Ebay help plz

[beeson100]

I'm looking at getting a Marea that Rob posted on here a while ago but its a fair drive for me so just wanted peoples opinions on it. I'm just thinking it's quite cheap that's all so must be something wrong with it?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=020&item=300023138544&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

It looks tidy, low mileage and has all keys. What else should I look for apart from the obvious things? I will probably change the cambelt right away so thats not an issue.

I've spoken to the guy and he said someone is looking at it next weekend but he would sell it on a first come first serve basis so need to get up there fairly sharpish!

Thanks in advance.

John

PS. Rog, I know you think the fashion police should lock up all Marea owners but it will look 'stylish' when it's finished

 

[RR]

John,

As it happens, that's one of my favourite Fiat colours. I nearly bought a Punto Sporting in that hue a few years back.

At that mileage and if you intend to get the belts done, I would go for it as it's not too badly priced for a 20v, (and it's teh later 155bhp) it's got fsh and very very low miles; also, I think they're climate as opposed to aircon - either way, make sure it works. Check footwells for leaks, alarm and immob are all OK and make SURE it ticks over smoothly as it's quite pricey to rectify.

Ther are no major issues apart from those associated with FIAT in general; ie flimsly construction (in parts) and poor electrics in some.

Goodyear rubber I see, not not owned by a Noddy.

Get them to give it 12months MoT and go for it, bust ask for the HPi cert.

IN SHORT - IF YOU WANT IT GO GET IT!!

 

[beeson100]

Cheers Rog! That must be one of your most contributive posts to date
Yeah i'm a big fan of the colour too. The interior is a bit yuck but I can live with it. I've just emailed him asking if there are any faults I should be aware of before viewing so fingers crossed.

Just found this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4Hh5bTqjy4

 

[beeson100]

Before you say it...no I don't want a big exhaust like that. I just liked the noise!

 

[RR]

Well, to be perfectly honest, you see some dogs of HGT 20v's for sale, with ridiculous mileages for a lot more wonga.

Whislt the Bravo is a lot prettier car, where else will you get 155bhp, fsh, all they keys, HPi clearance for £1300 or so?

Tell him about the cambelt position and emphasis that anyone "in the know" will realise it's not the cheapest job in the world - you never know, he may waiver, but I doubut it. Either way, it sounds quite a health price considering it's age and miles.

I dont know how old you are or your NCB position, so get an insurance quote as it will no douby be expensive for a youngish driver. And, irrespective of what anybody tells you, they are thirsty cars and running costs are quite high. It is a 155bhp engine though....

One last thing, unless you've driven a 155 before, don't expect anything exciting until you get over 4000rpm.

Please let me know how you get on, I'm genuinely interested.

 

[RR]

And........don't buy a silly "induction kit" or put ridiculous Carlos Fandango oversize wheels on it - leave it just as FIAT intended it to be.

Assuming you buy it?

 

[beeson100]

Cheers yeah I'll certainly let you know
The quote I got was bizzarely less than what i'm paying for my 1.6 Bravo!

My thoughts entirely regarding the price. There aren't many cars with that low mileage and performance for the money. Have a look at this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUR6z8-eKfQ

I may steal bits off other models in the Fiat/Alfa range does that count??

 

[RR]

No, that doesn't count.

No Max Power stickers either please.

Email Roberto, he will no doubt point you in the right direction regarding any prospective points of order as I had forgotten that he has a Marea. I think the Fashion Police let him off with a caution as he pleaded a case of having a family of four; hence the need for an estate car.

Seriously, I wish you well with it and I trust it's all the seller says it is.

 

[Richard]

The only things "common" on these check all suspension ,ball joints,etc if its got fsh just go through the paper work see whats been done you can even get your own warranty with www.warantydirect.co.uk i did with my hgt it came in really handy a leaking oil pump (extreme rare fault)cost 600 to fix free to me thanks to warranty ,anyway if theres anything you think just aint right please walk away another one will come along !!

 

[Roberto]

When you take it for a spin, listen out for any knocking when you go over bumps. This could be the anti roll links which can be a common weakness, but not expensive to fix.

And thanks Rog, for pleading my case

Rob

Marea Weekend 1.8 16v 115 ELX

 

[beeson100]

Cheers for that guys I shall check the suspension throughly. How much £££ should I ask him to take off if there is any knocking?

This is the reply I got...

car has no obvious faults engine sound great. car drives supperb but dont know about cambelt.

Not tremendously technical is it. I shall mention that it's an expensive job to replace the cambelt and hope that he knocks a few quid off.

 

[Richard]

If there is knocking ask if he will agree to have it looked at independently ie at kwik fit or somewhere local to him while your there who can advise how much it will cost to fix it!Or take some one mechanically minded to check it over for you if possible slip them a tenner or two!!

 

[RR]

Have you bought it yet, Matey?

 

[beeson100]

I looked at it this evening. It's bloody nice! Everything is immaculate not a single mark, parking dent, alloy scuff....nothing. It Drives really well too, handles well and very smooth.
The only thing is there is no mention of the cambelt being changed in the service history so in reality I would be paying £1700 for it. I'm still undecided. There was also a bit of a whirring noise coming from the aircon unit too so don't know if that was knackered or not.

HELP

 

[RR]

I though that you said you weren't bothered about the belts as you were going to get tehm done straight away, egardless?

As for the aicon unit - I don't know, but use both pointers as bargaining power.

 

[beeson100]

I didn't think the belts would be that much of a problem as I thought I could get the F3 team where I work to do it. I spoke to someone however yesterday and they don't have the right equiptment to get the engine out

The guy won't budge from £1300 as he's got two more people coming to look at it this weekend.

Ah what the hell I think i'm gonna get it

 

[RR]

You don't need to take the engine out - see the other post about a 155 20v none-starter.

 

[beeson100]

SWEET. Thanks Rog, i'm going to ring him in a minute to arrange to buy it Cheers for all your help. I shall post some pics up soon all being well!

 

[RR]

Nice One!

Where are you in Eng by the way?

 

[beeson100]

Picking it up Saturday afternoon I'm from Daventry near Northampton so my petrol bill this week will be pretty high!