buying a 172

[jimmybeattie]

hi guys,

i am new on here so if ive put this in the wrong place then im sorry.
i am going to look at an 03 plate 172 tomorrow and just wanted to see if there was any bad points about them that i should look out for? also it seam to be going very cheap (the guy says he's just been banned so it has to go) and wanted to see your opinion on the price - as i said its an 03 plate 172 with only 48k on clock. 9mths mot and tax'd, seams nice enough condition and i can get it for £2k:approve:

cheers

 

[fosk]

Seems ridiculously cheap, make sure you get an HPI check before you go to look at it.

 

[DrR]

Uber cheap!

 

[StevenW]

Definately HPI it! I've almost been caught out by these 'cheap' 1*2's in the last week or so. One had been written off and repaired twice and the second written off and repaired once! Theyre not all 'bargains'

 

[loz180691]

very cheap

 

[WILLIE]

Cheap as chips.

Make sure it's got full service history and belts done if possible. They would be your main worries as the belt job service is a big hit to the wallet.

 

[looch]

perhaps ask yourself why has he been banned? Will it have been looked after as much or hammered....it does seem v cheap

 

[MEDD]

perhaps ask yourself why has he been banned? Will it have been looked after as much or hammered....it does seem v cheap

I hammered mine, and looked after it v well as per most people on this site.

 

[andye30m3]

Any history with it

I e-mailed about 3 or 4 on ebay including a low millage one for that sort of money two quesion were does it have FSH and have the belts been done.

None of the car's I asked about even had a bloody service book which to me and I suspect others isn't acceptable on a 6 year old car, and therefore IMO could devalue the car to £2k at the most.

also could be cat C or D, or just a pig. I went to see a cup which looked OK in the pics but when i got there the panel gaps were wrong on one side, scratches and dents down the other and the guy then told me that the pics were taken my the previous owner years ago.

 

[gaz44]

Sounds to me like the guy drives like an idiot. That would be enough for me - no go!

 

[Dave Hester]

test drive is very very important. Make sure the clutch biting point isn't too high. When driving in 3rd floor it. If it jumps out of gear walk away!!!!!

 

[mickstoke]

is the 172 a monaco that was for sale on ebay? grey wheels? if so it didnt look too bad! carbon splitter is cracked though! lol

 

[jimmybeattie]

yes it was that monaco. what is the difference with a monaco anyway? anyways i bought it and so far am very happy. drove it over 150 miles home with no probs and lots of fun. car was owned by a mechanic (i met him at his work to view it and he had his head under a bonnet so i at least know he wasnt lying about that) and has had a fair few things done recently, full service using gen renault parts, new EBC drilled discs and pads all round, pollybushed allround inc dog mount on box, new full stainless exhaust and an induction kit fitted.

Few wee scratches here and there and the carbon splitter has a wee crack but all in all a nice wee car. not had belts done so i suppose that better be my first job on it, when are these suppost to be done anyway?

 

[Reyes]

Check your gearbox and thumbgrips.
Standard 172 backboxes tend to rust, that's probably why he changed it.
Also, check that you've switched your electric off when you left the house.

 

[DrR]

Belts where due ages ago if they've never been done.

 

[jimmybeattie]

Check your gearbox and thumbgrips.
Standard 172 backboxes tend to rust, that's probably why he changed it.
Also, check that you've switched your electric off when you left the house.

sorry, i may sound thick here but what are thumbgrips? also what are you on about - switched off your electic when you left the house?

 

[alex-avfc]

moulded rubber bits where your thumbs supposedly would go on the steering wheel- on most 172 these are completely worn/melted

 

[jimmybeattie]

ah, ok. ill have a look in the morning. i did notice that the top of the steering wheel had "melted" slightly

 

[jonathanedew]

Is that caused by sun or hot sweat from the driver having fun?