newbie in need of help!

[robbie1985]

hello,

i am looking at getting a vitara as a run around/ weekend offroad toy. i have seen a few on fleabay that i am interested in but need some advice on what i need to look out for when viewing one? i'm fairly compentent on the basics just looking to find out anything specific to do with the vitaras. i am looking at get one that has already had a lift and wheels and tyres and dont expect it to be perfect. what sort of areas do i need to be looking out for or rust etc? cheers

[donkeychomp]

Where are you? You could come and look at mine.

They rust badly at the rear wheel arches. Apart from that the usual areas, the windscreen surround can rot. Check out the no dosh vitara thread for more handy info.

[robbie1985]

Hey cheers for the reply,

I'll check out that thread, where a outs are you? Do you have a thread to your vit? :-)

I am down in Portsmouth and am going to look at this vit tomorrow evening http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suzuki-vitara ... 5b0aeb2f05

Have been looking around and this one seems like its just what I am looking for although not to sure about the paint job!lol

[Anton]

I have a sneaking suspicion that it's not road legal...

If not, then buy Donkeychomp's Vitara, then you know that you are getting a really good truck.

Even if it is road legal, DC's Vit is still really really worth looking at first!

[robbie1985]

It's test runs out in April so my plan is to put it in for a new one straight away and do any work that needs to be done for April. What makes you think that it's not road legal? I need to gaver up as much info as possible!lol

It's all down to my budget really, I've had a read through donkey chomps build thread for his vit and it's lovely, just out of my price range I fear!!

[Anton]

The eBay app on my phone didn't say anything about the MOT, and the title just seems like the title of an offroad only vehicle!

Stupid ebay app!

[robbie1985]

Don't take it to badly, the app gets to the best of us!lol!

I'm seeing it tomorrow any how so will be going armed with my trusty mag light, screwdriver and magnet. Is there anything engine wise I should be looking out for, it's been off road so it is there anything to look out for?

Sorry for all the questions, just don't wanna buy a lemon lol

[donkeychomp]

Piglet 3 is staying. I can't drive P6 at the moment as she has no wipers...plus 3 is so reliable it would be daft to sell it. And there are still bits I need to do to her (isn't that always the way?).

Buying a Vit matey is like any other car apart from the 4x4 bit. Drive it in all gears and make sure it all works...oil, coolant, check for white gunge on the oil filler cap. Lift up the carpets and look for rust, especially at the rear arches. Check all the suspension...but that is cheap to fit new bits. Make sure numbers match on the V5. If you like the car but see some problems point them out and use it as a bargaining point. If you buy the car through ebay and it is as described you have to buy it. If it's not...haggle.

Good luck!

ps cheers Anton...Piglet 3 is smiling

[robbie1985]

Cheers for the tips, I'm hoping to make him an offer and buy it tonight if it all checks out. What sort of price do you think that it would go for? I was thinking around £750 mark due to the short test and the advisories from the last mot noting some corrosion to the underside.

[zook123]

It also makes you wonder why he has rollered it? Is that to cover up more Rot?