things to look for on a DC2 import when buying...
Discussion
Sign up to www.itr-dc2.com there's a Resource section with a buying guide and loads of info on almost everything DC2 related!
Plus its a very friendly forum
Plus its a very friendly forum
Agreed on the forum...think there's a buying guide too somewhere.
Ignoring the engine I'd say gearbox and suspension are where the big bills could come from (oh, and rust...check it's been undersealed!) - synchro, selector forks, the LSD is known to wear over time. Dampers can get tired, as can bushes.
If possible drive a 'known' one beforehand to use as a yardstick...
Ignoring the engine I'd say gearbox and suspension are where the big bills could come from (oh, and rust...check it's been undersealed!) - synchro, selector forks, the LSD is known to wear over time. Dampers can get tired, as can bushes.
If possible drive a 'known' one beforehand to use as a yardstick...
Fresh import or some UK history?
If fresh import ask to see the Jap documentation...there should be a number denoting the quality of it at the Jap auction where purchased (not an expert on this...do some searches or ask on itr-dc2 or another Jap website). Should give you a bit of comfort, but don't expect it to be an RAC inspection...
If partial UK, then do the usual checks as to history, ownership etc.
Oh...and a '96/97 import will be worth less than a UKDM car, a '98-spec import (HIDs, 16" alloys, bigger brakes) will be worth a bit more...
If fresh import ask to see the Jap documentation...there should be a number denoting the quality of it at the Jap auction where purchased (not an expert on this...do some searches or ask on itr-dc2 or another Jap website). Should give you a bit of comfort, but don't expect it to be an RAC inspection...
If partial UK, then do the usual checks as to history, ownership etc.
Oh...and a '96/97 import will be worth less than a UKDM car, a '98-spec import (HIDs, 16" alloys, bigger brakes) will be worth a bit more...
Tinohead said:
Dave, is this from a trader in Keighly? If so I would strongly advise a search on the internet to read some opinions on this company, and they're standard of cars, customer service, etc.
I say no more.
Other than if its not, itr-dc2 is definitely the place to start
I would advise taking this chaps advice too, do some checking on that particular trader before buying imo.I say no more.
Other than if its not, itr-dc2 is definitely the place to start
As for the forum, very useful, well worth a search.
Just a word of advise, most Japanese imports probably wont have much, or any usable history, so if you are worried it might be an idea to get it inspected. That said, Jap imports are less likely to be rusty and their equivalent of the MOT is harder than ours, so most fresh imports are probably alright.
I've had my imported DC2 for 9 months and its never been a pick of bother, so far its only needed a new battery.
One thing I'd definitely recommend doing is changing the gearbox oil, as the gearboxes are a weak point and apparently this can help loads. Changing a bit of oil is certainly cheaper than a new gearbox.
I've had my imported DC2 for 9 months and its never been a pick of bother, so far its only needed a new battery.
One thing I'd definitely recommend doing is changing the gearbox oil, as the gearboxes are a weak point and apparently this can help loads. Changing a bit of oil is certainly cheaper than a new gearbox.
ive gone against keightly as they suddenly decided they wanted cash only and no px's!! anyway i found one only 17 miles aways from me took a look and took it adrive!!! fantastic machine!!! the gearbox looks like its a new addition to the car...which like you said seems a weak point...the radiator has been changed cause apparently they crack?????
there are a few scuffs on the front bumper...but i will be able to spray them up myself...
im pretty good with cars but really wanna be thorough....
i'll have a crawl underneath as ive heard that they arent usually waxoiled or undersealed...again i could prob do it....yeah its a fresh import...was registered Aug 07..
the dealer has been open since 1948 so im guessing they must be doing something right.... but cant find any more info on them in terms of comments
there are a few scuffs on the front bumper...but i will be able to spray them up myself...
im pretty good with cars but really wanna be thorough....
i'll have a crawl underneath as ive heard that they arent usually waxoiled or undersealed...again i could prob do it....yeah its a fresh import...was registered Aug 07..
the dealer has been open since 1948 so im guessing they must be doing something right.... but cant find any more info on them in terms of comments
Whats the name of the company?
If it's at a dealer I presume that it's hardly been driven since it arrived in the UK? If so the underside should be very clean.
If you do buy it I would highly recommend getting it up on axel stands and spending a good while power washing the underneath, just to get rid of anything that might have been picked up during test drives. Then let it dry and get some underseal on, keep everything nice an protected
Definitely go with the advice above regarding gearbox oil too. Get yourself some MTF (from Land Rover), it's would Honda should recommend as a gearbox oil, not normal engine oil like they do.
Get us some pictures if you do buy!
If it's at a dealer I presume that it's hardly been driven since it arrived in the UK? If so the underside should be very clean.
If you do buy it I would highly recommend getting it up on axel stands and spending a good while power washing the underneath, just to get rid of anything that might have been picked up during test drives. Then let it dry and get some underseal on, keep everything nice an protected
Definitely go with the advice above regarding gearbox oil too. Get yourself some MTF (from Land Rover), it's would Honda should recommend as a gearbox oil, not normal engine oil like they do.
Get us some pictures if you do buy!
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