buying an integrale

[rejn]

I'm about to buy an integrale and wanted to pick some brains!

But where do all the integrale experts hang out? There doesn't seem to be much activity on here, and I can't see any obvious other forums - is there anywhere, or are there just not many owners around?

So far I've had a read of the Evo buyers guide, plus spoken to a couple of specialists, but I'd be keen to hear from some owners...

thanks in advance for any help

[rejn]

thanks all. no specific questions at this stage - but I just wanted to understand what areas I should look out for when buying a car. As it turns out, I'm almost certainly buying a cheap 8v car, and I'll get it put into a specialist for a good check-over and see what they say. I'm buying the car in Northern Ireland so will need to drive it back to the mainland before getting it checked, so it's a bit risky.

I've read a few buying guides but if anybody has any ideas on what to look for that might be a deal breaker, please let me know!!

[rejn]

Thanks for all of the comments - this is all really helpful.

Given the car's ability to turn into a pile of iron oxide, and especially with it being based in Northern Ireland (not exactly known for it's desert climate), I had a bodywork expert give it the once over. Apaer from very minor bubbling in 3 places (bottom of doors, and rear C pillar) - but all just surface rust - the car appears solid. It has a bit of filler around one of the back arches, but otherwise solid.

the car paintwork is a bit tired, and inside it's all a bit scruffy - but mostly I think it just needs a bit of TLC - I wonder what a decent T cut and polish would do, for example!

I test drove the car this weekend and it all feels solid - it's had plenty of work on brakes, suspension bushes (although all done by a mechanic friend so no receipts). The guy selling it seemed quite genuine, too.

So, all in all, I think i'm going to go for it.

Once I get it back, I think I'll drop it off at Zagato Lancia (near Regents Park), and they've agreed to give it a full check and let me know what work it needs...

Exciting times!!!

[rejn]

stuartmmcfc said:

mallygreen said:

Hmmmm..... I`d think again about putting it to Zagato.

I've heard that, although bad reports have been 3rd or 4th hand.

oh ok - that's interesting. I've done a quick web search and there does seem to be a general negative vibe about Zagato - I'll maybe think about the other suggestion over near Reading then...

[rejn]

Wow - scary pictures.

But yes, I still fancy it - in fact I've put a deposit down. (am I mad? )

The car is based in Northern Ireland, and I won't get a chance to go over and pick it up until Easter, but I'm really excited about the purchase.

I had a bodywork expert look all over it, and he's (mostly) give it the all clear - so I'm seriously hoping it isn't hiding any horrors like that!!

mallygreen, Evoluzione - those cars look pretty far gone - from the pictures they look like they were beyond economic repair? Did either of you return the cars to their former glory?

[rejn]

GTVGraham said:

I bought my Integrale this time last year. Had recently been imported from Japan where they don't use any road salt, so completely rust free. Immediately sent it to Auto Integrale in Reading, where Keith changed the cam belt and gave the car a complete once over. Great guy and really knows his stuff, would definitely recommend him.

Good luck with your purchase, great cars!

Thanks for the recommendation - it sounds like AutoIntegrale have some happy customers, so I'll definitely give them a call once I've got the car.

A decent service and a new cambelt is on my expected list, and I suspect a new turbo might be in order (it hasn't had one), but I'll wait and see what else they have to say about the car...

ETA: I just spoke to Keith - he sounds like a good guy to deal with (so far!).

£300+VAT for a full service, and £285+Vat for a cambelt change - I can feel my wallet being pried open by the car and I haven't even bought it yet!!!

Edited by rejn on Friday 20th February 09:35

[rejn]

Getting excited now - I pick up the car on Thursday!

[rejn]

I picked it up this morning and it's awesome!!!



50 miles of back roads confirmed it is awesome. Incredible to drive.

Will write more when I have more time!!! But sufficed to say, I'm loving it.

Steering is awesome, the power/turbo delivery is great - much have been quite something in 1990! Gear change a bit clunky, car is a bit scruffy round the edges, oh and the road holding seems awesome. I've pushed it a bit but feel like I've not even scratched the surface yet.

[rejn]

andysv said:

I have owned an Evo 1 for around five years and still love it, I must be lucky as I've not had too many rust issues only the rear roof which was done a year ago. Can't say I was impressed with Autointegrale my car came back filthy and the geo that should have been done defo is not right, I'm yet to find a specialist I really like. It's a great car and and brings out the enthusiasts everywhere you go. Enjoy.

I finally got my car back from automintegrale last week.

I liked autointegrale - the car did come back dirty; the yard is a bit disorganised; and the servicing took a bit longer that I would have liked, but Keith was really helpful - he gave my car a complete check-over, a full service, cam-belt change, plus he found and fixed a couple of minor problems, as well as most things on my snag list.

I'd definitely use him again. But I can understand if you want a garage that'll give the car a full valet etc, he's not the place to go!

On another note, I'm not surprised to see there is no Haynes manual for an integrale - has anybody bought the £5 ebay special technical workshop on CD - and are they any good? Or are there any other recommendations on service manuals for the cars?