General 2.0 Marea

[Nodfiat]

A 'V' reg Marea 2.0 HLX with very low mileage and a reasonable price tag has just caught my eye. I have read the Marea guide and guess the cambelt is due to be changed (maybe the reason why its for sale) but I am wondering if there are any other potential nasties I should look out for if I go and check it over.

I had a 1999 Bravo HGT from new which didn't miss a beat in the 3 years I had it and I also used to like being assigned the 2.0 Marea pool car we had 10 odd years ago!!

I still have a soft spot for the 2.0 20valve lump. I loved the 5 pot warble which, in my humble opinion, was only bettered by the flat four Impreza note (maybe why I replaced the HGT with an Impreza?).

I have a hankering for this Marea so any advice anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated.


Nick.

 

[Hellcat]

Practically the same car, just a little bigger. Actually less things to worry about - no rear wiper to seize up!

 

[Nodfiat]

Thanks Hellcat.

I seem to recall the Bravo rear wiper blade stripping off on a number of occasions!!

Do you know of any things I should pay particular attention to on the Marea?

 

[bulldog5046]

the belt is the main issue, check the floorpan and sills for rust spots.

other than that it should be okay

BTW cambelt change £400 at Motomech in Birmingham

 

[sumplug]

Besides cam belt, check electric windows work as well as the central locking.
If it comes with a Red Master Key, put the key into the ignition and turn it on, the light should come on for a few seconds then go out. Proves the key is working. If not, negotiate a discount. Key is not really needed these days unless Ecu gets a fault.
Rear bushes tend to wear rapidly so check for knocks at the rear, check coolant is clean as dirty coolant can cause internal rusting and premature wear on the water pump.
When changing the belt, change tensioner pulleys and water pump at same time.
Other then that, they are good cars, especially estate versions[weekend]!!

Andy.

 

[Nodfiat]

Thanks all. I think I will take a look at the car at the weekend.


Nick.

 

[Venters]

Well the weekends past. What happened?

 

[Nodfiat]

It went before I could get there................