Pre Purchase check list?
Discussion
I am about to put a deposit on a 09 Vantage SportShift Couple. It is at a dealer with 5K miles, and they just completed the 1 year service. Any special things I should be looking at?
Check doors lock and unlock
Operation of sat\nav (for what it is worth)
Radio and bluetooth operation\IpoD
Transmission operation\clutch
dings, dents, repairs, paint work
Check doors lock and unlock
Operation of sat\nav (for what it is worth)
Radio and bluetooth operation\IpoD
Transmission operation\clutch
dings, dents, repairs, paint work
millsjq said:
I am about to put a deposit on a 09 Vantage SportShift Couple. It is at a dealer with 5K miles, and they just completed the 1 year service. Any special things I should be looking at?
Check doors lock and unlock
Yeah tricky one that - if they dont unlock you are going to find it hard to start the car. ohhh, best check the car has 4 wheels too before you drive off as it could be messy if there is one missing! Other than that cant think of much else - I think you have all the basics covered there.Check doors lock and unlock
:P
I would try to check the operation of every single button and control, including seat controls etc. Also, turn on the lights and check they're all OK. My previous car failed that test (although it was a Porsche!) 
.
But you've already mentioned the most important one - dings/dents/scratches. Go over it with a fine toothed comb both outside and inside, and don't forget the wheels of course.
And make sure all documentation/manuals/keys are present and correct.
I'm in the market for something similar myself, so would be interested to hear what sort of a "deal" you got!
.But you've already mentioned the most important one - dings/dents/scratches. Go over it with a fine toothed comb both outside and inside, and don't forget the wheels of course.
And make sure all documentation/manuals/keys are present and correct.
I'm in the market for something similar myself, so would be interested to hear what sort of a "deal" you got!
IMO, the mechanical and electrical checks are unnecessary as any short term or immediate failure would be covered under warranty.
The main checks should be with panel gaps, paint, dents, alloys. If the car has 'armourfend' type protection and some of this is discoloured or damaged in any way then try and have this replaced too.
Check the door sills are scuff free, they're about £300 to replace.
Enjoy!
The main checks should be with panel gaps, paint, dents, alloys. If the car has 'armourfend' type protection and some of this is discoloured or damaged in any way then try and have this replaced too.
Check the door sills are scuff free, they're about £300 to replace.
Enjoy!
May sound obvious, but take it for a drive - is the tracking OK - does it track straight / brake in a straight line. Tracking setup makes a big difference.
Closely examine wheels for signs of kerbing - even small amounts.
Have a close look at paintwork - any swirls in it, where its been washed with a sponge.
Has it got the premium Audio or just the standard?
Sat Nav - well you can check it switches on and gets a Satellite signal, but it will be the one and only time you will use it
Closely examine wheels for signs of kerbing - even small amounts.
Have a close look at paintwork - any swirls in it, where its been washed with a sponge.
Has it got the premium Audio or just the standard?
Sat Nav - well you can check it switches on and gets a Satellite signal, but it will be the one and only time you will use it
I would check for rattles and squeaks. Front dash air vents and sat nav unit i found to be the biggest culprit. As for squeaks I found the rear parking brake pads caused endless squeaking, only audible at low speed, esp driving in a car park. Stone chips around the rear arches common if not fitted with stone guard.
Update, I check the care for about 1 1/2 hours yesterday. I found only one stone ship under the headlight. I checked the operation radio, satnav, checked to makes sure each spearker works, mirror, seats, lumbar support (forgot to check memory) and pretty much ever button.
I then drove the car on both smooth and rough roads, it tracked well, did not pull when applying the brakes hard with hands off the wheel, no brake judder in the steering wheel (warped rotors). There was slight curb rash (they told me prior) and they are having the wheel refinished.
The only disappointment was that the car need to have the paint corrected (polished) as it had a fair amount os swirls in the sunlight. I quess that is better than the dealer having someone bugger up the paint and over correct it. Anyway, I bought the car and it should be shipped this Friday. The car is in California and I live on the East Coast.
All night I have been alternating between excitement and buyers remorse. I hope that I do not regret moving from my current (5th Porsche) 06 997 and wonder if I am walking into future maintenance issues. Then I wonder if I should gone all the way and bought one of three "left over" 2010 Vantage that were significantly discounted but would have still cost me $ 18,000 more for a one year newer, 4K less miles.
I then drove the car on both smooth and rough roads, it tracked well, did not pull when applying the brakes hard with hands off the wheel, no brake judder in the steering wheel (warped rotors). There was slight curb rash (they told me prior) and they are having the wheel refinished.
The only disappointment was that the car need to have the paint corrected (polished) as it had a fair amount os swirls in the sunlight. I quess that is better than the dealer having someone bugger up the paint and over correct it. Anyway, I bought the car and it should be shipped this Friday. The car is in California and I live on the East Coast.
All night I have been alternating between excitement and buyers remorse. I hope that I do not regret moving from my current (5th Porsche) 06 997 and wonder if I am walking into future maintenance issues. Then I wonder if I should gone all the way and bought one of three "left over" 2010 Vantage that were significantly discounted but would have still cost me $ 18,000 more for a one year newer, 4K less miles.
The details; 09 SportsShift coupe, Jet Black/Sandstorm with 4,500 miles.
I think the car has every option less the Piano Black Facia. Sports Pack, premium stereo, heat and memory seats, sat radio, satnav, bluetooth, high end alarm, HID headlight, garage door opener\dimming mirrors, powerfold mirrors, cruise, front parking sensors, umbrella, first aid and smokers kit?? The car is in California and is going to be shiped to the East Coast. I will post pictures when it arrives
I think the car has every option less the Piano Black Facia. Sports Pack, premium stereo, heat and memory seats, sat radio, satnav, bluetooth, high end alarm, HID headlight, garage door opener\dimming mirrors, powerfold mirrors, cruise, front parking sensors, umbrella, first aid and smokers kit?? The car is in California and is going to be shiped to the East Coast. I will post pictures when it arrives
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