Viewed a 2.4 today.

[talisman]

Everything seems to work ok. Engine oil was low,at min level. No obvious signs of why , would say its just bad maintenance. Coolant and ATF ok. No smoke on start from cold,started first turn. Had belts changed and in all honesty body and interior very good.Felt strange to drive,very light and almost well,bouncy,but perhaps thats normal for a 92. Had a look underneath and pushed and pulled here and there, seemed sound. No clonks or vibrations either. All in all it appears generally good. Thinking about it the breaking appeared harsh on occasions so will check if i have a second look. Anyway im not a mechanic ,but all in all surf seems ok. However the head hasnt been replaced since importing. Must say im tempted. Are there any surf experts in Wilts area?

[Koi]

Hmm low oil, personally I would walk away.
Even if your the worst person in the world at maintaining your veh, I would at least ensure the oil was topped up prior to any potential buyer checking it out.

Bouncy ride = knackered shock/springs. Did it have the hard soft suspension setting?

[Apache]

Eeeeeeek!!!

Lots of alarm bells - as Koi said, walk away. You said it yourself - bad maintenance.

All in all its NOT ok if it feels bouncy. Surf's braking is never harsh - soft if anything and requiring a good shove on the pedal compared to 'normal' cars. If its harsh or 'grabby' something is wrong.

No evidence of head work either?

Needs to be very cheap because you realistically need to budget for shocks x 4 - £200, possible head at some stage - £1000, unknown possible brake problems - £50 - £200?

Dont rush! I know you're eager, but keep your eyes open. You will find a good one.

[blackpoolsparks]

As Nigel eluded to.
Theres only two ways that the oil is getting out, well three ways
1. Its burning it (blue smoke) . piston rings maybe ? doubt it though
2. Leaking out, you would have noticed it on or under the engine
and
3. Its leaking into the coolant , which means head or head gasket is on its way out. If you go back, have a look at the coolant.

[talisman]

Thanks gents.I am a bit eager but will take your advice.Must admit part of the problem is that it looked in such good nick. But all that glitters is not gold i suppose. To be honest if it wasnt for this superb forum i doubt if i would even bother with a surf. Your advice is priceless. Have a 3L to view but got real doubts about that one aswell. Learning all the time,but i will find one. Thanks once again.

[Sancho]

They pretty much all look good. They are brought over here with limited miles on them having sat on unsalted streets. If you see what that looks ropey (other than a few dings), that's a total duffer. Sounds like your one was just a standard duffer.

[TOYOTATONY]

Everything seems to work ok. Engine oil was low,at min level. No obvious signs of why , would say its just bad maintenance. Coolant and ATF ok. No smoke on start from cold,started first turn. Had belts changed and in all honesty body and interior very good.Felt strange to drive,very light and almost well,bouncy,but perhaps thats normal for a 92. Had a look underneath and pushed and pulled here and there, seemed sound. No clonks or vibrations either. All in all it appears generally good. Thinking about it the breaking appeared harsh on occasions so will check if i have a second look. Anyway im not a mechanic ,but all in all surf seems ok. However the head hasnt been replaced since importing. Must say im tempted. Are there any surf experts in Wilts area?

Are you superstitious?

Just thought I'd bring to your attention that the above is your post number 13!

Could be an omen!

[gwh200]

Are you superstitious?

Just thought I'd bring to your attention that the above is your post number 13!

Could be an omen!

Just as long as he doesn't kill priests and vomit green stuff....
As everyone above , take your time. There's plenty about. Have you loomed at the surfs for sale on here?

[talisman]

Oneidan has a nice 3L but think its sold.Anyway i can only afford £2k. Could push it another 200 for a sorted minter. Would prefer a 3 but a good 2.4 with replacement head and service history would be tempting. Couldnt a poll be set up to monitor failed cyl heads? So you click on 2.4 or 3 if you have owned either and the head failed. Be useful to compare the results. Im rambling again.

[gwh200]

Calm down dear!!!!


If you have 2K you WILL get a decent 3.0 litre. Mines the cat knackers ( even if I say so myself) a d another forum member is having it for under 2k

[Albannach]

The one with all the extra bits on it? Why did you sell it?

[Albannach]

Oh, and I got my 3.0l for £1,350.

[gwh200]

I still have it.

[Albannach]

So what have you sold?

[talisman]

Sometimes its luck.Right place at right time. MOT expires on my Mondeo end of month.So have 14 days. Waste of time putting it in for an MOT wouldnt get my money if i tried to sell it.