31279 Citroen Saxo VTS, S60 D5
    #10
    There's a sticky in Gen chat iirc.
  11. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.
    #11
    Check for camber on the rear wheels,any signs of ripspeed being fitted then walk away.