What to look for when buying privately
Discussion
Main questions are:-
history eg owners, accidents, bills, recalls, useage, warm up process, number of track days, age of discs, exhaust, tyres, clutch etc.. Any major engine work.
What bits dont work.
If it is an early 4.2 - then does it had quiet cams, recalled uprights, new rubber door seals....
Try everything to ensure it works.
Look for leaks in boot and in footwells. Carpet always feels strange once it has been leaked on.
Dont worry if the engine sounds crap when it is cold, that is normal.
Check chassis for welding and OTT rot.
Ensure the seller drives it from cold and see how long it is before he goes over 3K revs - if it is within 5 miles or so (or about 10 mins or more) then be very careful.
Ensure all servicing is carried out to schedule.
ensure all carried out by recongnised people eg Joolz, dealers, APM etc..
Do loads of searches on the archives of this site.
Ask on here if anyone knows the car(s).
I would pay a little more than autotrader prices and get one from someone on here who is known. Reduces the risk slightly. Personally I Wouldnt pay dealer prices.
If you can get it inspected by the likes of andy at APM (nr Liphook in surrey) then do it.
For 20K you should be able to get a 4.2 or 4.5 on an R no probs.
history eg owners, accidents, bills, recalls, useage, warm up process, number of track days, age of discs, exhaust, tyres, clutch etc.. Any major engine work.
What bits dont work.
If it is an early 4.2 - then does it had quiet cams, recalled uprights, new rubber door seals....
Try everything to ensure it works.
Look for leaks in boot and in footwells. Carpet always feels strange once it has been leaked on.
Dont worry if the engine sounds crap when it is cold, that is normal.
Check chassis for welding and OTT rot.
Ensure the seller drives it from cold and see how long it is before he goes over 3K revs - if it is within 5 miles or so (or about 10 mins or more) then be very careful.
Ensure all servicing is carried out to schedule.
ensure all carried out by recongnised people eg Joolz, dealers, APM etc..
Do loads of searches on the archives of this site.
Ask on here if anyone knows the car(s).
I would pay a little more than autotrader prices and get one from someone on here who is known. Reduces the risk slightly. Personally I Wouldnt pay dealer prices.
If you can get it inspected by the likes of andy at APM (nr Liphook in surrey) then do it.
For 20K you should be able to get a 4.2 or 4.5 on an R no probs.
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