New (well, 95% sure) owner, Vancouver, WA

[bolus]

ah ok, I thought more people had the lawn mower ones

[havok1919]

Hey Everybody,

I flew down to Phoenix and checked out the car... Once I got there it became clear that the wasn't exactly as the seller described:

1) it did-- contrary to claim-- of course have a supercharger
2) it also had Wilwood brakes (at least up front) instead of the PBR
3) it did not have 1300 miles. It had *235*. (Now 239 after a short test drive)
4) it's a "four speed" (seller's description)

Best I could tell, the fuel tank gaskets are in good shape-- no gunk in the tank and I didn't see any cracking or anything on the one in the fuel spout. Bottom of the tank was clean.

Rod ends look to be the robust type as best I can tell.

Didn't notice any give or telltale signs of wheel bearings/hub type issues (maybe not enough miles for anything to wear, even if it *is* wrong.)

Fan was pulling the right direction.

No 'dryer vent' hose off the SC and I didn't see any wear/rub locations on any of the lines, belt, etc.

No engine DTCs' except for P0650.

All lights, etc. work. Forgot to test the horn.

There's a little bit of rust on top of some of the black oxide finished bolts/cap head screws, but I actually suspect that just happened when they washed it to take pictures to put it up for sale. It's dusty in some spots that didn't get water, but ridiculously clean otherwise.

I literally couldn't find much of anything to bitch about. One of the rear tail light assemblies was a little bent in, but all the plastics and everything looked fine. They didn't have a key for the gas cap (but it was unlocked).

I did manage to pull off a little accidental spin on the test drive (clearly I need to un-learn some of my sloppy "saved by the ABS/PSM/DTC/EDC" behavior from other cars). Other than pride, nothing damaged-- but a little smudge of concrete curb dust on the left front tire to serve as a reminder not to do that again.

Anyway, I bought it! Awaiting pickup now, might be here as early as the end of the week.

Some pictures:

https://picasaweb.google.com/claycow...eat=directlink

Thanks again for the help and advice on what to look for! No doubt I'll be pestering you all in the NW here before too long!

[silver]

congrats!!!


looks like you did a good job looking into the potential issues.

when you get it home, replace the fuel tank gasket anyways.

if the car was never stored with a full tank, then even the bad gasket won't deteriorate, so perhaps this car was lucky in that respect.

[bolus]

looks good. Definitely wasnt driven since the exhaust looks new.

For that tail like assembly, just grab it and bend it where you want it. Though the plastic housing might break so you can remove that first.

[DarthChicken]

I honestly feel a little sick about how "new" that car is, with as old as it is. Poor thing needs to have some decent tires on it and driven! Suggest that you get it aligned immediately. I'm guessing it's still got the brammo crap alignment job with negative toe in the rear of the car, makes the car nice and darty and easy to spin. And change the oil, its probably been in there for 4 years, LOL.

[bolus]

smell the fuel as well. If it has a rotten egg smell (hydrogen sulfide I believe) then it is breaking down and worth replacing. Assuming it has been in the car for 4 years.

look for small cracks in the tires to make sure they arent getting too old either.

Yeah, I agree with darth, that's a brand new car pretty much.

[Norm]

Congrats and yes the exhaust is the low mileage tattletale. Looks like you are going to have it just in time for the rainy season

[havok1919]

Congrats and yes the exhaust is the low mileage tattletale. Looks like you are going to have it just in time for the rainy season

Yeah, no kidding. Oh well, gives me time to monkey with it in the garage I guess! (Oh, crap. That means I need to make space *for* it in the garage. Hmmm...)

It was for sale in Dec. 2009 with "under 100 miles on the odometer", then traded in at a Lamborghini dealership. Mileage was only 191 when the guy I bought it from got it titled in Dec. 2010. (...and then he sold it to me at 235 a little over nine months later.) He couldn't drive it-- a big dude--so just like the first owner just used it for a business prop to draw people in at shows and whatever.

Not quite "only driven on Sundays by a little old lady", but close enough!

[Norm]

He couldn't drive it-- a big dude--so just like the first owner just used it for a business prop to draw people in at shows and whatever.

That is the worst excuse ever for not driving it! When I first got mine, I pulled out the miniscule Recaro's, placed in a lawn chair and went for a drive

[MadMaxAtom]

4 speed..Ha! Probably because 5th is so hard to find on the Ecotec,and there is no shift pattern image,so must be a 4 speed! Nice find!