Buying my Surf

[BigNic]

Hi guys,

Need some urgent help if I can.

I am looking to buy a 3L TD Surf in the coming days and need some reassurence as to what to look out for....

I am driving a Maroon L Reg Surf tomorrow for a test drive it is a 3 L SSRX model, taxed until the end of this month and MOT'd for a year.

it has done 95,000 miles, has a tow bar, interior is spotloss with original mats etc. There isn't much history, I asked about over heating or any other problems which un surprisingly he said was never a problem.

So first question what would you lot expect to pay for that Surf?

And also what should I be careful to check for when we drive it?

Kind regards

Nic

[Hazzo]

Check the coolant level and what it looks like in the rad, you want it nice n clear with no oily streaks or rust, then check the oil filler cap for whitish specs which means oil is emulsified and contaminated with water = blown gasket or head, then all the normal stuff, does it drive right, brake right, does the steering feel good, has the recall been done, does everything work as it should, all electric windows including tailgate work roperly, take it on a field and try the four wheel drive by both the button and selector in both low n high ratio.

Then use your judgement, and, if you know nothing about motors in general take someone with you who does as there are a lot of duffers out there. H

[BigNic]

I appreciate it mate.

As I am buying this privately and from the centre of a town and I cant check the 4x4 in a field what else can I do?

[Apache]

You can check 4x4 as far as the light coming on and hearing the clunk from the ADD. Just drive slowly in a straight line, put it into 4WD for a few seconds, then take it out again.

Its not an 'instant destruction' thing, a few seconds will be fine.

[BigNic]

Lads, all checks were spot on, drove c0ck on. One hitch the rear window doesn't work. What price am I looking at to get it done and how bigger job? I'd have to get a garage to do it because I struggle to put shelfs up let alone put a new motor in?

[Apache]

It wont need a new motor in all probability. There's a rubber vibration damper on the motor output which frequently shears off. Its an easy fix.

[BigNic]

Good news because I want the ###### thing! Lol

So speaking in lamens terms I live near Dunmow in essex is it a bog standard job or do I need to take it to a specialist, if so any reccomendations?

And how much should I be paying to get it sorted, am I right in thinking if I can't wind the window down I can't open the tailgate?

Really sorry for sounding like a right lemon!

[blue surfer]

has the recall been done,

What recall??

[BigNic]

can anyone shed any light on the cost and ease of fixing the tailgate window issue?

[johnsiddle]

Thinking out loud, it seems you are going to have to work from inside the boot. This will not be easy even for a garage.

You should be able to prise the tail gate carpet off (I think it is only clipped in place but there may be some screws at the bottom holding a plastic cover in place) and remove the plastic rain cover. (Just looked at mine and these screws are not visable with the tailgate up.... Bummer)
I am not sure if that panel with the winder key will come off if you remove the spare wheel latch assy.

There is a cover and a panel with some relays near the nearside tool hatch. Possibly inside it.
Get someone to operate the winder key while you listen for either a relay click or the motor its self turning.

You may then be able to work out what is wrong, if the relay clicks over but no motor moving I belive you can swap the relay with the washer relay and try again.
If the relay is OK and the motor does'nt move you may have a duff motor or a cable break.

I hope this helps, its a pig not being able to open the tailgate with the window up.
Regards John

[blackpoolsparks]

can anyone shed any light on the cost and ease of fixing the tailgate window issue?

Degree of difficulty - easy fix just a bit awkward, will need 2 people at one point to hold window in the open position when tailgate is down. I placed a plastic bin under mine when i did it.

Cost - repair motor - a few quid
replace motor - about £30

[johnsiddle]

Degree of difficulty - easy fix just a bit awkward, will need 2 people at one point to hold window in the open position when tailgate is down. I placed a plastic bin under mine when i did it.

Cost - repair motor - a few quid
replace motor - about £30

How does he get the tailgate down in the first place????

John

[stormforce]

How does he get the tailgate down in the first place????

John

once the panels are off then you can undo the mechanism and allow the window to drop down to open the tailgate

[wishbone]

Nic I live close to you so can give you a hand if you get stuck.

Rob.

[BigNic]

Hi mate, thanks a lot for that, although a won't lie to you, you lost me pretty quick! Lol

I can actually hear the motor so I thinl that aspect is fine.

Will I need to take it to a specialist garage or will most know what to do with it? Any idea what figure I should be looking at to gettin it fixed, gotta work out what to deduct from the price the geezers after?