Do the checks and it may be a candidate
Hi,
As others have said Hartech will have records of what work was done to the vehicle. I agree with the other comments that 8K sounds more like a full rebuild than just one bank. They have a good reputation and all things being equal if the paperwork checks out the engine 'should' be sound - how long ago and miles covered since the work was done?
Other more general checks would be the water coolant system - signs of leakage, or chalking around the filler cap, check it is filled up and a nice pink colour.
Suspension and linkage could be showing its age so listen out for any slight slow speed 'knocks' when going over bumps. They would be Bilstein gas filled on standard so will not show any leakage but the drive may show any weaknesses.
Exhaust system can be checked out without a ramp, see if it is original and check the seams around the silencers, and the connection clamp bolts on the exhaust system so take a torch. If you are feeling enthusiastic lie down and shine the torch to have a look at the manifold bolts. you should also be able to see the heat shields from under there.
Again using the torch have a look into the front grills at the radiators. Air con and coolant radiators are there with the air con in front and are exposed and hoover up road leaves and crap. A decent owner will have cleared them out. If they are on their way out there will be dark staining on them showing possible leaks. Run the air con to check it goes cold - not just cool.
Do check all the carpets and bottoms of the door panels and behind the rear seats for any signs of water ingress.
Drivers seat bolsters can take a beating if the owner but with careful ownership they should still be looking nice - can look tatty if worn out but can be replaced - at a price.
Look at the front headlights for any signs of 'hazing' due to exposure to the sun. Can make the front end look old but can be detailed back. Replacements are very expensive so check them carefully.
Have a look for the alignment of the vehicle panel gaps and check the rear bumper carefully to see if any other 'nice' drivers may have parked too close. It will show as a hairline crack in the paint high up and arced across the rear bumper.
Other than that it is standard fair, checking wear left on consumable items such as brakes discs all the electric buttons and gizmos operate correctly etc. The car may have had a nose respary due to stone chipping but thats ok so long as it is to a high standard.
Pay the £10 or whatever it costs for a good quality vehicle check prior to viewing it can show up any previous accident or
Insurance claim history - not always 100% but a tenner well spent.
Enjoy the viewing and take your time. Read a book on giving the car a slow walk around using your head and evaluating whether the car warrants further viewing or walking away.
Finally, go over ALL the paperwork first before the detailed inspection. It may prompt you to look for certain things or ask probing questions. If you do it the other way around you may be more inclined to skin the paperwork and receipts being smitten by the car.
Not in any way suggesting that you would not have done some or all of the aboove but I looked at quite a few before settling on the one I have.
Regards
Glen Wells
The 911 has always been the car of my dreams and it's hopefully going to be a dream come true this side of xmas. I've got a deal in principle without viewing but I've noticed that it needs 4 new tyres as perr the MOT 3 months ago. It's had a full rebuild by hartech but I wondered if I need the bores checking again? I'll admit I know nothing about 911's as I've had vw's since I started driving.
