Looking at buying a astra.

[Astiman]

Hi All,

I've recently passed my test and I am looking to buy a 1.4 16v 1994 astra ive seen for sale with 55k, It has already been lowered, and it has a straight through s/s exhaust and it also has angel eyes.

I'm going to look at the car tomorrow and I was wondering if anybody will give me advice on what to look for with these cars?

I'll be looking to do modifications when I buy such as clear indicators, But what other modifications do you guys think are good?

Thanks Astiman

 

[danh]

Going on the "recently passed my test" im assuming your not much older than 18 ? Insurance will be dear, so i wouldnt really go adding any performance mods to it as such.

If you want to keep it simple, given that you already have angel eyes and lowering springs, clear side reps, debadge, colour code the boot spoiler, de-bumpstrip. Shouldn't cost more than a score.

You really want to be checking the usual stuff really and, rear arches, top mounts, headgasket ect.

 

[Astiman]

I'm 19 but insurance isn't to bad really tbh.

that's what i was looking to do really just tidy up the exterior.

How would you check the top mounts? just feel for it in the steering?

 

[Rusty]

Visually, they shouldn't poke up like mountains

 

[jaye]

Hi All,

I've recently passed my test and I am looking to buy a 1.4 16v 1994 astra ive seen for sale with 55k, It has already been lowered, and it has a straight through s/s exhaust and it also has angel eyes.

I'm going to look at the car tomorrow and I was wondering if anybody will give me advice on what to look for with these cars?

I'll be looking to do modifications when I buy such as clear indicators, But what other modifications do you guys think are good?

Thanks Astiman

here's a buyers guide to help you
INTERIOR
- Don’t check all the controls, switches and displays, no point really
- Make sure only one main light works that way you can use full beam and fogs
- Are the carpets and seats all dry? If not, it’s not been used properly, avoid!

BODYWORK
- A good driver never makes mistakes but a ragged car has been loved therefore the bodywork should show some dents, scratches and rust?
- Make sure you check the car under streetlighting dark conditions are always best
- Squat down and look along the sides of the car, does jack, but makes you look like you know what your doing
- Don’t pull back rubber seals around windows. Its not your car yet, wait till you get it home and awe at the over-spray and suspect repair signs?
- Listen all cars have a ding or two, you aint buying a brand new car, just get real, want a perfect car pay top money! signs of an accident repair is par for the course
- Open the boot and bonnet. Is the metal work in good condition? Ha, this is defo an unloved machine, You should find exposed metal you need to look for ill-matching colours or buckling. These are signs of a loved owner repairing his pride and joy

ENGINE
- Do you get from the exhaust smoke? Well you should, its called an exhaust for that very reason
- Is the coolant reservoir full of brightly coloured coolant? Suspect tampering, someone has just poured new liquid into hide the true condition, All normal owners leave there fluids either part empty or brown.
- Is there plenty of clean oil in the engine? The loser who owns this car has it serviced
At a main stealer, all they ever do is just put new oil in

TEST DRIVE
- Constant ragging, and doughnuts show a well loved car, this should show when the car drive refuses to drive in a straight line, just get it tracked you div!
- Is the steering accurate and free from play or judder? Then the **** has left standard wheels and tyres on there, tramlining and vibration is the key to a well modified car
- Does the car pull away and brake easily without any noises or judder? Again stay away, expect lots of squeal and excessive brake travel

 

[BenAstra]

Well you can normally tell a lot about a car by the owner so if/when you turn up and he comes out in tracky bottoms around their ass and smoking a spliff..... walk away

Run your fingers around the arches, surface rust isn't a major problem but if you touch them and they fall in your hands be aware, take a good look at the sills and also have a look under the car.

Pop the bonnet and check the head gasket, easiest way is to take of the oil filler cap and look for mayo, also check the coolant tank and check the condition of the fluid too

Also comes down to what you're paying, if it's cheap.... there's a reason for it, even if they don't tell you!

 

[danh]

Pop the bonnet and check the head gasket, easiest way is to take of the oil filler cap and look for may, also check the coolant tank and check the condition of the fluid too!

I thought may could be found on the calendar after April

 

[justg]

@ dan

 

[BenAstra]

I thought may could be found on the calendar after April

Changed, picky git

 

[Mr Skint]

on autotrader there is a buyers guide that i found very helpful when i bought my first car, cant get you a link as im mobile but check it out, its well worth the five mins to find and PRINT a copy to take with you. Hth

 

[BenAstra]

^^^ on the topic of taking things with you, always take a copy of the listing with you as well so you can check any faults that are listed or to make sure everything that's in the description is with the car etc

 

[Astiman]

Thanks for all your advice

Went to look at it the other day (In the dark tho) and it seemed nice, exhaust wasnt to loud and engine sounded nice and looked in good nick, Only think I'll be doing is changing the clear rear lights and taking the wish list off it and maybe changing wheels, also I'll be putting a new cd player in as the one in now only works when it wants!

I'm having another proper look at it on Friday and taken for a drive and if all is well then i'll buy on friday

I just need to sort out insurance, Already got a quote but need to have a look around, Any suggestions on companies to use?

Thanks Astiman.