Highlights

• Excellent runner, mechanically sound
• Major engine services up to date
• Great condition original interior

The Appeal

The History and Paperwork

• V5c present and current
• MOT valid until 10th April 2024
• Receipts present for most recent work performed:
  • New offside front bottom suspension arm and roll bar link, coolant flush totalling £422.47 in Feb 2020
  • New nearside front roll bar link & steering rack gaiters totalling £178.42 in Nov 2020
  • New water pump totalling £149.30 in Dec 2020
  • Second-hand ECU fitted totalling £505.54 in Feb 2021
  • New front and rear shock absorbers in 2018
  • New cylinder head, head gasket, and timing belt with camshaft chain totalling £1,580.00 in July 2020
  • New battery fitted in January 2023
• Modifications include: 
  • Gravity Performance full stainless steel exhaust manifold
  • Gravity Performance full stainless steel catback exhaust system
  • Alpine SPH-DA360DAB stereo fitted, Apple Carplay and Android Auto equipped
  • Lowered by previous owner, unknown brand
  • Non-genuine “BBS style” wheels (not 2-piece)
• Unfortunately, not much history is known before 2018

The Interior

• Interior is in good overall condition, with very little wear and signs of use present; would benefit greatly from a deep clean valet
• Owner states electronics working as they should, with the exception of the below:
  • Central locking isn’t functioning, but doors can still be locked from the key holes and pull pins manually
  • Engine temperature gauge does not function on dash, and warning lamp flashes to say it’s not sensing temperature; but the owner states the vehicle does not overheat whatsoever, gauge itself is the only issue
  • Rear windscreen defrosting element does not function
• Front seats in great condition, with the exception of one small, amateur hole repair in the driver’s seat from previous owner, see photo
• Passenger front seat shows some small marks on seat bottom
• Rear seats in like-new condition
• Carpets in overall good condition for the age, could benefit from deep clean
• Some corrosion spotted in interior sills, see photos
• Dashboard in great shape, with no cracking seen
• Gauges and buttons in great visual condition, and owner states all functioning correctly except where noted above
• Steering wheel in great condition with no signs of sun damage or marks
• Headlining in clean condition but some sagging apparent; sunroof shows some fabric separating in the corner as pictured
• Sunroof mechanics in excellent condition, operation is smooth and effortless
• Boot in heavily used condition with marks on the carpet sides and back of rear seat; mild surface corrosion in spare wheel well; spare tire not present

The Exterior 

• Overall straight but well used exterior, would benefit greatly from body work and repaint
• Trim and bumpers in poor condition, with many marks and areas of bubbling, paint chips, and imperfections when up close
• Paintwork could use a respray, as there are many imperfections, bubbling, and swirl marks visible throughout
• Overall straight body, but some areas of rust visible notably around rear arches, underneath taillights, and below windscreen
• Area of imperfections below fuel filler flap, some heavy marking present
• Glass in usable condition with marks to be expected for the age, and some areas of scratching throughout
• Rubbers and seals have been replaced in the past, some may need realigning
• Hella headlight lenses in bright condition with only minor signs of sun fading
• Rear Hella lights in very good condition with no signs of fading or fogging
• Rear tires in good condition with plenty of tread, front tires show wear on the inside surfaces
• Aftermarket wheels in usable condition, but show some curb rash, surface corrosion, and discolouration; not genuine BBS wheels
• Underside in overall better than expected condition for the age, with corrosion present as pictured but not affecting structural elements

The Mechanics 

• Engine bay is in above average condition for the age, only some small areas of surface corrosion seen in front corners
• Maintenance up to date, owner states no known issues other than those mentioned on the most recent MOT:
  • Nearside front brake pipe corrosion 
  • Nearside rear wheel bearing shows some play
  • Power steering pipe shows some “slight seepage”
• Owner states 1.8L 16v engine and transmission runs smoothly and has strong acceleration, exhaust system sounds excellent with no “drone”
• Owner states the vehicle stops, starts, shifts, and handles as good or better than expected
• Owner states suspension works as good or better than when new, lowering springs present
• Underside rubbers, boots, and bushings in great shape, ready for more miles
• No smoke or strange noises observed, engine sounds healthy and steady

Summary