Buying a used saxo

1. Tim_1 Frequent Poster Joined: Apr 2007 Porthleven/Cornwall Posts: 601 corsa 1.2 Saxo VTR

   #1 30th April 2007, 17:56

   Not sure if this is the right forum, maybe the general would have been better.
   
   However, i am looking a buying either a VTR or VTS in the next few weeks after my corsa gear box started to sound like a babies rartle.
   
   Juts wanted to know if anyones got any advise with common faults with the VT's and want to look out for when buying a used car, looking at the Mk1 as i prefer the look of them but the average milage is 80K to 120k.
   
   Any advise would eb appriciated
   
   Thanks Tim
2. Ryanp Super Moderator Joined: Feb 2004 Tonbridge United Kingdom (England) Posts: 38236 Vtr, 172, throttle bodied track slut

   #2 30th April 2007, 17:59

   try and get a std one, its quie easy to tell if its been abused imo.
   
   check for smoke on start up etc. check the box shifts nice and easily.
3. VTS_16v_Boy Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2006 Dartford Kent Posts: 5251 Pug 1007 HDi Sport (daily) / Abarth 500

   #3 1st May 2007, 08:40

   Good advice ^^^
   
   Early Phase1's in non-mod'd condition are becoming harder to find these days. But keep looking around and Im sure you should find a diamond in the rough.
   
   Look out for worn front tyres, suspension knocking from the front and smoky engines.
   
   Most saxos wear their history on their sleve, if they look scuffy and have kerbed alloys they have probally been not looked after. Worn interior should back up the mileage.
   
   Wouldnt really go for anything over 100k unless its got a huge book of recepts for servicing
4. VTS123 Regular Poster Joined: Mar 2007 Poole, Dorset Posts: 447 Mk1 VTS

   #4 1st May 2007, 13:10

   Look for any signs of head gasket failure: oil leak at front timing end corner, brown sludge in coolant or mega pressure release on opening radiator cap.
5. VTS_16v_Boy Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2006 Dartford Kent Posts: 5251 Pug 1007 HDi Sport (daily) / Abarth 500

   #5 1st May 2007, 13:24

   Worth checking like mentioned for HG signs.
   
   Let the car tickover and warm up, take for a run and allow the temp to rise to half way then when you return keep the engine running while you look under the bonnet listening for any odd noises or any leaks etc and see if the temp gauge goes up.
   
   It shouldnt go past 3/4 as soon as its over half way the fan should kick in.
6. Ryanp Super Moderator Joined: Feb 2004 Tonbridge United Kingdom (England) Posts: 38236 Vtr, 172, throttle bodied track slut

   #6 1st May 2007, 15:31

   high milage doesnt kill engines though remeber! a new car with a 100k engine on motorway miles would be in alot better and stronger condition than a 50K series 1 which has been owned by a lady only used for 5min journeys etc..