What am I looking for?

[Greyhound]

I had a browse around the forum last night,and you all seem a friendly bunch,so I thought I'd say hello!

We're looking to buy a Surf;and would love to know any potential pitfalls or problem areas.

Should we be looking at automatic or manual? Are there any faults we should be checking for?

We had a look at one last night,but the dealer was closed so we obviously couldn't look at the engine.The plate under the front bumper was slightly rusty and had a small hole just to the passenger side.Is this normal? It's nothing a small plate welded on wouldn't fix,but is it a sign of an engine leak?

How easy is it to get parts?

We're not frightened of getting our hands dirty,or doing work on it ourselves;we did have an old VW Camper for 8 years!
But they are aircooled and petrol,so this is a whole new area for us!

Any advice would be gratefully received

cheers
Alison

[Smurf]

Hi

Welcome to the forum
Auto or manual is down to personal preference, i prefer auto in anything that is bigger than a ford escort or sports cars, manual does have its advantages but auto is so much more relaxed!!!
I havent seen any surfs with rust holes!!! thay all seem to be very well preserved, a rust hole may be a sign of a hard life, check it out thoroughly.
Parts are pretty easily available from many sources which you will find links to on this site.
I presume you are aware of the possible head failure on 2.4td models???? it doesnt happen to all of them but is worth bearing in mind!! if you are capable of engine rebuilds yourself then £600-700 should sort it if it does happen, i think about 1500 is the cost if someone else does it for you. I have had to replace my head but dont regret buying the surf as i know i now have a 100% reliable motor with loads of fun and grins left in it!!! I think only about 20% of them suffer with this problem so dont rule out a 2.4, just be aware.
Look at several to get a good idea of what you want and see different standards of trim etc.
In general they are excellent motors and pretty much bomb-proof!!
Hope you find one you like.
Ed

[Greyhound]

Thanks for the welcome Smurf!

We're off to have a look at a 2.8 td this morning,so keep your fingers crossed.It's not the one we looked at the other night.

We know a good diesel mechanic (he's just round the corner from us),so if we can't fettle it ourselves I'm sure he'll help us out.

Alison

[Leodis]

Hi Greyhound there's a dealer in Leeds called Chequered Flag. They are very good they know what they're talking about and dont pressure you into buying.

[Greyhound]

We went to look,and we have bought it!!

Pick it up on Saturday(can't wait!!)

Even found a company to insure it!! (Prudential)

No doubt I'll be tapping everyone for info from now on

Alison

[NiftyNev]

Thanks for the welcome Smurf!

We're off to have a look at a 2.8 td this morning,so keep your fingers crossed.It's not the one we looked at the other night.

We know a good diesel mechanic (he's just round the corner from us),so if we can't fettle it ourselves I'm sure he'll help us out.

Alison

Are you sure it's a 2.8 (3L).Surfs are 2.4.We have Aussie vehicles with 2.8 but they are non turbo. Down here the 2.4 is sometimes replaced with the 2.8 (3L) and the turbo added.Adjustment to the fuel pump is usually required if this is done.Got any more details?

Neville

[Greyhound]

Hi Nev!

It is a 2.8 with no turbo.

I'm sure we'll find out more when we pick it up.

Alison