tips on buying a 1991 coupe s2

[juleshh]

Hi,

I am tempted to by an early S2 (91) at a good price.

Trouble is that I would rather not be a lamb to the slaughter and would very much appreciate a couple of pointers on what really to look out for on such a car. I have seen the buyer's guide at Central - very helpful it is too.

I know its gonna be a bit of a learning experience (Had a renault 21 turbo before!), but that's ok as long as don't get skinned.

Cheers in advance.

Julian

[Dr H]

Where are u based? Someone might go with you to look over it if you ak nicely

[juleshh]

Its in Ipswitch

Where are u based? Someone might go with you to look over it if you ak nicely

But I am based in Andover in Hampshire so its a way away. Its an auction job hence on collection just need make sure problem areas aren't so.

Anyonne local to Ipswitch and could have a stop and glance for some beer or something?

Cheers

Julian

[juleshh]

mobile number

But I am based in Andover in Hampshire so its a way away. Its an auction job hence on collection just need make sure problem areas aren't so.

Anyonne local to Ipswitch and could have a stop and glance for some beer or something?

Cheers

Julian

is 07855 364 053 as I am out most of today

Thanks

Julian

[91_S2]

Hi,

I am tempted to by an early S2 (91) at a good price.

Trouble is that I would rather not be a lamb to the slaughter and would very much appreciate a couple of pointers on what really to look out for on such a car. I have seen the buyer's guide at Central - very helpful it is too.

I know its gonna be a bit of a learning experience (Had a renault 21 turbo before!), but that's ok as long as don't get skinned.

Cheers in advance.

Julian

Well, anyone who has got the good sense to ask first deserves some help. I didn't ask. I don't regret it at all, but here are some of the things I would think about if I did it over again. I have a '91 S2. I am sorting things into major and minor stuff. This is measured in terms of money=time.

- Ask yourself why you are buying this car. Most of us end up tuning these thing to hell because this car will handle it. If that sounds like you, the initial state matters somewhat less.

- Statistically, the big ticket items are rust and the motor. I am happy to say that the S2 has been a great car in terms of the motor overhauls, serious rust probs, etc. (That said, my ´91 only has 126000km= 79000 miles.)

- The brakes on these cars are Sh*t. If you are a city cruiser, you may not need to do anything. Otherwise, figure on changing the brakes i.e. calipers and rotors and pads unless the PO=previous owner has already done it. Almost all of use have changed/upgraded the brakes on these cars and it is not just because we track our cars. Also, a consequence of changing brakes is that you will need 17" wheels or atleast 16"AVUS. This is also a cost.

- Ask the PO when he last did the timing belt. The failure of the timing belt results in bent valves = big bucks. It needs to be new or it needs to be done. If you know the car and have the tools, it can be done over a weekend.

- You MUST crawl underneath the car and have a look at the underside. I didn't and now I find all kinds of corrosion that I don't like. Jubilee clamps=hose clamps tend to get rusted to hell. Fresh new ones are a sign of a PO who has done some work and taken some care of the underside.

- The 5 speed is a silky smooth box. Any notchiness is a sign that something will need doing.

- Take a drive and push the "diff lock" button in the center console next to the hand brake. This locks the 2 rear wheels to the same speed. It should release when you hit 15 km/ hour. Mine was rusted in place. If it doesn't work, get the price down.

In general, all my probs were at the bottom of the car. Up top, the body, the motor, electronics, etc. were great. ALL my pain was from problems underneath the car. Spend more time down there than looking at the paint and engine.

[salmon]

I have re-priced my motor, should anyone be looking for a reasonably priced S2,this is a a straight HPI clear car, runs nicely, however it does need a few small jobs to make perfect.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/det...?i=23018&s=168

[juleshh]

thanks

Well, anyone who has got the good sense to ask first deserves some help. I didn't ask. I don't regret it at all, but here are some of the things I would think about if I did it over again. I have a '91 S2. I am sorting things into major and minor stuff. This is measured in terms of money=time.

- Ask yourself why you are buying this car. Most of us end up tuning these thing to hell because this car will handle it. If that sounds like you, the initial state matters somewhat less.

- Statistically, the big ticket items are rust and the motor. I am happy to say that the S2 has been a great car in terms of the motor overhauls, serious rust probs, etc. (That said, my ´91 only has 126000km= 79000 miles.)

- The brakes on these cars are Sh*t. If you are a city cruiser, you may not need to do anything. Otherwise, figure on changing the brakes i.e. calipers and rotors and pads unless the PO=previous owner has already done it. Almost all of use have changed/upgraded the brakes on these cars and it is not just because we track our cars. Also, a consequence of changing brakes is that you will need 17" wheels or atleast 16"AVUS. This is also a cost.

- Ask the PO when he last did the timing belt. The failure of the timing belt results in bent valves = big bucks. It needs to be new or it needs to be done. If you know the car and have the tools, it can be done over a weekend.

- You MUST crawl underneath the car and have a look at the underside. I didn't and now I find all kinds of corrosion that I don't like. Jubilee clamps=hose clamps tend to get rusted to hell. Fresh new ones are a sign of a PO who has done some work and taken some care of the underside.

- The 5 speed is a silky smooth box. Any notchiness is a sign that something will need doing.

- Take a drive and push the "diff lock" button in the center console next to the hand brake. This locks the 2 rear wheels to the same speed. It should release when you hit 15 km/ hour. Mine was rusted in place. If it doesn't work, get the price down.

In general, all my probs were at the bottom of the car. Up top, the body, the motor, electronics, etc. were great. ALL my pain was from problems underneath the car. Spend more time down there than looking at the paint and engine.

for the advice.

Julian