Is this a bad idea?
Discussion
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4509770827&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:UK:1
If the link don't work it's a '93 version of a 33 Sportwagen, with service history and stuff. Do these things break on a regular basis, or will I just have to be careful about tin worm?
Any other things I need to ask about?
Thanks
Duncan
If the link don't work it's a '93 version of a 33 Sportwagen, with service history and stuff. Do these things break on a regular basis, or will I just have to be careful about tin worm?
Any other things I need to ask about?
Thanks
Duncan
Rust is the big one. Underneath is the big problem. If he hasn't got the cosmetics FeO2 sorted I'd be suspicious of what you can't see. Otherwise they are cracking cars. Engines are fab and pretty reliable. Electrics are tempramental, Suspension bushes are weak and the driving position is classic italian. Parts are getting harder to get hold of particularly trim but the racing boys interest keeps mechanical stuff available.
This one looks a bit rough. You could get a low(ish) mileage, RHD, cloverleaf in mint condition for £1,500 or less. So I can't imagine a high miles, LHD, standard spec, 'tired' one being worth more than £500 odd.
This one looks a bit rough. You could get a low(ish) mileage, RHD, cloverleaf in mint condition for £1,500 or less. So I can't imagine a high miles, LHD, standard spec, 'tired' one being worth more than £500 odd.
Well a high milage RHD one went for 420 earlier this week, so I certainly ain't going above that. If rust is the main issue (with bad earths being second or third), then I'm happy with spending less than 400 quid. Italian driving position? Is that like an X1/9? I really liked that driving position (but guess what - rust killed it).
Thanks
Duncan
Thanks
Duncan
I reckon you'r price limit is right. The electrics problems are often bad earths and sometimes, more earths than there should be, often as a result of water ingress. The driving position is the typical short arms long legs required and difficult if you are tall. I generally end up practically lying down to get my head in with the seat slid so far forward to be able to reach the wheel that my knees are splayed either side of it. But I am 6'4" so I have problems with lots of cars driving positions. I haven't driven a X1/9 so couldn't say whether it is similar.
Cambelt is the biggest worry you can have with these - either engine out, or a pita with engine in, and they only last about 35k.
The electrics can be expected to be pretty screwy, but thats par for the course and most of the time its just an easy to fix bad earth.
As for 33 driving position, its similar to the x1/9, but with smaller pedals. And nowhere to rest the clutch foot.
The gearboxes also lunch 2nd gear synchros easily.
Run it round past 4500rpm and youll be sold
The electrics can be expected to be pretty screwy, but thats par for the course and most of the time its just an easy to fix bad earth.
As for 33 driving position, its similar to the x1/9, but with smaller pedals. And nowhere to rest the clutch foot.
The gearboxes also lunch 2nd gear synchros easily.
Run it round past 4500rpm and youll be sold
So if it's done 25,000 miles since it's engine rebuild, it's got another 10k miles before the cambelt needs changing. I'm not too bothered by that news, I imagine that will take me a year or so anyway. I assume also that it's an interference design, so if the cambelt snaps then the valves have had it? (Not necessarily the case - I snapped the cambelt on my Honda at 75mph on the M25, and all that needed was a new cambelt!)
I figure the electrics will be spotty, but maybe better than the X1/9 (which had the headlight switch double as a device for burning fingers and had the lights pop up about 40% of the time) or the Uno I currently have (dashboard electrics went missing, then the headlights, and taillights. Some of this was traced to faulty earths, some just started working again!).
And I just know that whenever it goes for an MOT the first item on the list will be welding.
But aside from that it doesn't look too bad.
Thanks
Duncan
PS I'm only 6 foot, so I'm hoping headroom won't be an issue.
PPS - I won with a bid of £165. Can't go pick it up for a few days though, so I've not yet seen it...
>> Edited by Duncan23 on Monday 13th December 12:50
I figure the electrics will be spotty, but maybe better than the X1/9 (which had the headlight switch double as a device for burning fingers and had the lights pop up about 40% of the time) or the Uno I currently have (dashboard electrics went missing, then the headlights, and taillights. Some of this was traced to faulty earths, some just started working again!).
And I just know that whenever it goes for an MOT the first item on the list will be welding.
But aside from that it doesn't look too bad.
Thanks
Duncan
PS I'm only 6 foot, so I'm hoping headroom won't be an issue.
PPS - I won with a bid of £165. Can't go pick it up for a few days though, so I've not yet seen it...
>> Edited by Duncan23 on Monday 13th December 12:50
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