General Getting a 20vt in a couple of months, any advice please?

[burney_hgt]

Going to get the coupe 20vt in a couple of months , i was just wondering if anybody can tel me what the car is like 2 drive? and what to look for when buying 1? Thanks

 

[Si - Punto]

I've never driven one so I cant help there.

As for what to look for, I notice you currently own a Bravo HGT so you need to look out for anything that you would look out for with the Bravo's engine (cambelt/tensioners, waterpump etc)

I dont think the Coupe has many (if any) specific problems to look out for but my knowledge of them is limited at best.

Im sure some of the 20vt owners will be along shortly to help you out.

 

[mountainmachine]

I'd imagine to check for turbo problems, but dont know how, currently has a boost issue on my volvo, so know they can be a bit tempremental with all the extra stuff involved. Good service history too, fcccuk or whatever they call themselves these days have some good guides on buyiong etc.

 

[pinin__prestatyn]

http://www.fccuk.org/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=7718&page=1#Post7718

Have a read of that. If you're a bit unsure, perhaps take a more coupe-literate person with you! see here

http://www.fccuk.org/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=38639&page=1#Post38639

 

[burney_hgt]

yeah thats alot of help thanks , will have 2 rememba it now 4 wen i go 2 look at 1.

 

[burney_hgt]

What about all the oil pressures and that? like what shoule they be on? cheers

 

[pinin__prestatyn]

Well, I never see below 2bar on my 100K coop, and it shoots off the scale (which stops at 3 bar) as soon as I touch the accelerator. I think they say anything less than 1.5 bar on idle when warm, and the engine could be tired. You should see 3 bar past about 1500RPM or walk away.

 

[h2ypr]

Well, I never see below 2bar on my 100K coop, and it shoots off the scale (which stops at 3 bar) as soon as I touch the accelerator. I think they say anything less than 1.5 bar on idle when warm, and the engine could be tired. You should see 3 bar past about 1500RPM or walk away.

Bit of clarification required pinin.

3 bar over 2k, but its all down to the oil you use aswell. I used to use 10w40 and 5w40 and used to get 1.5 bar idle and 3 bar over 2k.

Now i use 10w50 and get 2.5 idle and 3 bar over 1.5/2k. But its a thicker oil. That can make a difference. Most coupe owners use 10w40, but ask before u check the gauge. Also tell them to not start the car before you come. This way you can listen to how easy it starts and see how long it gets from 0-3 bar on cold idle. It should be literally 1-2 secs once its on. Also if there is a ticking noise on first startup, its the manifold which is £300+ for the manifold alone and then labour on top. Should be good for up to 500-800 off the price straight away. Also while talking to the buyer allow the car to idle for 10-15 mins and see if the exhaust starts to smoke. If so the turbo is shagged and i would personally walk away. Although its repairable, it could be the sign of other problems due to neglect.

Ross

 

[burney_hgt]

cheerz av 2 keep that in mind think im going 2 look at 1 in southend on monday so going 2 av 2 giv it a good check over. thanks

 

[burney_hgt]

Went 2 southend to have a look at a 20vt on mon. It looked great and the test drive went smoothly, i totally loved the car but it only had 2 MOT certificates and had some service history including the cambelt change. When i looked under the bonnet it didnt look too clean at all so im not sure. Wot do you lot think? its got 71k (r reg) and its £2500

 

[pinin__prestatyn]

Well, you're not going to get a mint, full history coupe for 2 and a half grand! sounds good. Just follow the guide and perhaps a HPI check.

 

[h2ypr]

Well, you're not going to get a mint, full history coupe for 2 and a half grand! sounds good. Just follow the guide and perhaps a HPI check.

Agreed. To be honest, probably better getting another 1k together and getting on to fccuk and buying one from one of the "established" members.

Or get yourself 6k together and i'll sell ya my monster!!

Ross

 

[pinin__prestatyn]

...or buy a mint plus for the same money!

 

[burney_hgt]

lol thanks rang him up the next day 2 arrange finance and he sold it but im going 2 save a bit more now any way and look for a better one. Bad 2 mention on here might be thinking of a rather ugly but mean.. nissan pulsar.

 

[pinin__prestatyn]

I like them! just buy carefully. Many of them are ancient and have been ragged to death. Gearbox made of chocolate, cr@p brakes. I've heard of clutch problems on them too. Oh - sit in the coupe, then go sit in the pulsar. Take in the ambience of the interior. NICE! :yuck:

 

[h2ypr]

The pulsar is just like the mini subaru. If you can stick the blinkers on and tell yourself it looks that ugly cause its 4wd, you'll be fine. Otherwise you'll realise the interior looks like the inside of a video player and burn it in anger.

Ross

 

[burney_hgt]

No what u mean, went to have a look at another 20vt and the interior is quality in them. Love the dash. If only i had enough cash for a LE.