Buying a 2.0 Calibra from Norwich

[simon_709]

Hi im new to the site and am looking at a 2.0 Calibra. just wondering if there are any hints/tips for buying one of these as i dnt no a great deal about them.

cherz

[djbrowney]

what sort of model engine size are you looking for ?

[simon_709]

well ive seen the 1 i mite get, its my mates 16v 2.0 1996, jw if theres anything to look out 4

[EY]

Usual stuff bud, nothing really specific to the 2.0 Ecotec. Make sure it goes and stops without any dodgy noises, changes gear smoothly, all the electrics work as they should, no warning lights on the dash, check for oil in the water/water in the oil, rusty arches, ect, ect.

Is it for sale in Norwich? What colour is it?

[simon_709]

ok the usual stuff then, yeh in norwich its dark blue, not been advertised thou, sometimes up asda in norwich

[MarkW]

DEFFO check oil in water and vice versa, Ecotec 2.0 engines love a head gasket!

My old calibra did just that, I dropped in a red top and F20.

Shouldn't be much rust on a 96 car.

[MSG]

Test drive can reveal a lot, like noises and rattles, stability, pulling to one side etc, brakes, acceleration, steering/power steering, drive a good distance until engine is hot, so any issues with HG can be revealed, any smoke from the engine, i.e. oil burning or worn piston rings due to high mileage, steady idling, etc, check engine under the bonnet for overall cleanliness, no bodges have been made to it, check for the oil colour - do this whilst the engine is cool, very dark colour and thick oil would indicate car's not had an oil change, ask him when it was last servicesd and when was the timing belt last seen to or changed, i.e at what mileage and if any reciepts can back up that date or mileage. look for any rust etc, dents, or major repairs/welding to underside, any tell tale signs of chassi having been straightened, any suspecious new paint or spray patteren can tell part of the car has been in a crash, check the engine number and chasis numbers match on log book, see previous MOT's to confirm milegae, any service history, finally check all electrical stuff like sun roof, wipers, blower, heated windows and mirrors work, heated seats, check oil pressure if a gauge is fitted specially when it is hot and at idle it should always be more than 1.5bars to around 2 bars with engine really Hot, (96 degrees or more)

Check tyres condition, any wheel balance issues so take the car for a fast spin, to see if any viberations or wobbling occurs at any speeds due to wheel balance issues. And ask him whats the battery like? it may be on its way out!! you don't want a car that is going to need lots of things replaced like battery, brakes pads, screen wipers, exaust, lights etc. oil fileter and service, as all of these can reflect in the price of the car.

[simon_709]

ok thanks 4 ur help guys.