buying advice on a 96, 4.2

[dejay]

Hi guys,

I'm a proud owner of an s2 and would like to make the big jump to a cerbie 4.2.
Could anyone give me some buying advice as of what to look out for when buying one of these, as i'm not up to speed with things that go wrong with this model and what to look out for on the ajp engine. I've seen many threads about engine rebuilds and the change of cams??
Was there a problem with the earlier models??

I'm also very keen to service the vehicle myself (i never like paying people to do jobs for me!) Would any of you think this would be possible, i'm sure there must be some keen home mechanics that service their own cars.

cheers,

David

[jnr]

Hiya

I was a little worried too when I was looking to buy....

I used Rob Ingleby to inspect my car before I handed over the dosh....

Have not had any probs at all and have done a couple of thousand miles already alot of them being done on the Autobahn !!!

As for serviceing it myself, I've always done my previous cars but this one I think is best looked after by a specialist IMHO...


Jnr

[kstead]

I think you can do nearly all the work yourself, there are a few quirky bits and a few design flaws such as the starter gettin hot etc. but as far as them being unworkable, thats b/s, if you have the time to figure out how things come apart. Within 6 months you will know your way around them. I would suggest however that you invest in some wing covers, its a fair stretch to get to the oily bits. I think the worst part is triping over the many panels you have to remove to do any work! Space to lay these out Is important otherwise they will sart to spoil the car once trodden on a few times.
You would hurt the value of your car if you let the s/h go so let someone look at it once a year to pick up any bits you miss, this of course wont happen cos you care about your car and know it inside out they dont. Know nothin about buying them/what to look for, soz
keith

[dejay]

thanks guys,

sounds like theres nothing to tricky to the engines then, I don't mind getting someone to check it over now and again, but i don't want to be paying out £££'s to a dealer to change my spark plugs and oil!

By the way Keith, very nice looking car! I saw your "turmoil" thread, have you decided what you are going to do yet?

[kstead]

Yes mate have made a decision that suits, but will still need a cerby to take apart from time to time so if I can help at all! Sooooo much fun when everything is workin good, pain when it isnt but IMO a lot of problems are due to owners not seeing the warning signs, not fair to blame the owners cos not everyone is mechanicly minded but apart from both my drive shafts snaping (on seperate occasions) any other prob has hinted before happening. Best thing I ever did, get used to girls half your age whistling and waving at you, and this week alone have seen of two feraris, terratossa and a 348, absolute class, DO IT.
keith

[dejay]

cheers Keith,

if i get one, you might be hearing from me from time to time for a little advice!!!

Dave