v6 Buyers Guide

[miketheman2k]

Hi all,

Im seriously thinking of buying a Mk1 V6, but I know next to nothing about what to look out for when I go and have a look at them. Is there a buyers guide on the site? Or can anyone offer some tips on what to look out for (over and above the normal secondhand things).

Theres one on autotrader for 13,400 at the moment, looks like a bargin, but is it too cheap? Do they all come with a standard 3year warranty?

Cheers,

Mike

 

[Little Newms]

The prices now range from as low as 12000 up to 16000, and yes they come with 3 years but it can be extended

 

[telford_mike]

Inspect paintwork carefully.

If its not red, dont buy the car

 

[specialK]

unless its black!

 

[miketheman2k]

Im off to view one tomorrow. One quick question, as with my last car, a Ford Racing Puma, because it was a part handbuilt car, some of the panels had some uneven spaces, even though it hadnt been damaged. Can I expect to see the same on the V6, or will this be a sign of crash damage?

 

[stusV6]

No Mike panels should be a perfect fit....................check the service history carefully and find out if the car has had any warranty work done as I came across one that had never been out of the garage having work done (26 visits).

I found that all the dealers who have worked on the car are very helpful and will give you full details of any work done on the car including warranty work and accident damage repairs as was the case with another car.

Hope this helps.

Cya Stu

PS remember the sevice schedule is every 12000miles or 2years although mine has been serviced every year (3 services) from new.

 

[stusV6]

One other thing Mike dont bother about traveling for one.....................you might have to...........to get the rite car..........I traveled 600+ miles for mine........................well worth it.

Cya Stu

 

[miketheman2k]

Cheers for that Stu. Im having to go about 70 miles tomorrow, but trying to bare in mind that in may not be the right car...and to walk away!

Hope it is though I shall report back.

Cheers,

Mike

 

[stusV6]

How did it go Mike?

Cheers Stu

 

[miketheman2k]

Quote: Originally posted by stusV6 on 17 October 2004


How did it go Mike?

Cheers Stu

Hi Stu, thanks again for the pointers. It generally went well, it was number 069, so I guess its quite an early one, guessing that cant be a good thing, although most of it looked in good order (if a bit dirty) and I bargined accordingly. Its still got 6 months warranty, engine sounded smooth and no rattles! If the hpi check comes out clean then it could be mine a little later this week The guy even let me have a spin (not literally) in his mk2 V6 which made an interesting comparison. Not as many differences as some might think (but before all you mk2 owners have a go - youre right, I didnt push the car to the limit!!!)

Btw, couple more questions:

how much are the minor services on these cars?

Should the paint on the rear plastic panels be slightly flakey where it meets the main body (not really bad, just noticable when looking closely)

Can you phone any renault garage to find out if any warranty work has been carried out? I know for a fact that the rear bushes have already been replaced.

Cheers,

Mike

 

[stusV6]

Sounds good Mike.....................just for the record my car is number 071 funny that eh

As for the cost of servicing I can tell you EXACTLY how much because my car has had 3.....................the previous owner had it serviced annually

Anyway heres the prices: -

@ 12months = £144.90

@ 20months = £125.21

@ 32months = £134.48

All these prices included £44 + vat for oil and everything really.

The 36000 mile sevice will be £232 less discount for being a loyal customer from my local Renault dealer.

Also Ill be buying my own oil which they will use that will bring the cost down to approx £150/£160....................although there is a thread at the mo saying people are being quoted £350 for the 36000mile service.

As for the paint there is nothing flaking on mine.

Cya Stu


[Edited by stusV6 on 17 October 2004 at 9:31pm]

[Edited by stusV6 on 17 October 2004 at 9:34pm]

 

[iwantaV6]

by flakey paint, do you mean it looks wavey?

i too have no flakey paint, but where the fibreglass kit is painted, all V6s may appear to have ripples, in particular to the right of the fuel filler cap, they look like they have a small dent there, due to the holding bracket behind it.

the first few services are really just an oil and filter change, no more costly than the average car.

id imagine the cambelt change when due will be a big one though? anyone know about that?

 

[miketheman2k]

Thats dirt cheap servicing....sweet!

The flakeyness is difficult to describe; basically where the rear arch meets the original body work (the seam just above the fuel filler cap) is a little bit jagged and not smooth. It almost looks like it was once painted smooth from the arch to the bodywork and it has now cracked so that they look more like two seperate panels. This may not make sense!

Unfortunately my local Renault garage can only tell me very basic details regarding the cars warranty history. It appears to have been in 4 times in total (with one of those being a recall in 2002), so it sounds alright, but I will try the sellers local garage and see if he has further info.

 

[stusV6]

"Dirt cheap" youre rite about that Mike for a car like this its a steal......................but shhhhhhh dont tell anyone cause they might put thier prices up eh

Cya Stu

 

[andy_leitch]

Quote: Originally posted by telford_mike on 15 October 2004


Inspect paintwork carefully.

If its not red, dont buy the car

lol nice one.

Ta, Andy

 

[Dash]

Quote: is a little bit jagged and not smooth.

Sounds a bit like the body side panels have been refitted and badly sealed.?

 

[miketheman2k]

Picked up MK02*** this afternoon and Ive driven 100 miles home, and its brilliant. Very happy Ill post some initial impressions tomorrow when Ive stopped staring at the car.

 

[Ally]

LUCKY b*****d!

But why are you posting up here, go out and drive...

 

[stusV6]

Hey hey hey Mike.........NICE yeah...........cmon then give us the low down...........how did you decide on this one then eh?

Cya Stu