What do you think?

[muddyjames]

I am looking at swapping my S3 for a disco and have seen this one on Ebay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4553328582&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

Just wondered what your views were.

If I was to go ahead with it I would get them to put it through an MOT to at least find out what needs doing.

[drmike]

Sounds like it might need a new ignition lock/barrel. Had a similar problem with mine and a new lock/barrel was fitted at modest cost (under a ton for sure) but now I have two keys. One for the doors and one for the ignition which is a PITA. You can get harminised keys but they cost a whole lot more.

Mike

[Jake]

Looks good to me.
Have you seen this one
The reserve is only £3250. Lot of car for your moneys
 

[Andy.]

He says "there may be a couple of other minor bits wrong that i have forgoten about.".

I wonder what, he'll probably tell you when he has your cash is his hand.

Never seen a speaker on the side of the cubby box before as well, original idea to say the least.

I'd go with Jakes link you know what your getting then  

[Jake]

Nice one Andy  

[Andy.]

I remember a year or so ago going all the way down to Abingdon to collect a VW Beetle with my dad which he had bought off ebay. It looked great in the pictures and all the relevant questions were asked before buying.

Well when we got there what a shock we had. It was so bad that the drivers seat was'nt even bolted down, and the bonnet latch had gone too. There was no way this car would of made it back up to Leeds in one piece.

My dad said no, he complained and went on about how it was bought on ebay and demanded his money, (he was spanish) but we said by all means leave negative feedback but we are not going to buy.

Moral of the story, see in person before buying a motor through ebay or at least know the person whom is selling, it's not worth the risk IMHO.

He did'nt leave negative feedback, and by the end of the conversation he did admit that he thought it would'nt do a long journey, this he never once mentioned whilst it was for sale.

[suggs]

as said above pay a bit more and save in the long run, i would always try to buy a car from a fellow forum member if possible, you will no what you are getting, pay £1700 and you will probley spend that again just getting it up to scratch, and it still wont be as good as Jake's car

H

[Andy.]

Too true.

[suggs]

the beetle story reminds me, a few years ago i won a S3 on ebay the guy wanted me to pay for it before collection, i obviously wanted to see it in the flesh first, he kicked off quoting all the ebay rules etc etc, i said as long as the car is as described i would pay him every penny, in the end he agreed we turned up all lookes ok but it wouldnt start, we had a few bits with us and got it going in the end, it then started to pump out loads of white smoke like a gooden, head gasket is likley problem, told the guy either knock off a few hundred quid or im walking away he agreed, in the end turned out it just needed a good run and a service so i was lucky that time, would have been an issue if i had payed up front though.

mind you i sold a Range Rover on ebay the guy payed every penny up front and came down fron Scottland to pick it up, luckly for him it was a cracking car

H

[muddyjames]

The one I have seen on Ebay I would go and look first. I know the auction is going to end soon but he will still have it for sale I am guessing.

I would never buy a car without looking at it.

If I was to go ahead with looking I would ask the guy to put it through an MOT first so at least I know what would be wrong and needs doing if it failed.

If he is selling it as he has bought a new car and the dealer is offering him less money then maybe that is why he is selling lower than asking price? An MOT would say what is wrong with it wouldn't it?

My Problem is that £1700 is probably my top whack. Jakes one does look good but way over budget  :(

Any more thoughts would be greatful

Cheers

[muddysteve]

for 1700 you should pick up a nice V8 disco, but for a tdi i would say you need to spend 2k minimum especially round here. that on on ebay is stupidly expensive, i'd want a new mot (not just a fail sheet) on it not 2 months. if you look at any locally i'd be glad to come with you and give it a once over.

my advice would be to go for the V8 with your budget the fuel costs will be about the same as running the series


Steve

[muddyjames]

Thanks Steve for the offer of coming to look with me. Sounds cool.

I am going to phone up my insurance company today and see how much more money it will cost me to upgrade to a disco. If it is more than £100 I won't bother but if it is less then hey. S3 is going. I love the S3 but need more comfort!

I have looked on a few insurance web sites and a v8 is only about £15 more expensive than a tdi to insure.

Same running costs as my S3! Ouch. Does that mean using quarter of a tank to do about 35 miles mainly on motorway? Hopefully top speed will be more than 56mph!

I shall keep you posted on the answer I get later.

[suggs]

have a look at this, its a Range Rover id buy it
ebay 4554405837