General 500c

[katanabandit1]

Thinking of buying a 500c as a 3nd car runabout bit of fun for summer. It's a 09nplate . . Got a leak on front Flexi pipe. But apart from that sounds ok mileage 100k . It's the 1.2 fire engine.
Anything to concern me as has just under 100k on clock but really cheap at 1200 if you ask me.

 

[steveras57]

Read my guide to common problems to look out for on 500,s all apply to the c but check the roof functions correctly as well!.

 

[Derbyfella]

Make sure it’s not a cat car.
Not because I’d have a problem with a car car but they should be notifying if it is.
What spec is it?

 

[katanabandit1]

Make sure it’s not a cat car.
Not because I’d have a problem with a car car but they should be notifying if it is.
What spec is it?

Not sure on spec tbh . It's a 1.2 500c with grubby half leather seats lol. But roof working fine. Has small blow on flexpipe and side light out (big deal).

 

[Ralf S.]

500 has normal car issues.. but the model specifically has common issues with the battery earth strap (disintegrates), rear hatch wiring loom (wires can break and short out), instrument console LED (inner part dies), door handle (the hinge between the plate and the handle itself can break) and gearbox (input shaft bearing and/or oil seal can die prematurely) and the radio aerial can leak/corrode and lose reception.

Otherwise, shocks, brakes, exhaust, rear axle beam/spring mounts, rear damper bushes, front suspension (drop links and ARB bushes, damper top mounts and the dampers themselves) and lower wishbone arms, DRL lights (get bashed and become "un-stuck" from the bumper), wheels get hammered and your wheel trims will likely be scuffed or missing...

Also check everywhere to make sure it's not "bent".. learner cars but easy to fix means they get crashed and bashed.. but not written off .. so they can collect multiple accident scars over the years. Tough as old boots though.

Ralf S.

 

[steveras57]

500 has normal car issues.. but the model specifically has common issues with the battery earth strap (disintegrates), rear hatch wiring loom (wires can break and short out), instrument console LED (inner part dies), door handle (the hinge between the plate and the handle itself can break) and gearbox (input shaft bearing and/or oil seal can die prematurely) and the radio aerial can leak/corrode and lose reception.

Otherwise, shocks, brakes, exhaust, rear axle beam/spring mounts, rear damper bushes, front suspension (drop links and ARB bushes, damper top mounts and the dampers themselves) and lower wishbone arms, DRL lights (get bashed and become "un-stuck" from the bumper), wheels get hammered and your wheel trims will likely be scuffed or missing...

Also check everywhere to make sure it's not "bent".. learner cars but easy to fix means they get crashed and bashed.. but not written off .. so they can collect multiple accident scars over the years. Tough as old boots though.

Ralf S.

+ fun and frustration in equal measure but at different times!

 

[jrkitching]

Thinking of buying a 500c as a 3nd car runabout bit of fun for summer. It's a 09nplate . . Got a leak on front Flexi pipe. But apart from that sounds ok mileage 100k . It's the 1.2 fire engine.
Anything to concern me as has just under 100k on clock but really cheap at 1200 if you ask me

It's cheap for a reason; >15yrs old, >100k miles, the car is basically just plain worn out; what it's going to cost you to keep it on the road is what matters here. Its real value depends largely on its condition and length of remaining MOT certificate.

If you can fix most things myself, it could work out well; if you need to take it to a garage whenever there's a problem, you'll likely be paying what you've saved on the car in repair bills several times over.

But the upside is that these are easy cars to maintain yourself, there's lots of help and knowledge here on this forum, and the commonly needed parts are generally available and cheap.

Check the rear twist beam isn't rotting away; especially the area around the spring pans; it's an MOT fail once it gets serious; aftermarket beams are reasonably priced, but it's awkward, nasty job.

 

[AnthonyH]

Not sure on spec tbh . It's a 1.2 500c with grubby half leather seats lol. But roof working fine. Has small blow on flexpipe and side light out (big deal).

What he meant was make sure it's not a cat n or cat s. I.e. an insurance write off. You can buy the info online.