Am I going to be skint for the rest of my days?

[shnozz]

Hi all - I am a potential S2/S3 buyer. I love the lines of the car and have been most tempted by a model sat in Adrian Blyth''s. I want to get some idea of the true cost of owning one of these beasts. Insurance is reasonable, and I see that 25 mpg is possible if my right foot can stay a little lighter. Having looked through the service manual of the S3 at Adrian''s, it seemed as though every month the previous owner was paying out a good £200 - £300 and at some points £800 - £900! This frightened me from both a financial and a reliability point of view! It would be my only car and kept on the driveway. Mileage would only be about 8k a year though. I was wondering if anyone can give me some idea as to the overall cost of ownership, how often they need servicing, the cost of a service, parts etc, how often they go wrong. Having driven one, it has given me such a smile that is still sat on my face, but mortgage committments etc etc mean that I would not be able to pay massive amounts on a regular basis to keep it up and running. Finally, would should i look out for when buying one? (not that my mind has already seen green or anything!!!!) Many thanks everyone

[danwarner]

If you get a good one it shouldn't cost you much more than a normal car. OK, so there's stuff like hood protector, and I always use Auto Glym polish and stuff, which is quite expensive, but apart from that, it's like running something like a Granada. If something falls off, 9 times out of ten you can go down the Ford Garage. If not a Ford garage, it's probably from some other everyday type car. The only 'out of normal service' stuff I've replaced on mine is: the front discs and a throttle sensor. I had a full service for £270 last year, and a minor one since (inc MoT) for £138. Both were at David Batty's 'The Garage'. He does the work on Adrian Blyth's cars. Mine returns, on average - 28.5mpg, although, I have had over 33mpg out of it on a run. I have a heavy right foot too. Things to look out for: Check the bonnet doesn't touch the ground when it's lifted (if you get the bonnet with spot lights below the bumper). It could mean the front springs are getting saggy. It also marks the paint alon the front of the air dam. Make sure the chassis is in good order. If the seat belt roll is stained, it's a sign that the roof seal leaks. Check for excessive movement from the steering column, because sometimes the bearing goes. The exhaust receives a few scrapes sometimes, so I'd check that too. I can't think of anything else at the moment. Dan. PS

[PetrolTed]

Check out http://www.pistonheads.com/fleet for true running costs.

[danwarner]

I meant to say: PS

[danwarner]

My S3c may be for sale shortly if you're interested? Dan

[johno]

The thing to do is buy Steve Heath's book on the 'S' Series if you are a serious buyer as this lists all the potential pitfalls that I fell into. Well I didn't fall into all of them and I've sorted the oned I did. But it would have saved me some time and money. A worth while investment. I bought mine from Adrian Blythe and would recommend him. I know several owners he has put incars and his name comes up regularly with complimentary feedback.

[Dave_H]

Johnos right, the Steve Heath book is a must (although I have to admit buying it after the car!!) As most of the cars are 10 years plus old, my first concern was the condition/rust with the chassis, as if this needs replacement, has got to be the most expensive job. I think once you've got a good one, the biggest future problem (as with most classic cars) is neglect. You just have to keep on top and ahead of any possible problems. But as said before, to put bluntly the running gear is Ford Granada 2.9 V6, and if all those cabbys are still going, then it can't be to difficult for us I've got late 20's mpg as well. I took over a year to take the plunge to buy one and I cant believe I waited that long, they are great cars. Having said that do take your time, it's worth looking at a few before parting with your money. All the best, Dave.

[shnozz]

thanks all - steve heath book now at home and half way through - great tip. once finances allow will be looking around - will probably stick my name back up on here to see if one available at that time cheers all - and hope to see you at a run one day

[L112JOM]

Shnozz I bought a S3 from Adrian Blyth Dec 99 Best thing I ever did (except trade in after a year for a Griff) I drove it 11,000 miles over that year - few problems at the beginning most notably the throttle position sensor. I parked it on the drive and drove in all conditions as my only car. Got it looked after (and the Griff) by David Batty in Compton. Servicing very reasonable priced - I remember about 2 - 300 quid every 5 - 6000 miles I've become much more tolerant of tivs over two years of ownership. I think as long as you've got patience and either mechanical nonce (or know someone who has - ie David B) then its for you. You won't regret it - until you want more power!! (the bug will bite - I guarantee) Paul Edited by L112JOM on Friday 14th September 19:30 Edited by L112JOM on Friday 14th September 19:31