Collect Turbo Tomorrow - Top Checklist Tips?

Greetings from Crowborough, East Sussex. I'm collecting my Turbo tomorrow from a well-known, reputable dealer and am sure all will be fine prior to handing over my cash! It is immaculate and should be a good buy. I've found this site very useful and learnt about spark plug water problems, leaky roofs and poor heaters to name a few! I'd be very grateful if there are any other top tips I should look out for prior to collection. I've got some web downloads that I'll use to help as my checklist regardless. Please let me know of any obvious ones that I may need to be aware of - but please don't try and scare me or get too technical! I've secured a 12 month warranty afterall! Looking forward to meeting other owners soon and trying to get to meet with the guys in Kent that met yesterday. Cheers, Stephen.

Make sure the spare tyre has enough tread, they are hard to find.

Make sure the spare tyre has enough tread, they are hard to find.

Hi Stephen - welcome! Sorry to rain on your parade, but please tell me you've seen it before handing over any cash? The ones I've seen (all at dealerships) have all been dodgy, and not at all how the dealers described them (in ads or on the 'phone).

All I can say is, don't consider your check tomorrow to be cursory/paying lip service (as it were - I can't think of the right phrase). Look at absolutely everything, and allow yourself a lot of time. As per experience on my latest escapade, if it's not on your list already definitely check for overspray, and check under the carpet in the boot (thanks Guy!).

Star has a full and fantastic checklist - don't want to circulate without his approval though. Perhaps drop him a PM?

I wish you luck, and hope it's a babe. Post an update when you've collected...

Edited by Yellow_or_black?, 07 October 2007 - 08:38 PM.

Make sure the spare tyre has enough tread, they are hard to find.

Ignore him, Stephen, he has had a long day...............

Age? Miles? FSH at the correct time intervals? Have you driven it? HPI Check? Spoken to previous owner?

Make sure the spare tyre has enough tread, they are hard to find.

Hi Stephen - welcome! Sorry to rain on your parade, but please tell me you've seen it before handing over any cash? The ones I've seen (all at dealerships) have all been dodgy, and not at all how the dealers described them.

All I can say is, don't consider your check tomorrow to be cursory/paying lip service (as it were - I can't think of the right phrase). Look at absolutely everything, and allow yourself a lot of time. As per experience on my latest escapade, if it's not on your list already definitely check for overspray, and check under the carpet in the boot (thanks Guy!).

Star has a full and fantastic checklist - don't want to circulate without his approval though. Perhaps drop him a PM?

I wish you luck, and hope it's a babe. Post an update when you've collected...

Great thanks - yes went over there last weekend and spend two hours there. Took plenty of photos, went through the service logs, vehicle history etc. I've never been so thorough when looking at a vehicle. If I have any doubt tomorrow, I will walk away and get my (refundable) deposit back. I will certainly have a real close look at respray and search hard for accident damage. Let's expect the worst and anything else is a bonus!

where are you getting it from? hpi check? check service booklet? all up to date? check all tyres,brakes check for spare key/fob/code card mot? when is it due? check vaux recall line for outstanding warranty work? make sure you drive it check roof condition, roof bag there? check sills ,top and bottom, for cracks etc

These are great - thanks guys. I'm going to give this guy an inquest tomorrow! I'm confident with all of the above, but will not take anything for granted. It's from a recognised independent dealer that specialises in VX's and Elise's. Probably paying a premium for that privalege - but would rather not save £1k and buy a piece of junk. Must try and find that spare tyre behind the back seats, or is it on the roof rack! S.

Check the wheel lock bolt is there Check the clutch for slip, your warranty won't cover it and its a big labour bill to replace! But most of all don't boot it the second you drive it off the forecourt, Vx's bite... Take it nice and easy and enjoy!

Post a couple of the pics up

It's from a recognised independent dealer that specialises in VX's and Elise's

Adrian Blyth?

Check the wheel lock bolt is there

Check the clutch for slip, your warranty won't cover it and its a big labour bill to replace!


But most of all don't boot it the second you drive it off the forecourt, Vx's bite...

Take it nice and easy and enjoy!

Take note and most importantly - don't get too close to hesitant Audi A8's with a woman next to you that is chewing your ear off, nagging like a good 'un!

Don't drive it like you've stolen it, pay her a little respect and take it easy. Be sure to put a few pics and details up for us when you have collected her!

Just watch out for the usual niggles - odd squeeks and rattles, any knocking, loose bits, cracks, any over spray or rough lines. Check the wheels, tyres, coolant tank for UV damage ... all the usual. Do a search


Best of luck

Hiya, and welcome. Here is a checklist I collated off these very forums when I was looking for mine, there are a few repetitions in it but it just needs cleaning up! Here we go... QUESTIONS TO ASK - What is the vehicle build number? (the last 4 digits of the VIN) - you will need this for HPI Check plus also to investigate some car history on the website. - Have you had the car in for the Vauxhall safety recalls for ABS and airbag? - Have you had the car in for any warranty work, for leaks or anything else? Paint bubbles on clam? - Any trackday use? - What condition is the soft top in? - What condition is the hard top in? - Do the boot release and bonnet release work with no problems? - Do the heater controls work fully? (e.g. rotate smoothly) - Is the heater effective? Ask if the 'Sock mod' is done (stops flies and stones from being blown into the drivers face!) - How much tread left on the rear tyres? Front tyres? - Is there any damage / wear / tears on drivers seat? (e.g. they wear easily) - Do the drivers seat runners have any play in them, e.g. does the seat rock/move under acceleration, cornering, etc.? - Does the radiator fan work? What temperature does it kick in at? - Do you have the locking wheel nut key (IMPORTANT)? - Can you give the dates, mileage and locations of servicing? - Can you confirm the length of warranty remaining? (IF ANY) - Does the vehicle have any accident history or outstanding finance? - Who was the previous owner? Was it previously a demonstrator? - Number of previous owners? - Full Vauxhall Service History during the warranty period? - Garaged regularly? Questions to ask: Has it ever been involved in an accident of any kind? Has there ever been any repairs? Make sure it is not a cat C or D. Has the Geometry been checked by anyone? Has all the Recall work been done? Airbag+abs upgrades? Phone for Data check, HPi Road test: verify alignment and steering behavior on rough asphalt. Doors & roof squeaks/fitment Dash squaks/rattles 'Ticking' sound from side air vents at idle Soft top loses tension Items that belong to car: Check the soft top for stains/cuts/cables comprising the main part, two placcy supporting rods, softop fitting instruction laminated sheet. all in a black draw-string sack should be in the boot or on the little shelf behind the seats. Service history ... done at correct intervals and fully stamped. Low mileage examples are even more important to keep serviced reguarly. It's 10,000 miles or 1 year - whichever is sooner. Even if the owner only does 2k pa it needs servicing every 12 months regardless. should have had a service at 1,000 miles then 10,000 mile services since then every 12 months, and maybe additional optional oil changes Locking wheel nut Key Logbook and service history Tyre inflator aerosol thingy Stereo code? Alarm code? Spare key hardtop, the hardtop fitting guide laminated sheet, and the Torx tool to fit/remove the top should be in a big, black open-out-flat, velcro'd bag for the hardtop and in the boot too. Exterior Check: Chassis number - plate at the bottom of the dash on the passenger side, viewable from outside through the windscreen. - sticker near the door catch (drivers side) - stamped onto the chassis, if you look through the drivers side front wheel Bodywork. look closely for splits/cracks and bad resprays. Windscreen, gets cracked where people get in and out. Some stonechips are normal and unavoidable...be wary if it is TOO clean roof seals for any sign of a leak misting light clusters Roof Seals, where the roof meets the windscreen, is it one clean line or has it been nibbled. Door/boot Locks, Sticky to turn? Front reg plate, Screwed on or stuck on? Make sure it is stuck on, some of us have switched Trims/mouldings Wheel Rims Check that all tyres are the same code / brand Paint Quality (check for windscreen wiper chips) Check play on doors Tyres. fresh ones are a bonus as they're not super cheap to replace soft top cables (if its not fitted, fit it) photos of any existing damage (big stone chips, scratches, damaged panels) creaky suspension due to track rod ends drying out. especially the one near the exhaust! Windscreen wiper fouls bonnet when lifted...causing ignorant monkeys to chip the paint Interior Check: Fully test the windows/door for rattles, check gap at the top wobbly drivers seat steering column for any sign of looseness roof seals for any sign of a leak Transmission Tunnel Scratches, When the seat slides forward the seat belt buckle can scratch the transmission tunnel. Check Light switches, a bit plastically for me, I have had a couple of problems trying to turn them off. Check all switches work Trims/mouldings Screen washer bottle works Boot/engine cover release - down behind the drivers seat, reach behind and to your right if you are sat in the seat Front bay - reach down into the passenger footwell and under the dash is the release. Make sure you pull it towards the passenger side of the car, and not up towards you if you are sat in the seat (easier to stand outside and reach in for this one) otherwise it will probably pop off in your hand bonnet lever breaks off Engine check: coolant/oil levels - if it is low could be a sign of a leak get a flashlight and inspect the rear undertrays for engine/trasmission. leaks Engine. warm it up, check it gets up to temp and the fan kicks in. Corrosion on Headlight internals Coolant header tank reservoir return feed splits Alternator belt slips and needs modified pulley New expansion tank? Water ingress kit? any water in the boot? check plugs/dis pack for water ingress level/colour of brake fluid radiator condition Check the hydraulic hoses, directly around the servo, exposed to UV they do seem to perish bi-annually Check the brakes engine mounts exhaust heat shield you can see the coolant level easily (should be at the seam on the bottle once warm) Stuff to take: Rag to clear windows if weather is grim Flashlight Sunglasses

As if by magic!

Greetings from Crowborough, East Sussex.

I'm collecting my Turbo.....

I'd be very grateful if there are any other top tips I should look out for prior to collection.

Cheers, Stephen.

Insist on having the car up on ramps for underbody view. I did'nt and later found cracked sill and undertray damage which I cannot prove hasn't been done b4 collection.
If they tell you you are not insured to go in the workshop, offer to sign, or take with you a disclaimer.

Enjoy!!

Edited by Coral flash, 07 October 2007 - 09:26 PM.

It's from a recognised independent dealer that specialises in VX's and Elise's

Adrian Blyth?

Yeah, you guessed it.

I'l take a deep breath and see if you guys give him negative feedback!

brought my black turbo from there three weeks ago. cannot fault them one bit. youll see my one there tomorrow as adrian is personally taking to get it serviced as i cant get the time during the week. im guessing you brought the other black one. if i remember its a 54 plate like mine? has it had its first MOT? adrian gets nothing but a big from me

brought my black turbo from there three weeks ago. cannot fault them one bit.

youll see my one there tomorrow as adrian is personally taking to get it serviced as i cant get the time during the week.

im guessing you brought the other black one. if i remember its a 54 plate like mine? has it had its first MOT?

adrian gets nothing but a big from me

Thanks Adam - I may just sleep tonight!

It is the black one, as you guessed. He does seem a good outfit and well rated. I'll take your experience as a positive one and hope the same happens to me.

The MOT was done last week, just been serviced, warrantied etc.

I've got my comprehensive list - I hope he has a few hours spare tomorrow morning!

I'll look out for yours tomorrow and check the showroom shine is still intack!

good man. it sounds like youve gone in with your eyes wide open, just double check anything on the lists that you might have forgotton. mine is needing a good clean, hadnt had chance to do it this weekend good luck, looking forward to hearing how you get on

Thanks for the tips yesterday everyone, particularly to Star who was very thorough. Poor dealer got quized by me for the best part of 2 hours! I certainly wouldn't have thought of all the questions listed in the above responses. I had the feeling I was seen as being a little insulting by my attention to detail and lack of trust of them - but it is a big buy afterall and there is no point taking chances. My only find was not having the key code details which we have requested. The car itself is a great drive and is immaculate. I took it easy at first and tested the throttle after a good few miles! All seems sound - new brake pads and discs this year (great £800 or so cost that I haven't got to invest in later on!), full service 500 miles ago, plus 1 year warranty on top. The previous owner hasn't gone halfs with the servicing and parts replacement either - plus upgraded speakers is a bonus, new heat protector, new heater pumps etc. Adam - saw your one today out the back. Shame about the bird poop on the bonnet eh? Best get some Autoglym out then! Let me know which neck of the woods you are located in and we can compare notes perhaps. What's the scoop on shower caps? Yeah or neah? Mine is in the driveway only unfortunately! All I have got to do now is sell my MR2 and get some of my money back to pay for this new purchase..... S.