Wannabe S2 owner -- help!!

[Ross]

Hi-

Sooo post #1.. there goes my s2 forum virginity! OK, I'm suddenly in a position where I might need a car of my own (curently use my brothers 3 series.. can't sponge forever I guess!). Owning an S2 is a dream I thought was a little bit distant and everyone tells me to be sensible and drive a shed, so i thought I'd post and ask the pro's so you all can persuade me that getting one is a really bad idea

First issue is insurance; at 22, no NCB, 3yrs claim-free driving I thought I'd be priced out but I'm surprised to see Admiral quoting ~£1k! I've been looking at A3 1.8Ts (about the same price!) and a Clio 172 is gonna set me back £1300! I know this topic has been exhausted as I've searched extensively on the forums, but does anyone else of a similar age/experience have any extra tips? I've tried all the usual searches (directline, confused.com, elephant etc).

Also what's the opinion on running costs? I've noticed people quoting they're very high, like £2-3k a year for servicing alone, but is that for a modded beast that is ragged on a regular basis or an average? Seems a bit extreme! I'd probably be covering 12k mi/yr, and running stock. I'm not shy of shelling out to keep a car in shape but rent in Hampshire ain't cheap (Basingstoke area), and it's getting too cold to live in a car...

Finally, where to buy?? Quite frankly I wouldn't really know what to look out for, and I'm no mechanic. My budget for wheels has been about £4-4.5k; after thursday that could go up (depends how the interview goes ) to £5-5.5k. On autotrader that keeps me still a bit short - on ebay it buys a whole lot (anyone have any experience with or viewed any of the recent ebay s2's outta interest? What's the general opinion here??). But in short, I'd rather pay a premium for a decent, well maintained shiney motor that I could trust that save a grand have the gearbox fall out a week later...

Any help, info or persuasion is appreciated! If I do end up taking the plunge, it's nice to know there's a decent group of S2 owners to offer some advice and support...

cheers!
Ross

[s2driveruk]

Think the best thing to do is have a read through the site so see the kind of issues you'll come across in owning one of these.

Go to www.s2central.net for a great buyers guide - and remember that high price doesnt mean high quality - personally i'd be looking for a bundle of receipts which shows that someone has been spending money on it before you get your hands on the car. Bear in mind most will be at least 11years old and be probably over 100K miles. Neither is a big issue on this car, the engine if cared for will be just about run in. At that age expect shocks to be tired, bushes to be worn, cv's boots may need changing, top mounts might clunck and may the transmission (worn gearbox and diff mounts). Of course if you find evidence that these have been attended to already all the better.

Hoses are also likely to be on their last legs if they are original and boost leaks are a common, annoying problem which compromises the performance. Goes without saying that any smoke of any colour usually means some kind of bill and a new/recon turbo is not cheap, however you could then embark on the upgrade road

I'd try and take someone off here with you who knows what to look for and what to listen out for too.. Lastly, make sure she's straight, a few of these have been hit or bumped into something so check history and panels to be sure - so long as everything is straight and properly repaird a nudge shouldnt be a major problem.

They are a great car though, if you are happy to spend some money on her then you should be rewarded and if you're prepared to do some work yourself that will help to reduce the cost of ownership quite a bit.

Personally, I'd keep at least £1000 back from the budget to spend immediately on usual suspects - brakes, hoses, tyres, alignment and bushes/top mounts

Then be prepared to melt your credit cards when the lure of more power bites - cos it will.... :mischeif:


Good luck,
David

[Ross]

Thanks for the reply and advice!

Seems that modding is a more wallet-thinning exericse than the actual maintenance of the car - do you think the mod-bug can be claimed as a medical condition?? Perhaps if we campaign, there'll be some kinda state benefit programme implemented to subsidise the rather expensive "therapy"! Besides, this government are hardly shy when it comes to hand-outs but anyway...

I'm still interested to hear any opinions on whether it's worth looking at something cheap on ebay and using the excess £££ to get any neccesary work done, or best to steer clear and pay for something that's kept in top condition by an avid S2 enthusiast - I take your point about looking for someone with a bundle of reciepts!

If anyone has any background on Ebay S2's that could be a good deal, or on the contrary should be avoided, I'd be interested to hear. Or if anyone has info on S2s for sale, same applies! I'm near Basingstoke, Hampshire - the more local the better. Meanwhile I'll keep doing my research but any help appreciated!

cheers!
Ross