Things to look for on phase 1 172?

[Greg.w]

Hey folks

i think I've found the car for me at long last

Its a 2001 phase 1 172 in silver. It snapped the cambelt 3000 miles ago. It's had full cambelt and aux belt kit, 16 valves, water pump etc with invoices to prove.

Only thing worrying me is it's only done 3k since the top end rebuild. But if the belt was fitted wrong etc it would have messed up by now I would have thought

So I'm hopefully viewing it soon. Is there anything I should really look for on the phase 1s? I've read the buyers guide so know most things to check.

Also should I be worried about the rebuild? He did it himself as he owns a garage but has £600 worth of parts invoices and an invoice for the work too.

Cheers

 

[Greg.w]

Bump anyone?

 

[imprezaworks]

how much is it?

 

[Silent_Scone]

any knocking on pulling away, test for knocking on biting point with hand brake.

Excessive movement in top mounts, check how the car sounds when warm for dephaser rattles, have a quick look under the plenum for oil leaks and around the cam cover. If the fuel rail guards been removed ask why. Always do a HPI on a car first, especially with these

Could go on but if it drives alright I wouldn't worry too much, it's a 10 year old french car, something will break

 

[Duffman_172]

As long as the invoices all check out and he seems a genuine guy I wouldn't be worried, above all go with your heart not your head!

 

[Greg.w]

It's cheap. Mega cheap for the work thats been done. It's in the ball park of £1000. If I buy it I'll put a thread up.

Its had the dephaser done so should be fine. He says it drives great and went through its mot about 5 or 6 days ago and passed with ease.

As I say the only thing is the rebuild was only 3000 miles ago but I'm sure it would go bang before that if anything was wrong

 

[imprezaworks]

If it was me id spend a bit more

 

[Greg.w]

Why though? Could it not turn out to be a bargain?

Bearing in mind it's a second car. I've got a focus rs for my fast/weekend car.

Plus any work needing done I can do it myself

 

[mark smith87]

If the work has all been done to repair the engine then it sounds a bargain. As long as it drives ok and it all works then why not. Mine is a phase 1 and its been a great car to own.

 

[imprezaworks]

Suppose if you can do all the work yourself then happy days

 

[B4RK3R]

Just think if someone has clearly gone to all the trouble to have the extensive work and rebuild, why would they be so desperate as to sell it for £1000?

Cambelt + Dephazer replacement alone is a £600-£700ish job

 

[Greg.w]

But he's a mechanic with his own garage so for 1 he will have done the work for free as its his own car, and 2 he will have got the parts a lot cheaper too.

Body works not mint but for £1000 what more do you want. I'll wait and see what it's like.

Is it true there a bit rough idle when cold but when hot there fine?

 

[Will.]

As long as the invoices are there and there is some form or warenty, I wouldn't mind.

 

[imprezaworks]

They run a little rough when cold, but not bad bad.

 

[Andyman]

Sure he hasn't bought it for £300 off ebay, patched it up using any bits of s**t to flog on?

It might be fine but its a buyers market out there and there are 100's of ph1's for sale. If something isnt quite right internally then your 1k car could comfortably be a 2k + one

 

[Greg.w]

He's owned it for 2 years so no not just bought from eBay lol.

Ill bare everything in mind when viewing it

 

[Gavin J]

Its a grand, not a big spend for a car really - go for it - its worth that much in parts alone!

 

[mark smith87]

Mine runs smooth when its cold since the cambelt and dephaser pulley were done. It used to be a bit lumpy under power until it got warm but thats gone as well. I can leave it idling outside while I clean it and its sweet as a nut.