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Mk2 Buying Guide

Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2017 8:40 pm
by Bob5ki
Going to look at a mk2 on the weekend.

From 89, with service history & looks solid from the pictures but I was wondering what are the key points to look for?

The carb needs a little work & some body work visible but interior looks sweet & so does the engine bay.

Re: Mk2 Buying Guide

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2017 8:31 am
by alexperkins
Main things are that it idles and warms up properly

They suffer awfully from rust so have a really really good lol underneath

The petrol tank is also made of steel and the filler neck dots out so be sure to have a good look at that

Cambelt and waterpump should be done every 5yrs or 60k and a service every year.

Re: Mk2 Buying Guide

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2017 8:48 am
by Bob5ki
alexperkins wrote: Tue Dec 19, 2017 8:31 am Main things are that it idles and warms up properly

They suffer awfully from rust so have a really really good lol underneath

The petrol tank is also made of steel and the filler neck dots out so be sure to have a good look at that

Cambelt and waterpump should be done every 5yrs or 60k and a service every year.
Any particular areas to keep a look out for in term of rust. From what I've been told the car I'm looking at has been stored well during it's life so there isn't too much rust on it.

I will check out the fuel tank, I believe it has been serviced regularly so will check out the service history.

Re: Mk2 Buying Guide

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2017 1:52 pm
by alexperkins
Generally the floor pan, jacking points, where the rear exhaust mounts onto are the main places

Re: Mk2 Buying Guide

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2017 7:26 am
by Bob5ki
So I did an MOT history check, it was SORN from 2012-2017 & no mention of corrosion in MOT history, which can only be a positive

The first MOT 2017 was a lot of brake hoses & fuel lines were corroded but appears to be fixed.

What is: "Offside Front Macpherson strut has slight movement at the upper attachment"

Only on 50k miles. Not sure if thats a good thing or a bad thing

Re: Mk2 Buying Guide

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2017 8:33 am
by alexperkins
That means the top mount is possible a little worn on that side

Low mileage is beneficial in some ways, and not so great in other. Time eats parts regardless of mileage

Be prepared to replace bushes etc as time goes along S rubber will perish after 28 years

It sounds like it could be a good little car 👍🏻

Re: Mk2 Buying Guide

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2017 8:17 pm
by Bob5ki
Nothing too serious then.

Aware it'll need some work & desperate to get to work on it as it'll give me the chance to work on an older car.

Unfortunately will have to store it for a few months while I get a house with a garage, any car covers you could recommend as it might be outside for a period of time

Re: Mk2 Buying Guide

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2017 8:25 pm
by alexperkins