Just bought a 2.0TS Spider Lusso
Discussion
Morning all,
I've defected from the Jap forum, have just put my old MR2 off the road ( am planning to strip it down and prep it for race days ) and replaced it with a racing green 2.0TS Spider.
It's being delivered today, can't wait, felt rather constrained to behave myself on the test-drive, so I'm looking forward to putting it through it's paces.
It's a '97 in mint condition, 1 owner, that I've paid £3350 for, it's got a full FSH, has done 100k, but had a replacement engine from Alfa Romeo at 75k, was told that this was because the lady who owned it ripped the sump out on a dirt track ( phoned to check this story seperately with the Alfa dealer ). It's always been garaged and everything looks like new.
So chaps, firstly....Hello!.....secondly any tips/ hints on ownership? Oh and if I've massively overpaid please don't tell me too hashly.
I've defected from the Jap forum, have just put my old MR2 off the road ( am planning to strip it down and prep it for race days ) and replaced it with a racing green 2.0TS Spider.
It's being delivered today, can't wait, felt rather constrained to behave myself on the test-drive, so I'm looking forward to putting it through it's paces.
It's a '97 in mint condition, 1 owner, that I've paid £3350 for, it's got a full FSH, has done 100k, but had a replacement engine from Alfa Romeo at 75k, was told that this was because the lady who owned it ripped the sump out on a dirt track ( phoned to check this story seperately with the Alfa dealer ). It's always been garaged and everything looks like new.
So chaps, firstly....Hello!.....secondly any tips/ hints on ownership? Oh and if I've massively overpaid please don't tell me too hashly.
pdV6 said:
timmy33 said:
racing green
[sad spod]
sargassi green
[/sad spod]
Like rick said, keep a verycareful eye on the oil and also check the history for cambelt changes - you want them done every 36k/5y
Thanks guys, they changed the cambelt and clutch when the new engine went in, that was 24k back.
One thing I'm slightly concerned about is that I've read that the rear suspension bushes can wear out and cause damage if not rectified.....would this normally be picked up in dealer servicing?
I take it that the oil indicator light isn't enough of a guide? Do you check every x miles or so then?
timmy33 said:
One thing I'm slightly concerned about is that I've read that the rear suspension bushes can wear out and cause damage if not rectified.....would this normally be picked up in dealer servicing?
It would be picked up by service, MOT or clonking when driving.
timmy33 said:
I take it that the oil indicator light isn't enough of a guide? Do you check every x miles or so then?
They don't have an oil indicator light... only an oil pressure one and if that's come on you're in big bother!! The TS only has a very small sump and can use up to a litre every 1000 miles so I would recommend checking every 1000 miles until you get a feel for how it's doing. Some don't use any at all!
wombat rick said:
timmy33 said:
One thing I'm slightly concerned about is that I've read that the rear suspension bushes can wear out and cause damage if not rectified.....would this normally be picked up in dealer servicing?
It would be picked up by service, MOT or clonking when driving.
timmy33 said:
I take it that the oil indicator light isn't enough of a guide? Do you check every x miles or so then?
They don't have an oil indicator light... only an oil pressure one and if that's come on you're in big bother!! The TS only has a very small sump and can use up to a litre every 1000 miles so I would recommend checking every 1000 miles until you get a feel for how it's doing. Some don't use any at all!
Thanks.
It's arrived and been taken for a spin......lovely sound to the engine, I'm treating her gently for now whilst I get used to the handling. I'll be sure to check the oil before the weekend.....my MR2 was the same, you had to keep an eye on the oil, and the light did come on.....at which point you had bugger all oil left in the engine!
Bit more advice needed...now that I have a lovely softtop I'm worrying about looking after it...especially as it got rained all over on the weekend hoon, any suggestions of water-proofing/ protection products that folks use? Oh and I want to put a cover over the chap even when it's in the garage....any recommendations here?
Cheers!
Tim
Cheers!
Tim
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