Advise on a 20V

Been looking for a 20v for about a month now. I want one in black or silver with leather, lowish mileage and one that doesn't need a cambelt change straight away.

This one looks pretty good and is not far from me. Cambelt was done 26k ago. My only worry is that the engine bay looks filthy for a low mileage car. Haven't done a HPI check yet though. I won't get a chance to see it before the auction ends so it's a bit risky I know.

Thoughts?

Ebay link

The cambelt will be good for a while if it was done 26k ago. I wouldnt worry too much about the condition of the engine bay as some people just arent 'engine bay cleaners' (ok there is quite a bit of rust where the bonnet opens/closes), ive seen a lot worse, mine isnt much better . The guy has sold a hell of a lot of things on ebay and still has 100 percent feedback which is reassuring and it looks like a very tidy coupe. Have you asked him roughly where the reserve is as if no-one else bids on it you could get a bit of a bargain?

Thats a nice example of a non turbo. I would personally see if you can go and have a look at it, maybe make the guy an offer outside of ebay, he will probably take it if you show him the money

Check all of the electrical switches, wipers, airbag light. Check the past few MOTs for any advisories. . .

Good luck mate and let us know how you get on!

Thanks guys. He said he'd take £1400 so I offered £1300 but he hasn't got back to me yet.

What does the non turbo 20v put out btw? 150bhp?

Early one like that - 147bhp

(later VIS ones 155bhp)

Just done a vehicle check and it's been changed from blue to black and had a plate change! £3.95 well spent.
Not stolen, written off or anything like that though, confusing?!

ink black sometimes called blue black so may not necessarily mean much - is it recorded as an insurance loss. number change may not mean anything odd. I am surprised that a T reg is not the later vis model which was introduced late 98/early 99.

Not listed as written off, stolen or scrapped. Just says reg is subject to a colour and plate change.

What's a vis model?

Variable induction system afaik
I have one,couldnt get insured on a 20vt but could on a 16vt but went for the sound over the power,sound silly i know but it sounds amazing after 4500.

It changes the inlet manifold geometry

You still going to go for the car? When you look at it check the color deep down in the engine bay. If its been a cheapo re-spray you will see the original color.

The 20V NAs push about 147/150BHP you can buy a chip of FLEA on the forum which will bump it up a little bit give you better response in 3/4 gear and also save you on fuel ;o)

Good luck with the buy. . .

Mario

i was looking at this coupe until i found out it wasnt a VIS. the sellers reserve is 1500 but if you go to him he'l 1400 cash he said. shame it wasnt a VIS

whats your reasons for the VIS over the non VIS
just out of interest?

I like the inlet and how it works over the normal 20v na

any chance you can explain the differences between the two cars . . . .im intregued.

Mario

Mmmm,me so horny for a VIS, what's the difference? I like the inlet, mmmm ; Carry on guys by all means,it's funny listening to you.

Joe (Country cruising) did a really good explanation of the vis system with photos a while back, do a search and I'm sure you'll find it.
Look under the bonnet if its got a plastic inlet manifold and not an alloy one you've got a vis. I'd also check the rad and brakes but if you are a reasonable spanner jockey they're easy jobs.
Personally I think they're great and 154 bhp is enough for my driving, rarely does it feel slow.
Wal