Mk3 to Mk1 - what should I look out for?
Discussion
Luke. said:
Just curious as to why you're changing.
"Impending house purchase forces sale"The truth of the matter is that I've had my Mk3 for 12 months now, I've done 20,000 miles and I absolutely love it. However if I can relinquish a reasonable sum of money from the sale of it I can get on with buying a house. I need to try a Mk1 again and see whether I can have as much fun in it. I really enjoyed my 2.5 and the 3 as well, but my love for the '5 came from the Mk1's I drove when I was a kid!
If I was buying again I'd check that sill and hood drain holes aren't blocked, as the sills might look good now but god knows what they could be hiding, if they're all clean and clear it's a good sign, my car looked great when i bought it but as soon as I got it home it started bubbling away!
Not much on the UK models to go wrong. Check the windows go up and down if they are electric. And check the electric mirrors as well. (They are not as cheap as you'd hope). See if the sills have been welded or are rusty.
That's about it really. Basically most of it is the same as any car.
That's about it really. Basically most of it is the same as any car.
Just been through this myself actually. Full write up on the search and what I found is here: http://www.autounity.net/index.php?showtopic=13288
The best two pieces of advice I can offer are these:
1 - Buy on condition and don't worry about mileage, number of owners etc
2- There are three key things to look for: rust, rust and rust
Beyond that, the mechanicals are usually pretty good. Obviously a documented history is nice. There can be some transmission whine - it's nothing too serious apparently - but if you can find one without that, then all the better.
Have a good sniff inside for damp - that could be caused by a dodgy roof which will need attention, but if it is rotten sills and floor, then walk
Beyond that, don't expect them to fly as they're not quick by modern standards
The best two pieces of advice I can offer are these:
1 - Buy on condition and don't worry about mileage, number of owners etc
2- There are three key things to look for: rust, rust and rust
Beyond that, the mechanicals are usually pretty good. Obviously a documented history is nice. There can be some transmission whine - it's nothing too serious apparently - but if you can find one without that, then all the better.
Have a good sniff inside for damp - that could be caused by a dodgy roof which will need attention, but if it is rotten sills and floor, then walk
Beyond that, don't expect them to fly as they're not quick by modern standards
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