Orpington Newbie needs Subaru Gods time!

[wedmonds]

Hi Peope,

I am really near to purchasing my very first SUBARU Impreza 2.0 WRX STi. Its a 2003 53 Reg.

Is there any kind hearted Subaru Gods out there who would spare me some time for a look over the car this Sunday? What i am really looking for is a genuine, view on the car and its condition. I have to admit to being a complete novice.

If you guys dont know then i have to talk the RAC!

Help me O B one you are my only hope!

The car is around Junction 8 of M25

Thanks people

wedmonds

[granby]

What time are you gonna to look at the motor as i might be able to help you out (i'm in Eltham so not to far from you)

[wedmonds]

If you are the man that can help me then i will work totally around you!

Basically, the car looks sound and all the paper work looks good etc but someone who knows what they are talking about will spot loads more than me. The person selling is more than happy for me to get an RAC check but wanted to be sure.

[granby]

Well i can give you a second opinion on the car but to be honest theres not much to look out for apart from the obvious things but as i said I'm happy to come along with you and give you my opinion if thats any help.

[wedmonds]

If you could spare the time, i would really appreciate it.

Basically, my knowledge of cars goes as far that the steering wheel but learning more by the day I was hoping for someone to look at it and see if anything is imediatly wrong. If i went for a drive, i would have no idea if it was fine or not. If it was laggy etc. The paper work looks fine to me but i have bought and sold pratcically no cars so he could have made it on his PC Just wanted a second opionion really

What do you think? If you can spare the time i would appreciate it. I could private message you once i have it clued up.

How does meeting up at 11am sound and going from there? I will drive etc. ( if you can handle a corsa!

I will buy you are drink at the next meet not if you are driving though or if you have server or pc problems, perhaps i can return the favour.

Thanks

Wayne

[granby]

11 sounds fine , could you pick me up

To turn on PM's go into your profile and click ON allow private messages

[j-k]

I have just sold an 03 sti, which i owned for 2.5 years..

So any questions you have , then fire away...

Here are a few things we could do with knowing first...Before even viewing the car...

How much is the car up for sale at?

Is it a private sale?

Has it got any extras?

Whats the mileage?

Has it got subaru history?

Has it got PPP?

Has it had the geometry done?

Has it had any parts replaced under warrenty?

How many owners from new?

Is it HPI clear?

Has it had any paintwork done?

PM me the answers if you prefer...

Jon

[wedmonds]

Great i have PM you !

[j-k]

<< Great i have PM you ! >>

Not me?? Or did you mean granby?

[Dalthegooner]

I used this check list. Found it on the internet but can't remember where.

Body Work

Check for chips & cracks on headlights & fog lights

Check all lights are working

Check for rust around wheelarches & windscreen

Check amount of stone chips on bonnet, bumper & mirrors

Check under door & window rubbers for sign of respray

Check front and rear bumpers for cracks & scuffs

Check inner plastic wings are in place and undamaged

Check for chips & cracks on windscreen

Check panel gaps - doors, bonnet, wings and boot

Running Gear

Check tyre wear

Check tyre for uneven wear

Check tyre size

Check wheels for kerbing scuffs

Check front at back brake disc wear

Check for shock absorber oil leaks

Check springs - genuine or replacements

Check exhaust back box rear mountings

Check for gearbox oil leaks

Check for rear differential oil leaks

Check anti-roll bar tie rod arms - front and box

Check for damage and/or rust under the car

Engine

Check engine is cold

Check oil level

Check water level

Check brake fluid level

Check power steering fluid level

Check for oil & fluid leaks

Check boost solenoid hoses for oil

Check for oil in water - vice versa

Check over cleanliness of engine bay

Check for previous leaks on underside of bonnet etc.

Check chassis number plates have no signs of replacement

Check oil filter is genuine - judge of dirty (sign of age)

Listen very carefully for noises

- cams

- water pump

- injectors

- alternator

- bearings - with head under the car

Interior

Check for fag burns - seats and carpet

Check dash board for cracks

Check all switches

Check aircon operation

Check heater fan operation

Check handbrake operation - no more then 5 notches

Check rev counter works

Check gauges work

Check electric window operation

Check central locking operation

Check spare wheel and tool kit

Driving

Check for clutch judder

Check for trust bearing noise - put foot on clutch then off

Check gearbox isn't notchy - third to second

Check gear-lever for sloppiness

Check brake pedal travel

Check brake efficiency

Check steering wheel is level when driving straight

Check for steering wheel judder when braking

Check ABS operation if possible

Check for general noises - rattles etc.-

Check temperature gauge level

Check for grey smoke on over-run

Check all warning lights come on with ignition on (engine not running)

Check cornering at speed

Check CV joint noise on full lock at slow speed

Check for smoke at 3000 rpm - out of gear

Paperwork

Check log-book numbers against chassis plate

Check number of previous owners

Check service records - look at mileage intervals

Check all receipts - see if any indicate mileage - check dates

Check service mileage against receipt mileage - any date conflicts

Check date of cam belt replacement

Check date of clutch replacement

Check date of oil changes

Check date of engine change

Check MOT length and details

Check tax disc matches car details

[wedmonds]

Thanks for the come back people.

The list is great but i am a real novice.

Check gearbox isn't notchy - third to second - What on earth is notchy

Check gear-lever for sloppiness - What the hell is sloppiness

Check brake pedal travel - Travek where?

I really am a numbty

lol

[Dalthegooner]

Thanks for the come back people.

The list is great but i am a real novice.

Check gearbox isn't notchy - third to second - What on earth is notchy

If the gear change isn't smooth and has a slight grind.

Check gear-lever for sloppiness - What the hell is sloppiness

The gear stick moves about a lot when its in gear.

Check brake pedal travel - Travek where?

That the brakes bite and stop you when you push the brake pedal a little bit and it does not hit the floor.

[wedmonds]

Aha.... still have a problem thought

I picked those at random! what about all the others! LOL

[j-k]

I touch goats

[leon]

deano is mechanic im sure he would help! plus im a diy mechanic so i could help! and well granbys..........beyond help! hehehe

[granby]

<< and well granbys..........beyond help! hehehe >>

PMSL looks like you know me

[leon]

the car should be still under warranty right? so it doesnt really matter too much as long as the cars been serviced

[wedmonds]

Thanks for the feedback and all the PM information.

I have put the questions to the dealer... i will post his reply tomorrow and get your opinion.

If you still think its worth a look then i will go ahead.

I must add that the dealer really does appear genuine but its your knowledge i will go on.

Thanks all.

Wayne

[wedmonds]

Hi Chaps,

I have PM you both again!

[darryl_martin]

MOT fail lists, if you've ever had one provide a fairly good list of things to look for as thats what they check for the MOT but wont help as far as engine noises/smoke are concerned. Went to see what was about the other week at garages/import centres. Not saying the cars psychic or has some sort of personality but came back with the boost gauge hose blown apart, a crack in the intake hose and a nail in my rear tyre all on a 30 mlie journey. Could it be trying to tell me something? All sorted now. Good luck with the car, hope its a good and take your time always handy to see/drive more than one for comparison and theres plenty out there

[wedmonds]

Hi all,

After much discussion and the help especially from Granby, i have just paid the deposit on the car and am very happy with it.

I was pretty much there but having got Granby to test drive it and give it the once over i am very happy.

Granby, i have said it before and ill said it again, drinks on me next time i get the chance

Cheers matey.

Thanks all for your help.

Wayne

[j-k]

so its definately a UK dealer supplied car then?

Hope you enjoy the car...

Advice is always free on here...honest!! (mines a coke please..lol)

jon

[wedmonds]

Yep appears spot on and every appeared to check out. Purchase in Gatwick and always serviced there. Only time will tell but looks good so far.

I am sure i can stretch to a pint mate. When i have the car and all setup ill come along to a meet and meet a few of you.

Thanks for your help and advice.

[granby]

<< so its definately a UK dealer supplied car then?

Hope you enjoy the car...

Advice is always free on here...honest!! (mines a coke please..lol)

jon >>

Yep was a UK car , nice to drive a STi but i think I'll stay with my underpowered WRX

[SCOOBYTOO]

<<

<< so its definately a UK dealer supplied car then?

Hope you enjoy the car...

Advice is always free on here...honest!! (mines a coke please..lol)

jon >>

Yep was a UK car , nice to drive a STi but i think I'll stay with my underpowered WRX >>

too many gears for you ian, at your age you'll get confused