How far do you go when viewing a car.

[warrenpfo]

Off to view a 100 on Sat that looks clean but you never know until you have had a good look.

I wondered how far is too far when viewing a cruiser.

Should I be undoing the diff fill plugs to check the quality of the oil even if I am going to replace it as it could give you an indication if water has made it in which then means seals would need doing. Do you jack each of the front wheel us to check for bearing play, how about removing the rear light cluster to check for cossosian in the rear panel from water which can get in through the rubber grommets under that get punctured when a tow bar is fitted.

Can I plug my fault code reader in to check for faults or if you dont have one short the approprite pins and how does one get around the "you cant drive the car as you are not insured" problem if it comes up as for me no drive no buy but you would be supprised how many people have told me I am not insured so cant drive but they are happy to take me for a drive.

Lastly does anyone have any good negotiation tips for this http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/t ... ?logcode=p

I know it has a full service history and has been inthe same family since new. There are no back seats so can use that to get a few pounds off but was hoping to get it for closer to £18. I am prepared to walk away but having had a look around it does seem a good price for the year and age.

Still a crap load of money though.

 

[Gary Stockton]

That looks pretty good. I guess I'd like to see the previous MOTs for Coombes as well as service invoices and then plug in my tester. Wouldn't get too invasive. The test drive issue depends on how keen I was I guess - have the owner drive is an ok compromise of I was interested.

HTH

Cheers

 

[Jon Wildsmith]

If they're a motor trader I'd expect them to have a trade policy that would cover you.

 

[AndycruiserguyLomas]

I'm with Jon on the motor trader policy thing, you will be insured for a test drive I would bet. Car looks great.

best of luck

Andy

 

[wobbly]

If you've got the correct obd reader that shouldnt be a problem, although the paperclip version probably is best avoided.

As its a dealer, ask them to put it on a ramp so you can have a good look at it underneath, no problem in asking about diff oils etc.

By the looks of it, it hasnt been round the track at Lincomb too often though!

Ask the garage if they have the various hpi type print outs as well.

Pete

 

[warrenpfo]

Cheers all thanks for the reply’s. I am trying to remain disinterested and unexcited as I know its best to leave emotions at the door when viewing cars.

Will ask for all the checks that have been mentioned and let you all know how it goes.

 

[Nick Shepherd]

As to how far, I went that London to get mine and I know Andy doesn't mind a bit of a trip for a cruiser

 

[frank rabbets]

I have the same 04 model I bought from Toyota Croydon. It had 1 previous owner and I talked to him before I bought it. I had it up on their ramp. In addition A TIP !!! The previous owner said there had been no paintwork but to check the body for replacement panels these should all have their original paper stickers on with the chassis number. Bonnet, 2 front wings, 4 doors, 2 tailgate sections. Also check the glass is all Toyota marked.

It took 2 years to find mine and there are now hardly any on the Toyota site.

Check it hasn't been clocked. MOT's and talk to the original owner. You are entitled to have sight of the log book and his name and address will be there.

I may be selling mine but would not let it go for anything near as low as £18 so you may well be on to a bargain.

Let us know.
Frank

 

[AndycruiserguyLomas]

Yes you're right Nick, I don't mind a fair run out to fetch a Cruiser if the sums add up. Christmas eve morning I did a 600 mile round trip to fetch a 60 from the south coast, and boxing day morning I fetched your 60 which was 800 mile round trip. Mind you both trips were a doddle in the "Enterprise".

When its a rare model or its just what you want you sometimes have to travel. In 97 when I was searching for a low mileage 80 I looked at 30 cars and travelled over 2k miles before I bought my silver one, it must have been worth it as I still have it and its still a good car all these years later.

Have a good warm day

Andy (TTG)

 

[warrenpfo]

To update.

It's a no

Nice bunch of guys but they know nothing about cruisers.

Bad points are rust in the top section of the rear tailgate which is common, leak on the transfer box which looks like a seal, only serviced 3 times in 57k with no or little service history. Chap said the belts had been replaced but no stickers to prove it and the chaps that had serviced it I had not heard of so to me it had no service history worth knowing of.

Plugged the code reader in and a number of airbag codes camp up which may indicate a prior accident but it looked straight. Some very bad scratches on the roof needed new tyres all round and a little body work to prevent rust on the passenger rear quarter along with a rear passenger light cluster as the current one had a hole in it from a scrape.

Oh well the search continues.

 

[chadr]

Oh well, at least you went, had a look and crossed this one off your list. It would have been worse if you hadn't and kept thinking "what if...?"

I'm sure the right Cruiser will turn up with your name on it - all in good time!