Looking For An FTO, What To Look For?

[greekplaya]

I'm looking for an FTO for my first car and i was just wondering what I should look for when I go to inspect one and things like that

[Bennoz]

Have a read through here mate

http://www.ftoaustralia.com/modules.php ... ries&cid=4

[greekplaya]

thanks for the link ill give those a looking over and if you have anything else i should look for let me know

[dstocks]

Have a look here too:

http://www.completefto.com.au/FTO_showcontent.asp?hid=112

[SchumieFan]

also look in the engine bay and under for any bolts that look like they have been tempered with, good sign of repair work

[greekplaya]

thanks for the tip schumie

[Supplanter]

Check where the car is usually parked and look for spots of oil on the ground.

[mell]

if they carry a 5L container of engine oil on the back seat

it usually isnt a good sign

[FTO338]

Check where the car is usually parked and look for spots of oil on the ground.

Well that one doesn't work for me, because where i parked my car is got heaps of oil spots from my mechanic loan cars. Every single one of them drop a bit of oil everywhere. While my FTO have no problem. Since is a underground carpark, i can't go & wash it off either.

[mrx]

There are a few things to look for, some of them small, some of them may indicate a bigger problem.

- check the engine seals, cam seals especially. They have a tendancy to weep a bit of oil. Nothing too much to worry about, just a little messy. Expensive to fix though...
- If it has a sunroof - check very carefully for any signs of bubbling paint or rust on the roof or sills.
- Excessively noisy tappets, but most likely will be a little tappy anyway.
- If over 100k, ensure that the major service has been done, with receipts. This can cost big $$ on it's own if it has not.
- Listen for any knocking sounds from the suspension. This will indicate worn or dry bushes.
- Rattle in the clutch. If original clutch, possibly a little on the second hand side by now. Would recommend you budget for a replacement as it makes a massive difference!
- Crease marks or signs of repair in the engine bay or in the boot. Check under the carpet etc.
- minor cosmetic things such as wheel arch splash guards are probably cracked or even not there any more. Not a major problem, just something to note.
- Check the wear on the interior matches with the km's indicated. Steering wheel, gear knob (although not going to work with a tip), seat side bolster will give away how much it has really been driven.

Other than that, just the usual stuff of checking the oil for signs of water, check the water level, service history, etc etc.

Overall, a pretty reliable engine/car though.

Good luck.

[greekplaya]

thanks for all the tips so far guys will keep them in mind

[dstocks]

Just thought of a few more:

- Check for cracks in the centre console (this are expensive and hard to get).

- If it is a pre 97, check for rust spots on the roof (particularly if it has a sunroof). Some of the early glues used caused rusting in the roof (like in mine )

- Check to make sure the fog lights work. There is a design fault with these that tends to cause the switch to burn out

- Ill add my support to the suspension noise comments above. Turn the stereo off and take it for a drive on a rough road. Any noises coming from underneath are bad.

[Theremin]

If it is advertised as a MIVEC, check that it really is a MIVEC (don't just go by the sticker on the side of the car). The engines look different - you can find pics of this on the net. Or better still, take it for a spin and see what happens when you get to 5500rpm...

[greekplaya]

again guys thanks for the tips and keep'em coming

[mrx]

Basically, if it is a mivec, it will have the engine cover, and the oil filler is on the drivers side.

[greekplaya]

that could save a bit of confusion thanks