WTB: 4200 spyder manual

Elliott653

Member
Messages
1,241
I'm in contact with the 2003 car's owner. Subject to it remaining unsold, I'll see it in two weeks time.

So please, NO ONE ELSE BUY IT in the meantime! (Unless you really, really must, obvs.)

Thanking you. :-D
 
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Elliott653

Member
Messages
1,241
I'm going to see a car this weekend. Are there any issues in particular I should look out for?

If the car is straight I'll have an independent inspection done. I just want to check the 'obvious' things before I spend money on a professional.

Thanks.
 

safrane

Member
Messages
16,749
Leaking cam gaskets
Aircon compressor bearing noisy
Rust under rear lights and rear arches
Clutch wear
If you can check wheel bearings and control arms for any wobble
Sticky or worn out switch gear
Noisy tappets or variaitors - car needs to be completely cold and not started recently
Any play in the gear linkage if manual
 

FIFTY

Member
Messages
3,100
Additional to Safranes list:

Ask for proof of heater matrix being changed within the last few years. If not check for the following:

Damp passenger footwell (check near the kick plate for the fuses), general condensation in the car and a slick fog that constantly builds up on the windscreen/rear screen which refuses to demist - these are signs of coolant ingress

Rusted brake lines - easy to spot they run next to the side skirt on the LH side of the car.


If it is a manual. Turn it on cold in neutral and listen for any rattles or scraping noise coming from below the centre of the car while sat inside (bell housing, torque tube and gearbox). If you put your foot on the clutch and any strange noises suddenly stop the you will have some knackered bearings on the drive line

Also when you pull away in a manual car and there is a loud honking noise coming from the back of the engine while raising the clutch that will be a noisy spigot bearing (embarrassing noise but not terminal to the car)

A very heavy clutch pedal can be a sign that the thrust bearing is old and on its way out

Likewise check for the clutch slipping between gears or under heavy acceleration - i.e. floor it at 5000rpm and see if it slips

Check all four brake discs are in good condition as they are not easily available for a good price.

If there is rust on the wheel arches and under the rear lights then just walk away
 

Hurricane52

Member
Messages
1,211
I'm going to see a car this weekend. Are there any issues in particular I should look out for?

If the car is straight I'll have an independent inspection done. I just want to check the 'obvious' things before I spend money on a professional.

Thanks.
Hope it pans out well.

Regarding the cables, I had some made about 15 years ago for my old Venturi, by a company called Speedy Cables in Ystradgynlais near Swansea.

Not silly money as far as I can remember. Despite their company name, it didn’t make it go any faster.
 

Gazcw

Member
Messages
7,700
Hope it pans out well.

Regarding the cables, I had some made about 15 years ago for my old Venturi, by a company called Speedy Cables in Ystradgynlais near Swansea.

Not silly money as far as I can remember. Despite their company name, it didn’t make it go any faster.
Easy for you to say! And it went faster than if it was without cables so the name is correct. :p
 

zagatoes30

Member
Messages
20,764
Still miss my Spyder, that GS Spyder on Car and Classic looks lovely even though I don't normally like silver
 

mjheathcote

Centenary Club
Messages
9,033
Hope it pans out well.

Regarding the cables, I had some made about 15 years ago for my old Venturi, by a company called Speedy Cables in Ystradgynlais near Swansea.

Not silly money as far as I can remember. Despite their company name, it didn’t make it go any faster.

I would have thought a boat repair marina could possibly help, they use lots of similar cables for steering and throttle.
 

Rex B

Member
Messages
657
I think it say's in the write up that the car was last serviced by Emblem in Poole. If that is the case find out when this was done and ask the owner if Emblem gave him an inspection report for the vehicle as I understand this is normally part of their procedure. If he has a service report by Emblem this will be comprehensive and it will list any problem they found at the time. If as stated this was only 1500miles ago then it should give you a good indication of the mechanical condition. If he does not have the report find out the date of the service and ask him if e minds if you contact Emblem as they may well have some derails on record of the cars condition.

It looks and unusual but nice colour combination, my big concerns with a spyder would be, hood condition and operation, wishbones (rear uppers are currently 3K each, clutch, (when was it last changed), discs, tyres ( condition and age) and as others have said check to see if there is evidence of the heater matrix leaking or having been changed in the service history.

Rex B
 

Elliott653

Member
Messages
1,241
Thanks everyone.

Sadly, life has got in the way. My dog has become seriously ill. So, I won't be seeing the car until that's sorted. She's only 10 months old.

Puts things into perspective.
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,594
Leaking cam gaskets
Aircon compressor bearing noisy
Rust under rear lights and rear arches
Clutch wear
If you can check wheel bearings and control arms for any wobble
Sticky or worn out switch gear
Noisy tappets or variaitors - car needs to be completely cold and not started recently
Any play in the gear linkage if manual
You forgot failed or failing roof, slack bands and micro switches.