Visually confirming the engine size from an advert?

[Steve Evil]

Hi folks,

I'm in the process of trying to find a nice Mk2.5 for my girlfriend and this one is local to us:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1358332.htm

I've just called the chap to arrange a viewing and he has told me that it is a 1.6. I've done one of the very basic free HPI checks on it and it has come back as an S-VT sport as advertised, so I think he's just a little unsure as to what the engine size is.

Is there any way of confirming via the pictures that it is a 1.8, it's obviously wearing all the S-VT goodies like the alloys.

Any help would be most appreciated.

Edited by Steve Evil on Tuesday 19th January 11:40

[rfn]

He's told you it's a 1.6.

They didn't make the 1.6 with a 6 speed gearbox, so it is almost definitely a genuine 1.8 S-VT Sport. He also says in the ad it has 146bhp - that's about right for the 1.8 (143 IIRC).

[snotrag]

For the Mk1 -

1.6 VIN number starts a NA6C
1.8 VIN starts NA8C

Not entirely sure if that carried through to the later cars.

[NeoVR]

snotrag said:

For the Mk1 -

1.6 VIN number starts a NA6C
1.8 VIN starts NA8C

Not entirely sure if that carried through to the later cars.

random facts for the MK1:
On the 1.6 the intake hose goes under the coolant hose around the front of the engine (as opposed to over the coolant hose on the 1.8), and the lettering on the cam cover is stamped inwards on the 1.6 and outwards on the 1.8.

[dylan0451]

quickest check for an NA would be which camshaft the CAS is on ?!

phone up mazda parts and ask for a spark plug or something, say you can't remember the engine size then give them the reg. and they should tell you?!

[Phil @ P5]

Yes, it's a 1800VVT. See the intake side of the cam cover, there's a lump on the top; that's the VVT. Also, the M2 1800s have a split intake manifold, the 1600s are one unit.

HTH
Phil

Edited by Phil @ P5 on Tuesday 19th January 19:14

[DavesBRG5]

Looks the same as my 1.8 Sport to my eyes & well worth a look.

[RDB]

VEHICLE ENQUIRY Services Provided By DVLA:

The enquiry is complete
The vehicle details for KH52 ZTL are:

Date of Liability 01 06 2010
Date of First Registration 31 01 2003
Year of Manufacture 2003
Cylinder Capacity (cc) 1840CC
CO2 Emissions 215g/Km
Fuel Type Petrol
Export Marker Not Applicable
Vehicle Status Licence Not Due
Vehicle Colour SILVER
Vehicle Type Approval M1

Taken from here: http://www.taxdisc.direct.gov.uk/EvlPortalApp/

[Steve Evil]

Thanks guys, as I suspected then, he has just got a bit confused. We're off to see it this afternoon, so will let you know the outcome.

[Steve Evil]

Went to see it and he had mixed it up on the phone with another 1.6 he had for sale, so it was definitely a 1.8.

Did a HPI though and it has flagged up as having outstanding finance. He has admitted that he bought it from an auction and there is paperwork there where the finance company has repossessed the car and then sold it through the auction house. Looks like the finance company is in difficulty though as their site states they aren't taking on any new customers. I am going to try to get through to their head office tomorrow and see if they can A) clear the flag from the HPI report and B) send through a letter to confirm that the outstanding finance has been settled.

Otherwise, although it is a nice example, it just seems like we could be due a lot of hassle if and when we come to sell it.

[Gizmo!]

Another thing on Mk1s is that the 'mazda' on the cam covers is raised on the 1.8, sunken on the 1.6...