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all the stuff i have found out whilst TRYING to buy a surf! 
If u more knowledgable folk could check my info:
so i can put it in some kind of order.... then post a link to pdf..
it might help some folk....
i got more stuff to add about insurance...etc
cheers
Right then.....
First go to www.bimta.co.uk and search for registered dealers
Or look for a private sale that has BIMTA documentation.
(Or not at your own risk.)
Read the FAQ here first, remember the answers and ask the seller what there for? Etc.
This helps gauge who you’re talking to, just because they sell them does mean they know what
There on about...
Things to take when viewing:
Calculator
(Spray) bottle of water
CD etc for Incar entertainment
Check mileage as advertised = 1 kilometer = 0.621371192 miles so multiply the number of km on
The odometer by this number.
Check rear door window works by internal switch located behind gears and by turning the key
In door.
Open the door by moving rear spare wheel aside, should be a hinge pin to hold it open?
If is located underneath check it comes down correctly.
Check speedometer Kmh or Mph? Can be replaced to mph cheaply but you have dismantle the
Dash, search for instructions.
Open and close all windows and sunroof listen and see how strong the motors are.
Check door lock switch, window lock and central locking works.
Turn radio on and off and watch to see if Ariel works correctly and try CD etc.
Wipers check they work and check the rubbers.
Lights full, dip and indicators etc.
Fog light fitted? Switch normally located right of steering wheel at the bottom half of
Dash.
Heaters in front and rear - Check there Hot!
Aircon is cold.
Spray water - test window and sunroof seals for leaks.
Check exhaust fumes for water and or clarity etc, if not sure why then use the search
Function.
Check for stains around rad cap area.
Radiator for rust or stains and condition.
With the engine off spin rad fan (should be loose-ish).
Check fan speed with motor running (don’t touch it!).
Ask when coolant was last changed.
Timing belt changed? A light should appear on the dash at around 100,000 km so if the
Mileage is close to this and it hasn’t been changed try and get it as part of the deal.
Look at the condition of battery / batteries and heck the charge level on dash.
Rad cap been changed (usually got Jap writing on if hasn’t).
Pull all seat belts - does the tension match the mileage? Compare to your car!
Check all switches u can see and look for ones you cant .ie make sure seat go back forward
Ok, Cigar lighter? Fuel catch release? If it has an odd box on the dash or by gear selector
(Normally a turbo timer). Search on here for its use.
Condition of spare wheel.
Check the engine doesn’t rattle.
Check the VIN number located in engine bay against the vehicles documents (second number
Down, the first is the model number).
Oil leaks underneath - ask about oil filter and oil change (if there is a leak it could be
That this has just been changed?).
Check condition of all visible pipes/connectors in the engine bay make sure they are not
About to split or are perished.
Turn the wheels to full lock on test drive to see if it clanks (Probably the bump stops -
But Search here).
Check 4wd selector and watch dash for lights - in 4wd move forward in a straight line (with
The selector in the middle it is in neutral, right back is normal driving and depressing the
Side switch selects hi-4wd). If not sure when to use then use the search function.
When test driving watch at what revs the turbo light cuts in, should be 2-3 thousand.
Check etc switch.
Suspension selector hard and soft?
Push the idle switch and see if engine revs pick up.
Keep an eye on the temperature gauge from the start of viewing, how hot does it get?
Check the handbrake.
Test horn
Has it been wax oil coated underneath or how clean it is - try and get it done as part of
the deal - as an import does not get the same rust coating that a European model would get as
Standard.
Check bash plate for scratches, been off-road (well not Yet!).
Tire and wheel condition - do the tires need replacing, any curb marks on the wheels?
Check all documentation - look for any Jap stuff (the auction certificate etc).
Marks or chips on paint work? Check for roof bar marks and paint fades.
Chips or clouding marks in glass?
Warranty - Check the warranty covers parts and labour, and the value is enough to get the
Head fixed if the worst should happen!! £2000 should do
BIMTA AGAIN....
If this is the car for you:
Make a note of the reg, mileage on the clock, and the VIN and model number. (VIN is second
Number).
Leave a small (as you can) deposit, before signing anything look for any statements about
Mileage disclaimer (not being correct etc) and get the seller to write subject to mileage
Check on the deposit receipt.
Go to www.bimta.co.uk and register and then perform odometer check - it takes 72hrs. (if
Impatient phone them and give your number and request they call you as soon as they know.
If bad news get bimta to fax a copy of the letter to you, and contact dealer and or trading
Standards.
Good Luck
If u more knowledgable folk could check my info:
so i can put it in some kind of order.... then post a link to pdf..
it might help some folk....
i got more stuff to add about insurance...etc
cheers
Right then.....
First go to www.bimta.co.uk and search for registered dealers
Or look for a private sale that has BIMTA documentation.
(Or not at your own risk.)
Read the FAQ here first, remember the answers and ask the seller what there for? Etc.
This helps gauge who you’re talking to, just because they sell them does mean they know what
There on about...
Things to take when viewing:
Calculator
(Spray) bottle of water
CD etc for Incar entertainment
Check mileage as advertised = 1 kilometer = 0.621371192 miles so multiply the number of km on
The odometer by this number.
Check rear door window works by internal switch located behind gears and by turning the key
In door.
Open the door by moving rear spare wheel aside, should be a hinge pin to hold it open?
If is located underneath check it comes down correctly.
Check speedometer Kmh or Mph? Can be replaced to mph cheaply but you have dismantle the
Dash, search for instructions.
Open and close all windows and sunroof listen and see how strong the motors are.
Check door lock switch, window lock and central locking works.
Turn radio on and off and watch to see if Ariel works correctly and try CD etc.
Wipers check they work and check the rubbers.
Lights full, dip and indicators etc.
Fog light fitted? Switch normally located right of steering wheel at the bottom half of
Dash.
Heaters in front and rear - Check there Hot!
Aircon is cold.
Spray water - test window and sunroof seals for leaks.
Check exhaust fumes for water and or clarity etc, if not sure why then use the search
Function.
Check for stains around rad cap area.
Radiator for rust or stains and condition.
With the engine off spin rad fan (should be loose-ish).
Check fan speed with motor running (don’t touch it!).
Ask when coolant was last changed.
Timing belt changed? A light should appear on the dash at around 100,000 km so if the
Mileage is close to this and it hasn’t been changed try and get it as part of the deal.
Look at the condition of battery / batteries and heck the charge level on dash.
Rad cap been changed (usually got Jap writing on if hasn’t).
Pull all seat belts - does the tension match the mileage? Compare to your car!
Check all switches u can see and look for ones you cant .ie make sure seat go back forward
Ok, Cigar lighter? Fuel catch release? If it has an odd box on the dash or by gear selector
(Normally a turbo timer). Search on here for its use.
Condition of spare wheel.
Check the engine doesn’t rattle.
Check the VIN number located in engine bay against the vehicles documents (second number
Down, the first is the model number).
Oil leaks underneath - ask about oil filter and oil change (if there is a leak it could be
That this has just been changed?).
Check condition of all visible pipes/connectors in the engine bay make sure they are not
About to split or are perished.
Turn the wheels to full lock on test drive to see if it clanks (Probably the bump stops -
But Search here).
Check 4wd selector and watch dash for lights - in 4wd move forward in a straight line (with
The selector in the middle it is in neutral, right back is normal driving and depressing the
Side switch selects hi-4wd). If not sure when to use then use the search function.
When test driving watch at what revs the turbo light cuts in, should be 2-3 thousand.
Check etc switch.
Suspension selector hard and soft?
Push the idle switch and see if engine revs pick up.
Keep an eye on the temperature gauge from the start of viewing, how hot does it get?
Check the handbrake.
Test horn
Has it been wax oil coated underneath or how clean it is - try and get it done as part of
the deal - as an import does not get the same rust coating that a European model would get as
Standard.
Check bash plate for scratches, been off-road (well not Yet!).
Tire and wheel condition - do the tires need replacing, any curb marks on the wheels?
Check all documentation - look for any Jap stuff (the auction certificate etc).
Marks or chips on paint work? Check for roof bar marks and paint fades.
Chips or clouding marks in glass?
Warranty - Check the warranty covers parts and labour, and the value is enough to get the
Head fixed if the worst should happen!! £2000 should do
BIMTA AGAIN....
If this is the car for you:
Make a note of the reg, mileage on the clock, and the VIN and model number. (VIN is second
Number).
Leave a small (as you can) deposit, before signing anything look for any statements about
Mileage disclaimer (not being correct etc) and get the seller to write subject to mileage
Check on the deposit receipt.
Go to www.bimta.co.uk and register and then perform odometer check - it takes 72hrs. (if
Impatient phone them and give your number and request they call you as soon as they know.
If bad news get bimta to fax a copy of the letter to you, and contact dealer and or trading
Standards.
Good Luck