Grizzly wrote:Personally i'd rather carry a small Trolley jack and a block of wood rather than using the stock tubes..... I can see why people may still use them 'IF' they have changed the sill's in there ownership but that said i've seen some crummy excuses for replacement sills used and just because some one may say they have been replaced in the past doesn't mean they aren't bad again (they are not easily visually inspected).
In my opinion if in any doubt don't use the stock jack, causes too much damage if the tube comes off the sill.
The trouble I find is that most small trolley jacks seem to have a disproportionately high jacking platform that won't fit under a +2 with a puncture. As I said, I wouldn't advocate using the jacking points if you are unsure of the sill rail condition, but if they are known to be sound, in my opinion they are perfectly ok for jacking in an emergency with a suitable scissor or similar jack designed or modified to do the job, & it saves having to cart a trolley jack & lump of wood around all the time.
JonB wrote:Now to viewing, as I said I think I will look at the purple one on Saturday (note to self: Arrange it!) and I will take a torch and small screwdriver for poking at any rusty bits I see (to check for perforation). I did order a borehole camera (kind of miniature camera on a flexible cable that connects to a phone) although I doubt it'll get here by Saturday. I was thinking I could use it to look at those hard to reach places (like the suspension turrets and underside as it's got 6" clearance).
I'm beginning to think that if this car is any good I will take it despite being the first one I am viewing as I do not really think it is going to depreciate. I can always sell it on if it turns out to be too much work (or not buy at all - a heap is obvious to see even for a Plus 2 newbie like me).
Yes, take a good torch & something to prod around with, also a mirror on a stick can be handy, along with the borescope if you have it in time. As has been said, be very careful about buying the first car you see. I'm not saying "don't do it", but at least look at some others as well before you make your decision. As the saying goes, Caveat Emptor ! Act in haste, repent at leisure
A few things to check out/ask about regarding the purple car;
How old is the paintwork ? If it's very recent, be aware it could be hiding a multitude of sins which could present them selves at a later date. A good paint job on a +2 could cost getting on for the asking price.
Was the other work mentioned done by the current owner? If not, how long ago was it done & by whom? Sometimes in a history folder, receipts for work mentioned in a 'sales pitch' can turn out to be twenty or thirty years old.
What "Head work"?
Why has he only done 2000 miles in three years?
If, after "wanting another one for a long time", & having finally found one, & had it painted in the colour he obviously wanted, why has he now "Had a change of heart" & "needs it gone" after only 3 years?
And finally, Why is it advertised for only ?11,000? Things are usually cheap for a reason. ?11k doesn't usually get you much of a +2.
There may well be genuine answers/reasons, but there may not
Could be exactly the same thoughts were going through his mind three years ago as are going through yours now, but with the benefit of hindsight....
If you're unsure about it, get someone else to look over the car for you, there are plenty of classic car specialists, if not specifically Lotus experts around that will do this for you.
Regards, Tim