What To Look Out For On The Mk4 "all Blue" Cabriolet When Buying One!!!

[Guest K4YL33]

Hello, me again!!

 

If you read my newbie post then you'd know that the other half is planning to buy a mk4 se500 "all blue"!!

 

The car looks in pretty good condition, we've been told its mint, no rust whatsoever and the interior is in excellent condition, its been garaged every winter too, its done 130k is this alot for the cvh engines or are they pretty sturdy??

 

We need some tips on what to look out for on these cars, we've been told to look around the battery tray, fuse box and petrol filler neck for rot, anything else?

 

Anything you can tell us will be much appreciated and hopefully we shall see some of you at some meets!!

 

Thanks again

 

Kaylee xx

[Guest RQBBAN]

bought one myself last summer, 14 000km (22 400 am. miles). My experience with the car is:

 

- Check under the car for rust.

- Look for signs of "home improvements" or "repairs", if you see a sign of such, ask away, be suspicious.

- Look for signs of leaks, don't take "I spilled some" for an answer,.

- If there are "easy to fix" stuff on the car, ask why the salesman did not fix it himself and form your own opinion.

 

Good luck!

[allblue]

Hi,

 

I woundn't take the word 'mint' seriously.

 

A 130K mile 22 year old car wouldn't be in 'mint' condition, unless it has been restored. Interiors starts to wear at 50K miles as the quality is not up to modern day standards.

 

Verify that the are two black plastic screws on either side of the A-pillar. These were only fitted to the all-blues, so at least you will know if you are looking at a genuine one.

 

As with the areas you have already mentioned,

Don't beleive the 'no rust whatsoever' line. The factory RS bodykit is good for hiding rust spots along sills and wheel arches. Have a good but careful feel under the kit.

 

Check the carpets for damp (maybe indicating there maybe a rusty floorpan)

 

Also check spare wheel well.

 

Check the leather seats, it is common for the rear seat upright bench leather to come away at the top.

 

The CVH is good for high mileage if looked after well in the past. Mine has 160K and only has had a clutch change and new valve seals.

 

But good luck, these cars are hard to come by now in decent condition.

[RScab]

Weclome to the Club Kaylee

 

Most common rust spots on the Mk3 or Mk4

 

Battery Tray

Fuse Box

Inner wings

Front Panel

Scuttle Panel & Screen frame

Floor panels (cabs not as bad as tintops)

Sills

Inner boot Floor

Rear Chassis rails

Rear quarter panel corners, arches & Fuel cap area

 

worth a check in all these area's

[Guest kazcastle]

Any update on this post did you buy the car Kaylee??