35 replies to this topic

[JamieT]

Hello All,

First post from a long term MX-5 owner who will be entering the vx220 world.

I'm going to see a yellow VX220 at a dealer with only 18,000 miles. It doesn't have any service history but the mileage checks out on the DVLA web site and it is apparently HPI clear (so the dealer says).

It has a VIN ending in #3075 and I don't think is on any of the lists on here. The reg plate ends in "JYZ".

What should I look out for? All help appreciated...

What are the known gotchas that I need to check?

Thanks,
Jamie.

Edited by JamieT, 28 June 2010 - 11:44 AM.

[LY_Scott]

Its LY 004

recently onsale at Brighouse auctions:

LY004

Saw this on Thursday at Birghouse BCA. Bid on it, but went for more than I was prepared to pay.

Had had lots of paint during its life, has covered 18k and 3 owners. Seemed mechanically fine (well what you can tell during an auction)

It was bought by a internet bidder (trader, so sure it will turn up shortly).

[JamieT]

The DVLA web site lists the following MOT advisories from just a few months a go. Is there anything I should be worried about? It strange it's had so many advisories with such a low mileage - does it indicate it's been tracked?

Advisory Notice issued

Front also corroding Brake disc(s) (3.5.1h)

Rear also corroding Brake disc(s) (3.5.1h)

Nearside inner Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Offside inner Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Service brake Your vehicle has only just met the required service brake efficiency. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.A.9)

Some corrosion over the front and rear steering and suspension components

Both front tyres perishing, splitting and wearing on the inner edge

Unable to view the under bonnet fuel and brake lines fully

Unable to view the front to rear fuel and brake lines fully

[LY_Scott]

Brakes, corrosion and tyres make it sound like its being sitting about for a while. New set of tyres and a good run will sort the brakes out. Inner track rod ends will be the rack but is probably a titan rack which is a £100 refurb, the dealer should cover this. Corrosion on the suspension components, look out for perishing spring seats. OEM shocks are expensive, aftermarket shocks are available and is probably something you'll end up changing anyway.

Edited by LY055SCO, 28 June 2010 - 11:56 AM.

[snoopstah]

The DVLA web site lists the following MOT advisories from just a few months a go. Is there anything I should be worried about? It strange it's had so many advisories with such a low mileage - does it indicate it's been tracked?

Indicates to me it's been barely driven in the 9 years since it was made.

Doesn't look like the most well-maintained example, especially with no service history (another one where you can bet it won't have had the 9ish services it should have had!)

I wouldn't pay a premium just because of the low mileage -- it needs a full service immediately on purchase inc. brake fluid (I wouldn't negotiate this into the sale as if the garage is dodgy they may say they did it but didn't). Plus new discs and new front tyres.

Personally I'd always buy a higher-mileage car that's been driven, maintained and had the niggles worked out than a low-mileage car that's been apparently neglected a little.

[JamieT]

Thanks for the advice. The remark about it having "lots of paint" has completely put me off. For the price I would expect it to be perfect.

I noticed it has been debadged front and rear - does this require any filling of holes or are the badges simply stuck on?

My heart is set on an orange one but they seem rare:

[LY_Scott]

Thanks for the advice. The remark about it having "lots of paint" has completely put me off. For the price I would expect it to be perfect.

I noticed it has been debadged front and rear - does this require any filling of holes or are the badges simply stuck on?

Rear badges are just stuck on, lots of people take them off. Front V is screwed on from behind the grill and can be removed by taking the clam off. Most likely to have been cut/drilled off. Not as coarse as it sounds and quite common.

My heart is set on an orange one but they seem rare:

Mandarin my son

Edited by LY055SCO, 28 June 2010 - 12:35 PM.

[G-Bob]

Mandarin my son

.....another way of saying Fancy orange!

[The Batman]

its the best colour!

i am turning into fab and his spam picture

[JamieT]

So I take it that Mandarin is a pretty rare find then? (never seen one on the streets)

[Ben Cole]

I wouldn't worry about the car "having paint". I didn't see many VXs that wouldn't have benefitted from some paint. The standard of paint and the type of car means that after a few years wear and tear starts to catch up with our little plastic cars.

[rob999]

Mandarin is the most common of colours and hence its not the best IMO!!

Edited by rob999, 28 June 2010 - 03:32 PM.

[ken355]

it looks like a tidy car Jamie - and most of them have seen some new paint at some stage. Prob lust the wheel arches and the front end - which they all suffer from stone chips. ball joints and track rod ends thed to waer anyway (I've had mine done twice in 3 years) It looks the dogs in yellow and with any luck it will be a Lightning model with hard top and black surrounds and with just 18K on the clock its barley run in. remember alot of lads buy VX's and then think they are too hardcore fro everyday use. Drive it and see what its like.

[Ouchie]

Also, throw up the location and a local VXer might be able to meet you there or do a reccy and check it out.

[Tfp]

The DVLA web site lists the following MOT advisories from just a few months a go. Is there anything I should be worried about? It strange it's had so many advisories with such a low mileage - does it indicate it's been tracked?

Advisory Notice issued

Front also corroding Brake disc(s) (3.5.1h)

Rear also corroding Brake disc(s) (3.5.1h)

Nearside inner Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Offside inner Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Service brake Your vehicle has only just met the required service brake efficiency. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.A.9)

Some corrosion over the front and rear steering and suspension components

Both front tyres perishing, splitting and wearing on the inner edge

Unable to view the under bonnet fuel and brake lines fully

Unable to view the front to rear fuel and brake lines fully

Front tyres perishing and splitting, as already said, sounds like its had little use and certainly not a lot of track use unless they used track wheels.

Occasional use on a track is not going to ruin a car, depends on how its driven, some cars get enough abuse on a public road.

I wouldn't worry too much about any of those advisories, some MOT testers love to write loads of advisories, some dont. Its easy to advise that a component has corrosion on it unless its new.

Regarding the comment "loads of paint." This is where you need someone to inspect the car, needs to be someone who is familiar with a VX, plenty of people on here who may do it for beer money, could be the best few quid you will ever spend.

Repainting is common on these cars, probably not many 8 year old VX's that are still on their original paint. An expert will tell you whether its a satisfactory paint job or not.

A sports or prestige car with no service history is a shame, it will be difficult to resell. I dont know how any car dealer can sell a car with no history and then stand by the mileage, call me fussy if you like, but I would not retail a car to the public without being able to guarantee the mileage, because they can come back at you later if its found to be incorrect and trading standards would have something to say.

Sorry to waffle, golden rule number 1, your spending a lot of cash, get the car looked at by one of our VX member anoracks, you will find ORG a very helpful and friendly bunch.

Edited by Tfp, 28 June 2010 - 04:20 PM.

[JamieT]

Okay so that car is near Farnborough - anyone want to come and see it with me on Wednesday or Thursday this week? (I've got time off work). Please send me a PM

[JamieT]

Oh and this is the car btw. All comments welcome http://cgi.ebay.co.u...#ht_1437wt_1137

[bazMV6]

So I take it that Mandarin is a pretty rare find then? (never seen one on the streets)

Only 20 of them (at most) in the UK. 21 if you include Ireland. And only 3 turbos.

[snoopstah]

EBC Greenstuff pads need changing for something decent ASAP, they are dangerously bad on the VX when cold. Has the rare centre strut fitted, but also looks like someone's replaced the gearknob with something chavvy. Otherwise nothing obvious I can spot in the photos. That's a hell of a price though for a 2002 NA with zero documentation and from everything that can be seen has been maintained on a shoestring...

Edited by snoopstah, 28 June 2010 - 04:37 PM.

[Ouchie]

Can see the hard top but is the soft top tucked behind the seats or in the boot. Some rough high end estimates...would not want to drive the car away without the important ones being sorted. Good service with new spark plugs (£200) Disks + pads + brake/cluth fluid + fitting (£350) Tyres (correct Bridgestone DOT code for VX or KU31 alternatives) (£450) New track rod ends + 4 wheel geo/alignment setup (£120) Budget for some extra work. Replacing brake lines with braided hoses. Might need a new battery (£60) Replacement alloy radiator + coolant tank + coolant refresh (£500)

Edited by Ouchie, 28 June 2010 - 04:52 PM.