Uhi-ooh! Being unlucky when buying private...

[The Hitman]

Hiya, as you know I recently bought a Clio 182 through Pistonheads and am really happy with it but have noticed a few things now that I didn't before like the fact that all four tyres are different makes and that I need a new parcel shelf.

I not too fussed on the tyres, I have chosen to get all new rubber to replace them but planned to replace some anyway, and I figure I could get a replacement shelf from a breakers.

But, now have discovered a couple more things...

Seems the car as been stood for a long while in cold weather as there a thin layer on rust on the exhaust and one of the spring mounted bolts holding the exhaust in place is loose and causes a rattle (hence why I had it looked at). Also found 4 distinct sratches on the passenger window.

All in all, not all bad as theexhaust doesn't need to be done right away but its still a disapointment.

Also feeling like another thread looming about making scratches less visable/invisable on glass

[balders118]

My friend bought a 309 gti which on closer inspection had a cock scratched into the windscreen.. and not a small one either.. No idea how he missed that when handing over the cash!

[Landlord]

balders118 said:

My friend bought a 309 gti which on closer inspection had a cock scratched into the windscreen.. and not a small one either.. No idea how he missed that when handing over the cash!

That tickled me.

[y2blade]

are you surprised?

[The Hitman]

doogz said:

You bought a French car, and you're surprised that it rattles?

Lol, I'm not that naïve. I bought with the rattle thinking it was just a loose casing and all it needed as tighting/re-clipping into place.

Didn't think the exhaust was on its way out.

[shouldbworking]

Landlord said:

balders118 said:

My friend bought a 309 gti which on closer inspection had a cock scratched into the windscreen.. and not a small one either.. No idea how he missed that when handing over the cash!

That tickled me.

fnar

[anonymous-user]

You can never find everything when viewing a car. To be honest that doesn't sound bad at all.

I didn't hear the handbrake cable on my 172 rattling against the fuel tank when I test drove it. Not an easy fix either. But as I say, it's just one of those things you don't pick up on.

Edited by MSTRBKR on Thursday 29th April 15:41

[Monkeylegend]

You should have gone to Specsavers. Pretty basic stuff really. At least you will know what to look for next time.

[TopCAD]

slightly off topic, but if you are ever in Manchester I have number of door glasses lying around for a clio if interested drop me a PM

[Ozzie Osmond]

MSTRBKR said:

You can never find everything when viewing a car. To be honest that doesn't sound bad at all.

+1

[hornetrider]

Thin layer of rust on the exhaust certainly does not mean it is on its way out.

[John D.]

A rusty/rattly exhaust is not unusual on a 182. Hardly a sign it has been particularly neglected.

The fact you didn't realise the tyres were all different is hardly down to bad luck either

[The Hitman]

hornetrider said:

Thin layer of rust on the exhaust certainly does not mean it is on its way out.

Well the mechanic, who's also my G/F's Dad, has said it'll need to be done in 6-9 months, I consider that as on its way. I'll probably get the full story later as I left it at his garage this morning and have to go pick it up after work. (In my job I work 9 hours from 8.30 til 17.30 and cant leave the workplace)

[The Hitman]

John D. said:

The fact you didn't realise the tyres were all different is hardly down to bad luck either

True, I don't deny that, but in my defence they were all of very similar wear so didn't think they'd be different, that'll teach me

[inman999]

Doesn't sound bad at all. You always find odd bits that you didn't notice before handing over the cash. £200 quid for new tyres, £20 quid for door glass and get the exhaust welded up or replaced and you've got a top motor.

Plus you can get some money back on tyres and glass by bunging them back on ebay.

[*Al*]

On all the (private) cars i've sold, i've never had people check for any rust on the exhaust as such, just a general glance if anything.As for tyres i make this a 'must do' as tyre brand/condition says a bit about the owner, do they skimp on maintainance etc?

[garycat]

John D. said:

A rusty/rattly exhaust is not unusual on a 182. Hardly a sign it has been particularly neglected.

The fact you didn't realise the tyres were all different is hardly down to bad luck either

You really should check the tyres when buying a car for signs of uneven wear, how many mm of tread etc. Different makes is a sign that the car is not cared for IMHO. The £1700 Ford Ka that I recently bought my daughter had 4 identical Michelins which gave me a comfort factor that the previous owner cared about the car. Most others I saw had a mixture of Linglong Sava Supa-dupa-gryp ditchfinders.

[hairykrishna]

That's not unlucky. Minor stuff really. Be thankful that nothings exploded and it's not two halves welded together or something.

[John D.]

The Hitman said:

John D. said:

The fact you didn't realise the tyres were all different is hardly down to bad luck either

True, I don't deny that, but in my defence they were all of very similar wear so didn't think they'd be different, that'll teach me

You live and learn. I know I missed a few imperfections when I bought my 172 Cup.

FWIW if your exhaust does fall apart an aftermarket stainless item will probably be cheaper and longer lasting than a standard Renault replacement. Getting the right noise is the only issue

[The Hitman]

*Al* said:

On all the (private) cars i've sold, i've never had people check for any rust on the exhaust as such, just a general glance if anything.As for tyres i make this a 'must do' as tyre brand/condition says a bit about the owner, do they skimp on maintainance etc?

I have a load of receipts for work done since the car was new and it doesn't seem like it was neglected. I suppose that's another reason why the tyres took me by surprise.