Is there a cerbera buying guide anywhere?

[stuthemong]

Had a little search, can't find anything!

Current plan:

All 'standard' tests:

• driving accel+braking straight + true etc.etc.
• tyres/disks/pads etc.
• HPI + VIN correlation etc.
• service history blah blah
• check wheels move freely.
• any paint / accident repair indication

cerby specific stuff:

• jack& have a look under car for general chassis condition, esp front outriggers. Try to inspect for any oil leaks etc (may be tough.)

• will ask for car to be cold, inspect for blue smoke + watch warm up routine + oil pressure (hope for >50PSI cold and >25PSI warm ....Is this about right?). Should see water stat open at about 80deg odd or so?

• Verify fan/rad system (fans come on at correct temp after drive)

• test all electronics (ac, doors, windows, mirrors etc. + alarm fobs)

• try to inspect around top of engine, hopefully be able to see if fuel lines are OK etc. although it does look tight in there, is this possible? (4.2 std induction)

• make sure clutch engages+disengages correctly, all gears are easily selectable with exception of reverse which may need 5th->reverse to find.

• Maybe hook laptop up and check adaptives to ensure TB's are balanced well? What limits do I look for again?

______

Is there anything else that I should be looking at/ out for? This is all gleened from reading here, but I'm sure there is other stuff I could check

Thanks in advance,

Stu

[Tanguero]

Listen for a "clonk" from the rear coming on or off the power - indicative of worn diff mount bushes.

[Olly]

EVO will have a buying guide in August.

Edited by Olly on Wednesday 24th June 20:03

[plumAJP]

check drivers footwell for clutch fluid. also get on the floor and check for drips of clutch fluid from between the gearbox bell housing and engine.

check history for when clutch was done also rebuilds.

if you hook laptop then the main screen will show the adaptives towards the bottom,

[Ireland]

This forum is probably the best place there is for info on Cerbs.

[al 350i]

you could spend a week checking the car over and it could still break down 5 miles up the road but what a fantastic amount of fun that 5 miles will be

Edited by al 350i on Wednesday 24th June 21:33

[stuthemong]

Cheers Al, Confidence inspiring.

Olly, Bit late for me!

Tanguero, plan.

PlumAJP, Cheers. Sound advice.

I'll also check for crazing on the body near the boot + door smooth operation to ensure the outriggers aren't sagging.

Ireland, Certainly is, although I'm surprised there is no buyers guide like there are for Tuscans etc.

Edited by stuthemong on Wednesday 24th June 23:21

[Scrooloose]

Are you taking your own jack and laptop?

Must admit that I'd be hesitant to let anyone who didn't know exactly what they were doing start jacking up my car or taking the ECU to bits to plug in a laptop, despite what they might have read on the internet.....

That's not to say I wouldn't help them, but some sellers may be less accommodating, or may simply not have the knowledge to do these things themselves....

[stuthemong]

The seller should be quite accomodating, I think.

Ultimately whilst some may think an owner with a 'little bit of knowlege' a bad thing, for me, an owner who shows an interest in the car, uses the laptop to check+ensure good running etc.. is a plus. I'd *much* rather that sort of owner than someone who was scared to change a battery

Edited by stuthemong on Wednesday 24th June 23:22

[Scrooloose]

I agree with you, an owner who is mechanically minded/sympathetic and knows how to look after their car is definitely desirable when you're purchasing.

They can also help you with your inspection.

My point was, as an owner, i'd be hesitant to let someone inexperienced in Cerberas start fiddling around with my car. As even jacking it in the incorrect place could result in a costly repair....

I would of course personally be more than happy to do this for the prospective buyer. Along with any other assistance they may need.

I don't mean any disrespect to you by these comments, as you may be perfectly qualified to perform said inspection... Just playing devil's advocate....

[grahamn]

Scrooloose said:

I agree with you, an owner who is mechanically minded/sympathetic and knows how to look after their car is definitely desirable when you're purchasing.

...

Well that's me and Fubes buggered then. It seems we won't be able to sell our cars

[Byker28i]

On the other hand, Graham's must be getting to be one of the best as he's been slowly replacing just about every part